Post by Colin Henderson on Mar 20, 2012 21:09:42 GMT
This advice centre in North Sheffield is apparently set to close in June. Jack Clarkson the local councillor is not happy. He says:
"Unfortunately Stocksbridge Advice Centre has not been funded this year by the Labour run City Council, and at the end of June the centre will close. This is a far cry from the previous year 2011/12 when the centre was funded to the tune of over £18,081.
The manager of the centre left in February of this year and the service is currently being managed by the Hillsborough and Area Advice Service.”.
They are/were both part of the 'Advice Sheffield' consortium of advice agencies www.advicesheffield.org.uk so it might be worth making enquiries through this route?
Post by Colin Henderson on Jan 18, 2013 14:19:05 GMT
We never did get to the bottom of the Sheffield situation last year, but the local press report that Stocksbridge Advice is in difficulties again and that a merger is their only hope:
"AN ADVICE centre in Sheffield could close as its major source of funding is due to run out.
Volunteers and staff at independent Stocksbridge Advice Centre, based at Stocksbridge Library on Manchester Road, say it may shut after the £49,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund ends on March 31. They have asked Sheffield Council if the centre - which celebrates its 35th birthday this year - can be included in merger talks with other city advice centres.
Paul Wright, centre co-ordinator, said: “I’ve asked for the centre to be put in the same position as others, where we can continue with merger talks. Unfortunately, they will not fund us – and it’s likely we will be unable to provide advice and representation to the people of Stocksbridge and surrounding areas.”
The centre has three staff and around 15 volunteers providing advice to 800 clients a year on matters like debt, welfare and employment tribunals. More than 1,000 people have also signed a petition against the closure. Mr Wright said local job losses and a lack of other advice facilities nearby were also difficulties for residents who were ‘really upset’ at potential closure."
Post by Douglas Johnson on Jan 21, 2013 20:17:55 GMT
The problem with Stocksbridge Advice Centre is that it's a very small organisation in a town that's really quite cut off from the rest of Sheffield. OK, many people who drive work away from the town but those who don't are very isolated.
Post by Colin Henderson on Jan 29, 2013 13:56:56 GMT
There is a good open letter on a local blog from the Advice Centre's Co-ordinator Paul Wright. In it he explains the background and the local conditions:
