VAL Consultations
Review of Aid and Advice Services in Oadby and Wigston
Voluntary Action LeicesterShire is working with Oadby and Wigston Borough Council to support their review of Aid and Advice Services - support that is provided to residents around areas such as welfare benefits, debt, housing, employment, community care etc. There are three main ways to be involved in the consultation:
- Come to a focus group 10am-12pm on Thursday 11 February to be held in Oadby and Wigston (venue to be confirmed).
- Respond to a written consultation, starting in the week of 8 February
- Have a telephone interview - these will be primarily for advice services or those groups that refer Oadby and Wigston residents to advice services
Why is the review taking place?
The current contract is coming up for review, and Oadby and Wigston Borough Council want to make sure that provision is based on robust information about the need for advice services for local residents.
The Council is also keen to identify how advice services contribute to other outcomes, for example reducing child poverty, increasing financial inclusion, improving health and wellbeing, as well as the role in community cohesion, volunteering or influencing local decisions.
Timescale
Work on developing the specification will be taking place during January and February for finalisation in March. Organisations will be invited to bid for the contract between April and June.
How can I get involved?
Call Voluntary Action LeicesterShire's Helpline, 0116 257 5057 or email helpline@valonline.org.uk to let us know if you would like to be part of the focus group or receive a telephone interview - please state which you are interested in.
For further information outside of these opportunities, you can contact:
Becky Nixon, Deputy Chief Executive, Voluntary Action LeicesterShire, 0116 257 5057 or becky.n@valonline.org.uk
Tracy Gaskin, Borough of Oadby and Wigston, 0116 257 2735 or Tracy.Gaskin@oadby-wigston.gov.uk
What we will be looking at
The review will include:
- Conversations with existing advice providers about current demand and future trends
- Conversations with groups that refer service users to advice services about met and unmet needs Conversations with commissioners of advice services, as well as those that advice services have an impact on (e.g. social services, housing, employment services etc.)
- Examination of information about the local population to predict different needs for advice (e.g. information about age, health, income and benefits, housing etc.)
- Examination of local and national strategiesDiscussions with national agencies to identify best practice
- Support for your group
VAL's Group Support and Districts teams can provide support for your group around a wide range of issues, and also has an online resource centre.
You can also call our Helpline between 9am - 7pm Monday - Thursday; 9am - 5pm Friday; and 9am - 12pm Saturday on 0116 257 5050 or email helpline@valonline.org.uk
Comments are now being sought on the Draft Invitation to Tender. Please find attached below:
- An executive summary giving background information about the review
- An assessment of advice needs giving more detailed information about local needs on which the review has been based
- The Draft Invitation to Tender
- Consultation Questions
Comments can be sent to Shilpa Patel, shilpa.p@valonline.org.uk and need to be received by 3 March 2010. We are also offering telephone interviews to people who might be interested in the tender, or people who work with advice services in Oadby and Wigston.
