Town lottery funds advice sessions

Special out of hours advice sessions are being held for people who need help with housing, debt and benefits problems.

The appointments are being organised by charity Accommodation Concern to help more people access their services in Kettering.

They are designed for anyone who cannot get to the help during the day – they may be working full time and struggling with debt or housing issues.

Kettering Town Council is funding the sessions, using money raised from the new Kettering Town Lottery as well as community grant cash.

Kettering Town Councillor Mark Rowley said: "We are really pleased to be able to fund these extra advice slots. The point of setting up the Kettering Town Lottery was so we could put money back into the town and Accommodation Concern provides a vital service for anyone struggling with debt or housing problems."

Jo Moore, CEO of Accommodation Concern, said: "We are so aware that many people who work are struggling at the moment and can't take time off to try and find out their options, so we are really pleased to be able to offer this service to people who wouldn't usually be able to access us. With this funding many more people will now be able to sleep easier knowing they have support."

Sessions will run on Saturdays from 9am to 12pm and alternate between Highfield Barnes Close Community Centre and Accommodation Concern's Meadow Road offices. Evening advice slots will also run from 5 to 8pm on Wednesdays at the town centre offices.

The first evening session will be at Accommodation Concern, 1 Meadow Road, on Wednesday 11 January, with the following Saturday 14 January at the community centre in Barnes Close and Saturday 21 January at the Meadow Road offices, both from 9am to 12pm.

Booking a slot in advance is recommended, although a small number of walk-ins can be accepted. To book an appointment email help@a-c.org.uk or call 01536 416560. The offices in Meadow Road will remain open from 9am to 5pm as usual during the week.

Kettering Town Lottery is costs £1 a week to join with a top prize on offer of £25,000. Funds raised go back into the town to support local good causes. Check out the town lottery website to see how to join and find out more.

Accommodation Concern, Meadow Road, 5pm-8pm
(also open 9am-5pm as normal on these days)
Wednesday 11 January
Wednesday18 January
Wednesday 25 January
Wednesday 1 February
Wednesday 8 February
Wednesday 15 February
Wednesday 22 February
Wednesday 1 March
Wednesday 8 March
Wednesday 15 March

Accommodation Concern, Meadow Road, 9am to 12pm
Saturday 21 January
Saturday 04 February
Saturday 18 February
Saturday 4 March
Saturday 18 March

Highfield Barnes Close Community Centre, 9am to 12pm
Saturday 14 January
Saturday 28 January
Saturday 11 February
Saturday 25 February
Saturday 11 March