Blog | CAML

London Virtual Carer’s Festival

24 September 2020

Join us. FREE TICKETS
on the 26th September via Zoom

The London Virtual Carer’s Festival, run by LondonADASS, celebrates the role of carers in the Capital. Last year was a hit and so this year, the festival will be held virtually and will be quick, easy and FREE to join through Zoom.

The focus of the festival is to celebrate and congratulate London’s carers with a fun packed event of comedy, music, art and dance whilst also delivering thought-provoking stories and dementia-friendly virtual walks. All of which are being delivered in partnership with London carers. The programme includes a range of activities including Zumba with Zoe, a live performance by St Michael & All Angels Steel Orchestra, Vocal Eclipse (an award winning group of experienced singers who always leave their audiences wanting more), a range of comedy acts and two thought provoking films ‘I still feel guilty’, an honest look at the feelings of guilt felt by a carer followed by ‘What do you do with a diagnosis of dementia?’ a video diary of “Grandma” who has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. You can see the full programme of events on our website. Book your FREE ticket now! You will receive joining details one week prior to the event.

Your input into our future will make the difference

15 September 2020

Please contribute to the Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth Strategy Survey

Are we doing enough? What can we do better? Tell us.

As we develop our plans for the next 5 years, we want to first listen to the unique views of our community. This includes those who use (or have used) our services, those who might consider using our services in the future, and those who are our partners, funders and commissioners.

Just as important are the views of our volunteers, staff and supporters. We would encourage you to contribute to this Strategy Survey.

Our new Strategy will provide an important framework for everything we do over the next 5 years – and beyond. That’s why we want to engage with as many people and organisations as possible – to learn from your experiences of our work, our organisation, our people, and our values.

Please tell us what you think our focus and priorities should be for the years ahead by completing the Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth Strategy Survey. The deadline is 27 September 2020.

Volunteer with Us

9 September 2020

Volunteering is a positive experience for most volunteers, and as an experience, at its best, is time well spent, according to research for NCVO.

People mainly volunteer locally, in their own neighbourhoods, and the range of activities they get involved in are most commonly relating to organising events, administration, raising money and taking part in sponsored events, and getting others involved.

We have an urgent requirement for a volunteer to support our Head of Advice Services and wider Advice team to more fully participate in agreed Advice services research and awareness raising work.

The volunteer will also support the Chief Executive and Head of Advice Services with specific projects as requested.

For more information go to our Volunteer Page

Hope to see you soon”

April Support Achievements and a big Thank You

19 May 2020

A huge thank you to our amazing staff and volunteers who are working and volunteering incredibly hard from home.

We answered over 800 calls to Merton and Lambeth Advicelines

We responded to just under 200 online queries and emails

We supported 135 clients with telephone/online advice appointments

In the words of one of our clients “Please thank everyone who helped me this week. I was losing hope when I rang your number and I’m not now”.

Get in touch:
Merton Adviceline 0344 243 8430
Lambeth Adviceline 0344 488 9625
Email: appointments@caml.org.uk

Welfare and Mental Health

6 May 2020

We have now finished three research reports, all looking at the impact of mental health for our local clients in relation to welfare benefits.

Our first report asked the question: Does having a mental health condition disproportionately affect a person’s eligibility for welfare benefits?

The majority of CAML staff and volunteers who participated in the research reported that clients affected by mental health are disproportionately disadvantaged when it comes to claiming benefits. Our research suggests this problem is most evident in relation to ESA, which was mentioned specifically by 66% of CAML respondents. The problem was also identified by respondents in relation to other benefits including: PIP, Universal Credit, Job Seekers Allowance, Housing Benefit, Attendance Allowance and Child Tax Credits.

Mental Health and Benefits Research Summary Report

Mental Health and Benefits – Research Report

How is ESA experienced by individuals affected by mental health?

Our second report builds on the first and focuses on how employment and support allowance is experienced by those affected by mental health. It includes those with a mental health diagnosis, and the people who support and care for them.

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) – As Experienced By Those Affected By Mental Health

How do those affected by mental health, and those who support them, experience Personal Independence Payments (PIP)?

Our third report focuses on how those affected by mental health, and those who support them, experience Personal Independence Payments (PIP). The report highlights experiences of individuals with a mental health diagnosis, individuals concerned about their mental wellbeing, family members & carers, CA Merton and Lambeth volunteers and advisers/support professionals.

Personal Independence Payments (PIP) – As Experienced By Those Affected By Mental Health