This figure is probably higher with the government estimating that 20-26% of those entitled to benefit do not claim and this would suggest that about 11500 residents in Walsall are missing out on benefit . In the governments index of local deprivation Walsall is placed as the 31st most deprived local authority district out of England's 354 districts. The project recognises these facts and operates in an area and amongst clients who find the provision of money advice almost nonexistent.
The 2001 Census provides us with information about the borough of Walsall that enables us to target our service with greater effect for the welfare of people. 20% of the population suffer from long-term illness and 6.8% are permanently sick or disabled. 86.4% of the population are white european with 13.6% being from ethnic minorities. The projects owe statistics when compared to those of the census enable us to ensure that our service reflects the needs of the community that we serve.
For more detailed census information on Walsall go to http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk
In June 2001 the project received a grant award of £140,000 from the Community Fund (formerly known as "National Lottery Charities Board") for a three-year period to expand the project further. The project has employed an additional two Money Advice Workers and a Senior Money Advice Worker since receiving funding form the Community Fund. In September 2001 the project set up its telephone help-line enabling it to provide advice and support to the people of Walsall. In August 2004 the project recieved its second three block funding from the Big Lottery although this funding is limited to 75% of the total project cost (see funding pages)
The Project has established itself within the local community increasing the level of debt work amongst the mentally ill and take up of Disability Living Allowance amongst this obviously disadvantaged group. The project has started to provide "Employment Law" and "Housing Advice" after finding a need for this type of advice amongst its client base.
The project is still seeking to attract funding to ensure that its work amongst the people of Walsall continues into the future and to ensure that the most socially excluded groups continue to have access to a service providing relevant Money Advice.
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