As Universal Credit is being implemented, we are finding that more and more people are struggling with form filling and understanding the welfare benefits system. In the near future ALL welfare benefit applications must be completed online and in order to apply for them, people MUST have an email address.

We care, because we see people come in to our services who have no money because they have had their benefits sanctioned; or they have not applied for all the benefits they are entitled to, or because there is a delay before they get their first benefit payment.

With lack of income, people are left with no money to buy food or gas/electricity. This is affecting individuals as well as families. Holiday hunger, around school holidays, is now becoming the 'norm'.

Benefit Buddies maximise people's income. They help people apply for benefits online and help people get the income they are entitled to. They will also help people create an email address. Anyone entitled to claim benefits, can see a Benefit Buddy as often as they like.

Benefit Buddies as a sister project called Money Buddies. Money Buddies (funded by Big Lottery and City Council) will help people who have had debt advice, sort their debts out. Money Buddies have instant access to emergency specialist debt advice and can support individuals needing this.