Here we talk to Toni Southgate, our Benefits & Energy Manager, about why arming people with knowledge and confidence is so important in helping them make positive changes for their future….
Knowledge is power
I have worked at Community Law Service for over 25 years. Much has changed during this time – working practices, technology, funding – what hasn’t changed is our approach to our work. Over the years I‘ve been a specialist case worker in welfare benefits and more recently energy and fuel poverty, but my ethos remains the same. Knowledge is power.
If we advise and assist people to obtain positive outcomes and also empower our clients with the knowledge and confidence for the future, then we really have made a difference.
Gaining and establishing trust
We are specialist case workers and passionate about what we do. Part of our work and experience is about establishing trust in order to gain personal and pertinent information without judgement, to ensure we understand the full picture for each person we work so we can provide the correct advice and assistance for their specific circumstances.
People often come to us when they are particularly vulnerable and under stress. When we can resolve their case and achieve a positive outcome, it is a wonderful feeling on both sides. The biggest mark of success for us is to help people improve their situations and empower them with the understanding and confidence, to not find themselves in a similar situation in the future.
Expert, impartial advice is always best
These days the first place people often look for advice is online. While there are some good resources out there, quite often people can be given false hope by reading other people’s stories on social media, through well-meaning friends and family, or mis-understanding how the law may apply in their particular situation. That is why it is so important to seek specialist, independent advice. Every case is individual and we treat everyone and their situation as such.
Reaching out
We want to do all we can to help the people of Northamptonshire keep their homes, access welfare benefits, manage and move out of debt, save energy, and heat their homes.
Our small but mighty organisation has been helping local people for over 40 years, yet still we find people who have not heard us. We are on a mission to change that.
As well as our dedicated offices, that are home to more than 30 specialist advisors, we attend outreach venues across the county. My team and I are always on the go, reaching out to as many local people and organisations as we can, both in towns and rural areas across Northamptonshire.