MP backs Advice Centre
2nd October 2010
Mike Penning praises volunteer-led drop-in centre set up to tackle social and economic problems following the credit crunch.
Hemel Hempstead MP Mike Penning joined local councillor Suqlain Mahmood and the organisers of the Hemel Advice and Resource Centre (HARC) to see and hear for himself the community support that is being provided free of charge for the residents of Bennetts End and the wider town community.
The HARC Project was set up at the start of the year in response to the overwhelming social and economic problems that were being experienced by some people following the credit crunch and the banking crises. The drop in centre opens its doors on the first Saturday of every month between 10am to 1pm at the Belmont Church community hall for people to call in and enjoy a chat and discuss any issues that may be concerning them, in confidence.
The volunteers come from many different profession and walks of life and are able to provide help and advice or give a direction on all issues from debt, financial advice, housing, homelessness, family counselling to even typing a letter. They have internet facilities on site and the necessary resources to give advice.
“If we can't help, we know someone who might be able to", said Eric Moore a lecturer at West Herts College, and one of the volunteers, who along with his friend Keith Fern started this community support service. The Centre serves as a hub for community advice. Local residents are also welcome to drop in for a chat, cup of tea and see what services are available.
Bennetts End Councillor Suqlain Mahmood also joins the volunteers between 12-1pm to hold his surgery at the venue. He said: “HARC are providing a wonderful service for our residents. Their work combined with the Bennetts End Neighbourhood Action Team's regular meetings at the Community Centre give the residents of Bennetts End unrivalled free support and service.”
The next meeting of HARC is scheduled for Saturday 6th November and the Neighbourhood Action meeting for local residents is on Monday 11th October at 7.30PM.
Local MP Mike Penning, who visited the centre on 2nd October, said: “This is an excellent service for the people of Bennetts End and I highly commend the volunteers for the great work they do. When people find themselves in difficulties it is not always easy to approach the authorities directly, so to have free and independent advice right on the doorstep is a great benefit.”
