Signposting to support and voluntary services

Sometimes we will need to signpost you to other services or organisations that will be better placed to help you. Further information on some of these organisations can be found below.

• Customer Finance - If you have a bill query and need to speak to our finance team, you can email them directly on customerfinance@sthelens.gov.uk 
   
• Direct Payments - Direct Payment is an option for people who are eligible for care and support, instead of the council arranging care for you Direct Payments allows you to purchase your own support including domiciliary care, day care and respite.
   
• SARS, Subject Access Request - You have the right to ask us if we are using or storing your personal information. You can ask us for copies of your personal information, verbally or in writing. This is called the right of access and is commonly known as making a subject access request.
   
• Citizens Advice and St Helens Information and Advice - 

  The Citizens Advice service helps people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free, independent, and confidential advice, and by influencing policymakers. The Information and Advice service aids St Helens borough residents with a range of issues such as accessing care and support, advice on housing and homelessness, accessing local groups within the community and advice on welfare benefits.

• Pilkington Family Trust - The Pilkington Family Trust was set up for the benefit of Pilkington employees in retirement and was originally used to relieve financial need. Today it is also available to provide assistance to those who are in need because of health, disability and loneliness. It is available to all retirees of Pilkington Group Limited who meet the eligibility criteria (normally a minimum of 10 years' service) and who can demonstrate that they are in need of assistance.
   
• St Helens Carers Centre - St Helens Carers Centre is an independent registered charity that supports unpaid carers looking after someone who lives in St Helens borough. At the centre they aim to support both young and adult carers to recognise their own needs, have their voices heard, help with their physical and mental wellbeing, and ensure they are fully understood, valued, and supported in their caring role.
   
• Domiciliary Care - Personal domiciliary care means help with everyday living tasks such as getting up and getting dressed, washing, bathing. Agencies providing this type of care must be registered with the regulatory body for care services, the Care Quality Commission (CQC). These agencies are regularly inspected and reviewed to ensure that minimum standards are met.
• Care Homes - If you would like to know more about what Care Homes are in your area, you can look at the St Helens Borough Council Care Homes Directory. 
   
• St Helens Wellbeing Service - St Helens Wellbeing service makes it easier to access a wide range of healthy living and wellbeing support through a 'one stop shop'. They have joined up services that provide advice and help with healthy eating, exercise, weight management, stopping smoking, oral health, volunteering etc.
   
• MIND - St Helens Mind is a voluntary organisation working with people living in the borough, who are aged 18+ and who experience distress or isolation because of mental health difficulties. The Befriending Service will provide support for people who feel isolated or alone due to the effects of mental illness.
   
• Wiltshire Farm Foods - Their recipe is simple: over 330 tasty, easy to cook meals made from quality ingredients plus good old-fashioned service. Their friendly local team delivers free to your door whenever you want.
   
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) - Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can help with extra living costs if you have both a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability, difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around because of your condition. You can get PIP even if you're working, have savings or are getting most other benefits.
   
• The Foot Care Service - The Foot Care service is a chargeable service that runs across St Helens borough on a 5-week cycle visiting people in care homes and their own homes for general nail cutting and filing.
   
• Staying Home Service - The Staying Home Service is a Torus Initiative that helps their older customers remain independent, stay in control of their lives, and enjoy a better quality of life. They are committed to helping people remain safe, healthy, and happy at home for longer.
   
• Housing Options - St Helens Council is committed to ensuring that all its residents receive the appropriate advice and assistance in accessing the right type of housing to meet their needs. The Housing Options and Advice Service, based in the Millennium Centre, have a team of people available to assist in finding the best housing solution for you, and can assist if you are looking for emergency accommodation, to rent from a private landlord or provide advocacy and assistance on housing options.
   
• Fire Service - If you live in Merseyside, you can phone 0800 731 5958 for free fire safety advice or to request a Home Fire Safety Check visit*, where free fire safety advice will be given, including the importance of having working smoke alarms on each level of your home and making sure everyone knows how to escape if a fire were to start.
   
• Age UK - Age UK Mid Mersey is an independent charity, that provides services and support to people aged 50+ in St Helens. They provide a 'Living Well' service based around four key themes: health and wellness, social inclusion, personal independence and staying connected.