Our Benefits Form Filling project that runs in partnership with Together for Sutton, has been helping residents who are referred to us to meet with a trained volunteer, to help them complete vital benefits forms to access financial support. The project has now been running for one year and in this time we have supported 212 residents to navigate the complexities of benefit forms which can be a daunting task. Our volunteers give patient guidance and work tirelessly to help residents to secure these benefits.

Citizens Advice Sutton have been a key and much valued partner throughout this project. Their team have worked closely with Volunteer Centre Sutton to set up and structure the project and it has been a very productive partnership. Citizens Advice Sutton have been the single biggest source of resident referrals throughout the project. Atula Gor, Volunteer Coordinator, at Citizens Advice Sutton has provided many days of training for our valued volunteers and her expertise and experience and time is greatly appreciated - we couldn't have done it without you!

These are some lovely quotes from some of the residents:

"I would like to thank for thoughtfulness and help to advisor Ms. Shahina and Volunteer Centre Sutton staff. It was really great help."

"Just wanted to say thank you so much for your support in completing the DLA and I am pleased to let you know that I have been offered the enhanced rate. Thanks again you guys do an amazing job and makes a difference in people's lives. God bless you all."

"Can I just say thank you to you all for all your help with my PIP It is a very stressful process anyway, but I was  even more anxious today as my mum wasn’t able to attend as support.  Your volunteer, however, made me feel much more at ease with his calm and supportive approach and was very kind and patient when I felt slightly overwhelmed with certain questions."

To find out more about this project click here.