Things you need to know
“It’s not what you know it’s who you know. Get out there, make friends and network!” Mark
Other information which may help you get on your pathway to paid employment:
Benefits
You need to know how a paid job will affect your benefits. You may be able to claim some benefits while you do a paid job.
These organisations can help:
Welfare Rights
Visit: www.lancashire.gov.uk
Email: infowrs@lancashire.gov.uk
Tel: 0300 123 6739
Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) helps you find the benefits you are entitled to.
Website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pensions.
Benefit Claims – Tax Credits – if you work over 16 hours per week you might be able to get tax credits
Tel: 0800 88 22 00
Visit: www.gov.uk/browse/benefits/tax-credits
Jobcentre Plus
Website: www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus
Housing Benefit – visit your district council office
To find your district council office visit:
www.gov.uk/apply-housing-benefit-from-council
Website: www.gov.uk/housing-benefit/overview
Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (Tax) helps with all things to do with tax including self-employment.
Visit: www.hmrc.gov.uk
Access to Work
Visit: www.gov.uk/access-to-work/overview
Tel: 0800 100 900
Direct payments
www.new.lancashire.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/adult-social-care/getting-our-support.aspx
Advocacy
An advocate can help you speak out your views and needs. An advocacy service is free, independent and confidential.
NCompass
Supports anyone aged 18+ living in Lancashire who requires help dealing with issues about health or social care services.
Visit: www.ncompassnorthwest.co.uk/projects/advocacy-services
Tel: 01253 362 140
Advocacy Focus
This service is for people in Lancashire who need support to make their views heard.
Visit: www.advocacyfocus.org.uk
Tel: 0300 323 0965
Self Advocacy
Self advocacy is the ability to speak up for yourself and the things that are important to you.
React
Learn how to make your voice heard.
Visit: www.caritascare.org.uk/learningdisability/react
NWTDT – North West Training and Development – if you want your views to be heard across the North West
Visit: www.pathwaysassociates.co.uk
Tel: 01254 790 220
IC Jason Rhodes Ltd – Jason has set up his own business. He works in partnership with North West Training and Development.
Visit: www.icjasonrhodes.com
Tel: 01254 790 220
Travel Training
Learn to travel independently to get out and about and improve your job prospects.
The North Lancashire Learning Disability Partnership Board are developing a person centred travel training pack.
More information on this website soon.
Disability Information
Disability First, Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre
Visit: www.disabilityfirst.org
Tel: 01253 472202 or 01253 472203
Disability Equality North West
Visit: www.disability-equality.org.uk
Email: hello@disability-equality.org.uk
Tel: 01772 558863
One Voice Lancaster – disability advice and
information
Visit: www.onevoice@btconnect.com
Tel: 01524 34411
Disability Online
Offer a free information & advice service run by disabled people, for disabled people based in Morecambe
Visit: www.disabilityonline.org.uk
Tel: 03333 44 88 20
Click here for Useful links