Nikki Haswell at Jewell Academy
The Diverse Abilities Advice Team has opened a new office in Townsend, Bournemouth, for clients that are sick or disabled and need assistance with disability benefit applications or appeals, thanks to a partnership with the Jewell Academy.
The Advice Team has exclusive use of an office within the new wing of the Jewell Academy to provide a service more easily accessible to residents of Bournemouth and Christchurch.
Clients who are sick or disabled and need assistance with disability benefits applications and appeals can meet their advisor in the comfort and privacy of a brand new office, on the ground floor, just around the corner from the main reception, with an accessible WC nearby. There is also parking quite close to the entrance and Yellow Bus 2b stops in Jewell Road, just outside the school (at the Townsend Primary School stop).
Nikki Haswell, advice manager, said: “The new facility is working very well indeed. Claire Addis – principal at the Jewell Academy and Simon – the receptionist/administrator at the Academy, have both been extremely welcoming and helpful to our clients and the team. We are delighted to make our service easier to access for clients in Bournemouth and Christchurch, and will allow us to see more clients in a day. It will also help us to undertake less home visits, reduce costs and be more efficient, so we can support more people.”
There is a charge of £15 if you can attend the Jewell Academy office for an appointment or £26 for a two hour appointment at your home. This is because the Advice Team receives no government or council funding and has to cover its costs. The Advice Team also assists people to make and register lasting powers of attorney, enduring powers of attorney and provides advocacy on issues such as social care assessments and reductions in care packages and continuing healthcare.
For expert assistance with a disability benefit application, reconsideration or appeal call the advice line on 0300 3305514, weekdays 9am-1.30pm, for advice or to make an appointment. For further information regarding the Advice Team or Diverse Abilities, please visit www.diverseabilities.org.uk
