Unlike other advice services, our volunteers are able to spend at least 1 hour working on an issue, making sure that people who come to the service understand the ins and outs of their case and, when possible, are able to advocate for themselves.
In a typical week we will see 10 individuals for an intensive hour each at Problem? No Problem! and and take 25 supportive actions. For instance, we would:
- Organise a meeting between a struggling young asylum seeker who is at risk of running away, his school and his care team to take steps to address his unhappiness
- Support one young man to fight against homelessness, going through his options and helping him contact the housing office and Shelter
- Accompany another to two GP appointments and to the hospital
- Assist an isolated mother to communicate with her child’s school
- Accompany a young man to court for his immigration appeal hearing
Our team has a detailed understanding of other provision that exists within the borough so if they are unable to provide appropriate advice, they can always redirect people on to organisations who can.
We understand that issues rarely exist in isolation of broader challenges in a person’s life. Our advocates are concerned with the emotional wellbeing of people who come to the service as well as the issues at hand. Our service often works as a gateway to other activities such as our Women’s Group, ESOL classes, or Youth Clubs.
HOW TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
To book an appointment with our service, please call us at least 24 hours in advance.