Free Kettering advice summer sessions to help families prepare for benefit changes and avoid hardship

The #SortItSooner campaign is backed by Community Law Service and KCU, the charity that governs Kettering and District Foodbank.

After a year of partnership work, the organisations identified a recurring issue affecting many local families during the summer months – as young people reach school leaving age, many households experience unexpected changes to their benefits.

A spokesman for KCU said: “Whether a young person is starting an apprenticeship, moving into further education, attending university while living at home, leaving home for university term time, or simply transitioning out of compulsory education, these changes can have a significant impact on a family’s financial circumstances.

“Upcoming changes to the Universal Credit threshold for free school meals will also create new opportunities for some families to access additional support. However, many parents are unaware of how these changes may affect their entitlement.”

To encourage people to seek advice as early as possible and to help families understand their options and avoid unnecessary financial hardship, Community Law Service has launched the #SortItSooner campaign to help raise awareness of how getting advice can help to prevent hardship.

Sarah Hayle, CEO of Community Law Service, said: “If your child has a disability or long-term health condition, you may be eligible to claim a disability benefit such as Disability Living Allowance (DLA), which in turn can give access to even more support.

“Many families don’t realise this is available so we encourage anyone who thinks they may need advice to come and speak with us.”

As part of the campaign, dedicated advice sessions will be held at the KCU Community Café, where parents and carers can meet with specialist benefits advisers to review their family’s changing circumstances, check benefit entitlement and receive personalised guidance before any changes take effect.

The campaign also highlights additional support that families may not realise they are entitled to.

The #SortItSooner campaign aims to ensure families access the right support at the right time, reducing financial stress and helping them navigate important life transitions with confidence.

Parents and carers are encouraged to attend one of the upcoming advice sessions at the KCU Community Café and seek advice before changes to their household circumstances affect their income.

For more information about the #SortItSooner campaign or to find out when the next advice session is taking place, contact KCU www.kcultd.org.uk or see the calendar on Community Law Service website www.communitylawservice.org.uk.

Advice is free, confidential and independent. Call 01933 313020 or email [email protected]