Hurstpierpoint Village Trust offers community assistance

By Andrew Pridell, Chair of the Hurstpierpoint Village Trust

Some of you might know of the existence of a local support organisation, known as the Hurstpierpoint Village Trust. This is a registered charity established some 30 years ago to assist folk who are facing a financial crisis.

They help on a one-off basis to get people over money-related hurdles. They do not hand out money but, examples of the kind of aid they have given recently include providing fridges, cookers, a mobility scooter, a grave headstone, transport for children, part funding school trips, garden clearance etc.

These are the types of support which are not available through conventional, publicly-funded organisations, and can make a huge difference to people’s lives and get them back on track.

The Trust tries to make things as simple and straightforward as possible with the minimum of bureaucracy. Once you have made contact with the Trust, a couple of the Trustees have a quick chat with you to assess your situation and if your request qualifies.

The case is then considered and a decision and the assistance come to you usually within 48 hours. We are lucky enough to live in the south east of the Country, recognised as the most affluent region. However, despite this, many people are facing huge challenges in getting through life without facing what would seem to be insurmountable money challenges. Just the things most of us take for granted, are beyond the reach of many living in our community. We have a safety net in the form of social support, but that net has very big holes in it and sadly many people fall through it.

If you live in Hurst, Albourne or Sayers Common, and are facing an uphill financial struggle with which you feel the Trust might be able to help, you can contact any of the Trustees on a very strictly confidential basis. They are: Andrew Pridell (Chairman) 01273 833531
Jan Doxford 01273 834081,
George Baxter 01273 835758
Christine Sadler 01273 834586
Lyndsay Pyle 01273 834520
and Ian McBain 01273 832178.

Don’t be shy about asking!
Further info can be found online here.

Mid Sussex Council offers financial help

Mid Sussex District Council is urging residents who are struggling to meet their household costs to get in touch for support and advice. The coronavirus pandemic has made 2020 an extremely difficult year and the Council is encouraging local people to seek help if they are facing issues with debt, are struggling with household bills or are finding it hard to pay their rent and/or Council Tax.

Mid Sussex District Council is signed up to the national Citizens Advice Good Practice Protocol, a public commitment to the principles of fairness, partnership working and transparency in local authority debt collection. “We know that there are people across Mid Sussex who are experiencing difficulties,” said Councillor Andrew MacNaughton, Mid Sussex Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning. “If you are unable to make your rent or mortgage payments, our Housing Needs Team is here to help you. If you’re struggling, please get in touch so that we can help make sure you do not risk losing your home. If you are a tenant of a social landlord in Mid Sussex please get in touch with your landlord as they can also provide assistance. If you are in difficulty, please do not ignore the problem because it will not go away.
“Landlords too may be facing financial pressures and tenants should continue to pay their rent if they can afford it. If you are a private landlord who may be serving notice on your tenant due to arrears, please contact us because we can offer advice and mediation to both you and your tenants to help avoid evictions.”

Councillor Ruth De Mierre, Mid Sussex Cabinet Member for Customer Services said: “If you are struggling to pay your Council Tax, we have a Revenues team who can put you in contact with the Money & Pensions Service, who provide free independent debt advice. They can help you to put payments of nonpriority debts, like credit card bills, on hold and create arrangements that work for you and your unique financial situation.
“We know it’s hard to take that first step and reach out for help but the worst thing you can do is ignore the situation because it could lead to court proceedings, additional costly fees, and ever-increasing debt. Ultimately, it could even result in you losing your home. Please don’t delay, get in contact with us if you are struggling and together we’ll help you through this.”

If you are struggling financially please contact Mid Sussex District Council on 01444 477564 or email revenue@midsussex.gov.uk

To contact the Mid Sussex Housing Needs team call 01444 477574 or email housingadvice@midsussex.org. uk

Alternatively, Citizens Advice in West Sussex provide free, confidential, independent and impartial advice. Email or web chat at www.advicewestsussex.org.uk or call 0344 477 1171.