UK Bill Help

Operating in Bristol, but supporting people across South Gloucestershire, Solon provides both homes as well as support for a variety of needs. The regulated agency partners with councils as well as organisations such as local debt centres and furniture recycling locations to assist with everything thing from housing to benefits.

Potential clients of Solon come from many backgrounds. Some of them are single parents or victims of domestic abuse. Other people seeking housing are disabled or older. There is also support for substance abusers in the area. The assistance from the organisation is offered without discrimination to age, race, or background.

Benefit and debt help

For residents that are seeking help with their debts or have questions on benefits, Solon works with the Bristol Debt Advice Centre and organisations that assist with legal matters. The client will go through a benefits health check from a specialist. They will also be able to work with a counsellor on any debt arrears that they may have.

This service is free to those that are eligible. It will not only address those topics above, but other assistance is available on employment, immigration, and legal challenges. After this assessment, if Solon thinks the family may be better served by other specialists, then that can be arranged too. These other resources may be provided by the South Gloucestershire Consumer Credit Counselling Service or Bristol Credit Union.

Solon housing and financial aid schemes

Women or children fleeing from, or impacted by, domestic abuse can get help. Everything from placement into a safe, emergency shelter to counselling is arranged. The social worker at Solon will signpost the person to a service for their needs.

Bristol Social Services also partners with Solon on this. The aim is to ensure the women or child is safe. Then the legal issue dealing with the abuse will be dealt with by the police. Throughout this time the client may be moved into safe housing in South Gloucestershire. The phone number for survivors of domestic violence is 0117 924 4071.

Solon can offer support to the disabled as well. Many residents on a low income struggle to pay for the equipment they need, so the Living Centre is a key partner that may be able to address this need. In addition, there will be an assessment done on what welfare benefits the person currently receives.

If it is determined that further assistance or even a grant may be available to them for their bills or other expenses, then the specialist will help them fill out a form. What many people with disability may not know is if their health deteriorates then they may be entitled to more financial aid from the government. There are a number of other disability schemes for financial help.

Other general help and support is available. This is for tenants that are local to South Gloucestershire. The person seeking advice will be able to take part in the Floating Support scheme. This is used by the authorities to help families on a low income maintain their tenancy agreement. All forms of financial assistance and counseling is reviewed. The team can help people apply for grants or funds from charities, offer assistance with rent for the private sector, and more. Dial the service at 0117 9244071.

For more information on the programmes from Solon, the agency can be reached at 01225 339742. Or make an appointment at their office at Rackfield Place on Lower Bristol Road. It is open from Monday to Friday until 4:30 pm.