First Call - Practical and emotional support, maintaining dignity and independence at home

Think of the British Red Cross and you might first think of first aid workers at public events or rescue teams at any of the international crises that seem to regularly occur in the world. But there is a local service provided by the Red Cross in Lincolnshire that might not be so well known. In addition to all the other services that the Red Cross provides, it also offers a care in the home facility called First Call that provides support to people within their own homes.

This can include the provision of one or more of the following:

• Occasional or regular telephone support calls where people can discuss problems and/or be signposted to other organisations or sources of help.
• Being a friend that can provide companionship and emotional support.
• Practical support with things like shopping, domestic tasks, arranging transport etc.

Though time limited (up to 12 weeks), this service is invaluable in assisting people to build their self confidence and increase their ability to cope. It provides individuals and their carers with access to support and services that the users feel are relevant to increase their independence and personal confidence. If at the end of the agreed time it is felt that the person needs more long time support, it will refer onto organisations that can provide more of the type of support needed

 

This service is available to everyone and referrals are accepted from individuals, family members, friends and neighbours, social services, hospitals GP’s and other health care professionals.

 

If you know of someone who would benefits from this service please contact the British Red Cross on 0845 054 7171 or email us on firstcall@redcross.org.uk.

Benefit cheat is paying back more than £20,000

A mother of two, who is paying back more than £20,000 in benefits she was not entitled to, escaped a prison sentence.

 

Ms Kerry Codd 25, of Church Road, Bircotes, pleaded guilty at Lincoln Magistrates Court, to two counts of failing to notify of a change in circumstances, which affected her entitlement to housing and council tax benefit.

 

The prosecution was brought by West Lindsey District Council and the Department for Work and Pensions. The offence occurred when Ms Codd lived in Gainsborough.

 

Mr. David Payne, prosecuting said:

"The defendant failed to inform the affected bodies her partner had returned to live with her.

 

"He was in full time employment at the time, which was paid into a joint bank account."

The overpayment of £23,717.19 took place between 7th June 2004 to 31st October 2007.

 

It included the following:

• Income support - £10,020.87
• Housing benefit - £11,419.68
• Council tax benefit -£2,276.64

Defending, Mr. Lloyd Edwards, said she is paying back the overpayments. He said:

"She had a difficult time with her previous partner who left suddenly and reappeared on the scene.

 

"She was not sure he would stay and she delayed reporting it and delayed it."

 

Mr. Edwards explained she is with a new partner now and has two young children. He added:

"This was out of character."

District Judge, Richard Blake said:

"Many people are managing in the community on low income and not cheating on benefits.

 

"What you did was a cheat on the system.

 

"I accept it was to provide for your family and that you have done the best to make amends as you are paying it back."

He gave her 12 weeks in prison for each offence, suspended for a year. And a 12 month supervision order to run concurrently.