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”

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

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  

Our specialist EU Settlement adviser Charles Nwanze met with Merton Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Alambritis last month to update on EU Settlement Support for Merton residents. 

For free, high quality EU Settlement Scheme advice and support, contact our service today

E: eusettlement@caml.org.uk

T:07796 931 724

We can support you with a range of issues:

Applications – We’ll assess your eligibility for settled or pre-settled status and assist with your application

Appeals – We can advise and assist with appeals

Judicial Review – We can assist on judicial review

Complex cases — We can provide ongoing support