A pop-up shop in Dumfries town centre – set up to spread the word about the support available to people applying for benefits – has been declared “a real success”.
Voice and rights charity VoiceAbility was based at The Press in High Street between Monday 2 September and Thursday 5 September, as part of Midsteeple Quarter’s community-led initiative to breathe new life into the town centre.
Independent advocates from the charity were on hand over the four days to explain how they can support disabled people to access Social Security Scotland benefits.
The nationwide advocacy service also provides support for parents, guardians, or carers who are accessing benefits for a disabled child, and for those who are disabled and want support to access social security benefits for their child.
Advocate Maureen Jardine organised the event, and had her eight-month-old golden labrador puppy, Theo, by her side.
Maureen, from Dumfries, said: “Thanks to everyone who came to chat with us about what we do – we now have eight new clients who we can support with applying for benefits.
“Many also spoke to us about winter fuel payments, and we were able to signpost a few people to the pension credit application form too.
“I feel the pop-up shop was a real success considering it’s the first time we’ve done this, and we plan to do more in the future.
“The goody bags went down a treat and Theo had lots of fun – although he did get away with a bit of chewing… because he’s cute!”
For more information about the free service VoiceAbility provides across the country, visit voiceability.org/socialsecurityadvocacy or call the charity for free on 0300 303 1660.
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