Sandwell Advice Providers Network

Sandwell Advice Providers Network has been meeting since September 2013.  The Network is a forum for discussion about a very wide range of topics that relate to providing high quality, free advice in Sandwell about debt, welfare benefits, housing, consumer matters, employment and other issues. Training, referrals, social policy and information about changes in the law are discussed on a regular basis.

Over 15 independent advice providers belong to the Network including: CABx, members of Sandwell Consortium, AgeUk, CARES, IRIS, Centrepoint Christian Church and the council’s welfare rights unit. Meetings are currently chaired by Shabud Ullah from CBO and the vice chair is Debbie Heighway from CABx. Regular guests include Cllrs Steve Eling and Yvonne Davies and Gerry Lyng the DWP partnership manager.

Any organisation that provides free advice in Sandwell is able to attend meetings which take place every 2 months.

Although the Network is not facilitated by SCVO, it has many of the characteristics of a voluntary sector forum and provides another opportunity for voluntary organisations  to work together and for statutory partners to engage with a cross section of Sandwell’s voluntary sector.

If you would like to find out more about Sandwell Advice Providers Network please contact Shabud on shabud@cbo786.co.uk