Rushmoor

Aldershot CAB   -   Farnborough CAB   -   Heathlands CAB

LINKS

 
GENERAL ADVICE
Advice Guide
www.adviceguide.org.uk
This is the national online advice site of the Citizens Advice Bureaux with information on a comprehensive range of topics and fact sheets to print off.
Citizens Advice
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
This is another national Citizens Advice Bureaux site but differs by giving an insight into our work, eg. campaigning for changes in policies & services and also the location of your nearest CAB.
Advice Now
www.advicenow.org.uk
Brings together information on the law and rights from over 200 UK websites including a section on living together.   The site is a winner of the Plain English Web Award
Citizen Advice Hampshire
www.hampshirecab.org.uk
This is a Consortium of 22 Hants Bureaux with a vision to develop improved services to clients by closer working between individual Bureaux.
STATUTORY AUTHORITIES
Hampshire CC
www.hants.gov.uk
Comprehensive directory/guide of the county with facilities, services, contacts, schools, etc.
Rushmoor BC
www.rushmoor.gov.uk
Similar to above but just Rushmoor which encompasses both Aldershot and Farnborough.
Directgov
www.direct.gov.uk
Anything and everything remotely connected with the Government
BENEFITS, TAX & CHILD SUPPORT
Benefits & Pensions
www.dwp.gov.uk
Department for Work & Pensions.   Starting point for information on benefits, pensions & work but not tax credits (see below).
Income Tax & Credits
www.hmrc.gov.uk
HM Revenue & Customs - Information on income tax, national insurance and tax credits including a calculator.
Child Support Agency
www.csa.gov.uk
Includes FAQ's, a maintenance calculator and how to apply as well as information under the rules before and after the 3rd March 2003 changes.
CONSUMER ADVICE & SERVICES   (Money Advice in separate section)
Consumer Direct
www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
Excellent government site with advice on a range of goods & services including scams and counterfeit goods. Also the facility to complain online about a trader or speak to a trained consumer adviser.
Trading Standards
www.tradingstandards.gov.uk
Government site with advice leaflets, preference services to reduce junk mail & unwanted phone calls and a list of product recalls.
Buy With Confidence
www.buywithconfidence.info
The scheme provides a list of reputable local businesses, in a wide range of different trades, that have been independently checked by staff from the local authority Trading Standards Service.
European Complaints
www.euroconsumer.org.uk
Information & advice when having a problem with goods or services bought in another European country.   Besides English the site may be viewed in French, German, Italian & Spanish
Energywatch
www.energywatch.org.uk
For complaints about gas / electric etc.   Also those dodgy transfers from one company to another and anything related to energy use / abuse.
SayNoTo0870
www.saynoto0870.com
For searching alternative geographical telephone numbers (rather than India) either by company name or their 0870 number.
Local life
www.locallife.co.uk
A whole hotch potch of local and some national sites advertising services from the cradle to the grave but keep in mind that this site is a commercial enterprise and not comprehensive.
AboutMyArea GU14
www.AboutMyArea.co.uk
A new site with the aim of offering an electronic equivalent of a local newspaper with up-to-date news, events, information plus some history for the local Farnborough community.
EMPLOYMENT
Directgov
direct.gov.uk/en/Employment
This link goes directly to the 'Employee' page and gives comprehensive information on your rights including contracts, pay, holidays, redundancy, health & safety and how to resolve workplace disputes.
ACAS
www.acas.org.uk
Advisory, Conciliation & Arbitration Service
More help on employment problems
Employment Tribunals
employmenttribunals.gov.uk
The Employment Tribunals are judicial bodies established to resolve disputes over employment rights. This site gives information about the tribunals and guidance on how to apply to them
Looking for a Job?
www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
This site shows a range of jobs categorised into groups, type and title.   To select a particular area, input your postcode & the number of miles you are prepared to travel.
HOUSING
Pavilion Housing Group
www.pavilionhg.co.uk
The largest local housing association with information on responsibilities and their services
Thames Valley HA.
www.tvha.co.uk
Another large housing association in the local area
Shelter
www.shelter.org.uk
For advice on housing rights and homelessness
Communities/Local Gov
www.communities.gov.uk
This department sets policy on local government, housing, urban regeneration, planning, building regulations and fire & rescue.   Also responsibility for race equality and community cohesion.
Valuation Office
www.voa.gov.uk/council tax
For finding the council tax band for any of the 22.5 million domestic properties in England & Wales and also information regarding valuation of your property.
INDEPENDENT SUPPORT & ADVICE
Age Concern
www.ageconcern.org.uk
For the older person with advice on income, health, community care & legal issues.
Mind
www.mind.org.uk
A good starting point for help with mental health problems
Swift Guide
www.swiftguide.org.uk
This is a comprehensive guide to local mental health services in North West Hampshire and parts of South West Surrey plus useful information about relevant national organisations.
Women's Aid
www.womensaid.org.uk
Useful information for women experiencing domestic violence
Childline
www.childline.org.uk
Helpline for children in trouble or danger, counsellors give comfort & protection advice.
Rushmoor Healthy Living
www.rushmoorhealthyliving
Activities for people of all ages to improve their health and well-being, offering a social element as well as physical fitness or nutritional information.
Chatdanger
www.chatdanger.com
Information on the potential dangers of using interactive online services such as e-mails, chat rooms, games and mobiles.   The Resources tab gives links to other relevant sites
Assn of Charity Officers
www.aco.uk.net
The Association is the national umbrella body for benevolent charities, ie. charities who provide aid and advice to individuals in need and provides a Helpline for people looking for charitable assistance.
LEGAL
Courts Service
www.courtservice.gov.uk
Includes court forms and leaflets for downloading. Also fees and tracking
Money Claim Online
www.moneyclaim.gov.uk
This is HM Courts Service Internet based site for claimants and defendants to make or respond to a money claim online.
Public Guardian Office
www.publicguardian.gov.uk
The Court of Protection can make decisions on the property, affairs, healthcare and personal welfare of adults who lack capacity.   Also forms & booklets on Enduring and Lasting Power of Attorney.
Bankruptcy etc
www.insolvency.gov.uk
Excellent site for all aspects of bankruptcy and insolvency
UK Border Agency
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk
This agency enforces immigration and customs regulations and also considers applications for permission to enter or stay in the UK for visiting, studying, working, residency, citizenship and asylum.
CLS ( ex 'Legal Aid')
www.clsdirect.org.uk
Community Legal Service includes a database of specialist solicitors, free leaflets on law, eg. Employment, Welfare Benefits and Debt and a calculator for entitlement to funded legal aid
Compact Law
www.compactlaw.co.uk
Offers an extensive library of free legal information and documents on consumer, accidents, employment, housing, relationships etc.
MONEY ADVICE
Money Made Clear
moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk
The FSA is the UK's financial watchdog and gives clear, impartial information on financial implications of many life events from opening a bank account to managing in retirement.   Also useful calculation tools.
National Debtline
www.nationaldebtline.co.uk
Advice on how to deal with debt problems including information pack, personal budget section, sample letters to write to your creditors & factsheets.
Money Saving Expert
moneysavingexpert.com
Martin Lewis's popular site could help you save money on anything and everything by finding the best deals and beating the system - includes many topical subjects that he raises in the media.
Refused Credit
Experian
If you have been refused credit and wish to understand why, the answer may be here.   Also explains how to get a copy of your personal credit report.
turn2us
www.turn2us.org.uk
This database of organisations gives practical support with grants or goods where really needed.   Help is available to young and old, different nationalities & religions and those with illnesses & disabilities.
OTHER LANGUAGES
Other Languages
www.multikulti.org.uk
Information, advice guidance and learning material in 10 languages.
Translation
babel.altavista.com
To translate short passages of text ( up to 150 words ) in 19 pairs of languages.