June Member of the month: Freshwinds FInDA Advice and Welfare Service

Agency CV

What geographical area do you serve? Birmingham/West Midlands
When was your organisation founded? 1992
How many staff/volunteers do you have? 10
Who are you funded by? A variety of sources, including Birmingham City Council and Scottish Power Energy Peoples Trust
What’s the average number of clients you help each year? Approx 1,500, including casework and one-off queries

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Can you tell us about an accomplishment your organisation has achieved in the past?

As an organisation, Freshwinds has grown so that our Advice and Welfare Services have evolved naturally. Initially to support Freshwinds’ clients, eventually becoming a freestanding service in its own right. So, a natural growth curve, which allowed us to develop a very holistic model for advice provision which is very client centred. We’ve also worked very successfully in Aston, in partnership with other specialist organisations including maternity, domestic violence and family support services so that clients can be supported simultaneously with a variety of issues.

Why is your organisation a member of AdviceUK, and why is being a member important for your centre?

We could see the strength of being a member of an ‘umbrella organisation’ with similar, like minded organisations. We use the resources and management tools that have been developed etc. and also allow us the opportunity to network across the sector. The training programme has also been beneficial as it is tailored for Advice sector organisations.

Are there any specialist projects currently under way you would like people to know about?

A Fuel Smart project, working with families and older people across Birmingham who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, Fuel Debt. We will be giving individual and group advice and information sessions on debt and welfare rights.

What do you think the future will bring in general for advice work?

There are the obvious financial pressures which will affect all types of services. In addition there’s going to be an increased need for the services we provide. The sector as a whole will also continue to become more ‘professional’ with more emphasis on competencies for workers and volunteers, but also continue to have gaps for smaller, bespoke services.

What would be your top tip for other advice agencies looking to improve their service or sustainability?

Think very creatively and define how your advice and welfare services can be delivered, not just in isolation, but as an integral part of an overarching model or service, maybe in partnership with other specialist welfare organisations.

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Member of the month

Offering free debt advice for the west Kent area with over a 100 hundred volunteers.

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