Advice in County Durham is a partnership of local advice providers, committed to working together to improve the provision of advice across County Durham.
Our Aims
The partnership aims to provide a seamless service for those seeking advice and enable organisations providing information and advice to work in a more collaborative way for the benefit of all concerned.
How It Works?
The partnership will redesign access routes to advice by joining up the provision in simple pathways that both agencies and clients will understand, to ensure that there is ‘no wrong door’ when it comes to helping clients.
Clients will get a single point referral, easier access, earlier intervention, reduced waiting times and faster emergency response.
Organisations delivering advice will have the opportunity to be reviewed from clients receiving support, reflecting the level of service delivered.
Our Members
Advice in County Durham is resourced with a Partnership Support Officer hosted and funded by Durham County Council and a Portal administrator hosted and funded by Citizens Advice County Durham.
Advice in County Durham is led by a partnership board made up of Durham Community Action (current chair of AiCD), Durham County Council, Citizens Advice County Durham, Age UK County Durham, Durham Christian Partnership (Durham Foodbanks and Community Money Advice County Durham, Durham County Carers Service, a representative from the housing sector Livin and Durham County Council Area Action Partnerships along with three representatives from the wider network membership including East Durham Trust.
Advice in County Durham will continue to develop a network of members committed to new ways of working.
All of these organisations offer free and independent advice on issues including debt, welfare benefits, employment, discrimination and housing. These services are invaluable in our communities, ensuring that people of County Durham have access to the advice, assistance and representation that is essential in tackling inequality and improving people’s lives.
Membership Benefits
- Become part of an innovative approach to delivering Advice in County Durham to improve access to quality advice and information.
- Promote your organisation through our website.
- Make and receive referrals for your clients, creating a seamless service and improving their overall experience
- Have the opportunity to meet with others to share information, exchange ideas and best practice.
- Receive support to achieve a quality mark appropriate for your organisation
- Influence the future provision of advice within County Durham.
- Access funding opportunities through joint bids, with other members of the partnership.
How To Get Involved?
We are looking for organisations to join our network, which deliver information, signposting or advice services and are committed to:
- Working in partnership with other members of the network to achieve the aims and objectives of the project
- The development of a joined up quality provision of Advice in County Durham
- Recognising that client’s needs are best served when agencies work together
- Sharing your knowledge and experience to improve the provision of advice in County Durham
For more information, please contact adviceincountydurham@durham.gov.uk
Referral Portal issues
If you are a member of Advice in County Durham and have access to the referral portal and are having problems or have any queries around the system please contact AicdPortal@citizensadvicecd.org.uk