Volunteer Centre Sutton has welcomed new volunteers to its Benefits Form Filling Project, strengthening a service that has helped local residents secure more than £1 million in benefits since it launched.
Delivered in partnership with Citizens Advice Sutton and Together for Sutton, the project provides free, confidential support to residents who need help completing benefits applications and accessing the financial support they are entitled to. The volunteers completed their training in May at Volunteer Centre Sutton's offices in Wallington, bringing the total number of active volunteers supporting the project to 19.
Benefits Form Filling volunteers play a crucial role in helping residents navigate complex application processes. They provide one-to-one support with a range of forms, including Personal Independence Payment (PIP), PIP Reviews, Disability Living Allowance for Children, Capability for Work forms (UC50 and ESA50), Attendance Allowance, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction applications. Support for Housing Benefit and Council Tax forms has been added in the last six months in response to growing demand.
The project has had a significant impact across the borough. To date, volunteers have helped Sutton residents secure £1,023,803.76 in financial support, helping people improve their financial wellbeing and access the assistance they need.
Many residents access the service during some of the most challenging periods of their lives. One resident, who received support following a stroke, said:
"I would like to thank you and your volunteer Samantha for the support given in making this claim. At the time, after having a stroke, I was not at my best health-wise, so the support given was really needed. I was unfamiliar with making any sort of claim and felt overwhelmed."
"A special thank you to Samantha, who was so supportive and patient in putting all the information together. Please extend my gratitude to her and let her know how great she is."
Volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds and bring valuable skills and experience to the role. Many are retired professionals, former public sector workers, administrators, community volunteers or local residents looking to make a positive difference in their community. Volunteers typically support one appointment session each week at either Volunteer Centre Sutton or Citizens Advice Sutton.
A spokesperson for the project said:
"Many people find benefits applications overwhelming, particularly when they are coping with illness, disability or financial hardship. Our volunteers provide practical support, reassurance and guidance that helps residents access the support they are entitled to and improve their quality of life."
The Benefits Form Filling Project continues to welcome new volunteers who want to make a meaningful difference in their local community. Full training and ongoing support are provided.
Watch Caroline share her experience of volunteering with the Benefits Form Filling Project and the difference it makes to local residents:
