Turn2us

Web: www.turn2us.org.uk

Turn2us is a free service that helps people in financial need to access welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help – online, by phone and face to face through our partner organisations. The Benefits Search is a free and easy to use calculator to help you check what benefits you might be entitled to and information on different benefits.  Also has a grants search with information on grants from over 3000 organisations.

Money Made Clear Wales

Web: www.moneymadeclearwales.org

Website giving easy to read information on savings, loans and debts. It’s a Welsh Assembly initiative so you know it’s completely independent and not trying to sell you anything.

Newport Credit Union

Web: www.newportcreditunion.co.uk

Tel: 01633 214913

Credit Unions are community based financial cooperatives.  They provide straight forward, affordable financial services which, unlike the usual high-street lender are there to solely help its members and community. As a credit union member you must make small regular payments into a savings account, you will then be able to have preferential rate loans. Credit unions charge very low interest rates.  Credit Union members are encouraged to save for their future, and in return they receive affordable credit, free insurance on loans, financial advice and a healthy return on their money.

Student Finance Wales

Web: www.studentfinancewales.co.uk

This is where you apply for grants and student loans if you’re thinking of doing a university course.  It has lots of information regarding student finances and has a calculator which will show you how much you would be entitled to.

University of South Wales

Web: www.southwales.ac.uk/about

Tel: 01633 432 432

The University is based on five campuses spread around South Wales. The cities of Cardiff and Newport have campuses, plus there are 3 more rural campuses in Pontypridd and Caerleon.  The campuses are student communities with a great atmosphere. On campus, you’ll find everything you need in one place – your classes, the library, places to eat and drink, and friends to spend time with.

The university has financial advisors who can help you work out how you would be able to finance your university studies.

Coleg Gwent

Tel: 01633 466000 (Newport)

Tel: 01495 333456 (Crosskeys)

Web: www.coleggwent.ac.uk

Offers full and part time, recreational and higher education courses.  They can also offer free training to people working less than 16 hours per week.  Childcare can be funded for some full time courses – speak to the college for further details.

Before you Start Education

Remember – if you want to enrol on a college or university could you will need to check out how you can arrange childcare and transport – there is help for some courses and there are grants available so it’s worth asking.  Also worth checking that the course you want to do doesn’t affect your benefits – speak to the Lone Parent Advisors at the Job Centre or Careers Wales who will be able to give you clear advice for your personal circumstances.

Careers Wales

Tel: 0800 028 4844

From a Mobile: 02920 906800 (They will call you back for free)

Web: www.careerswales.com

Careers Wales provide the all age, independent and impartial careers information, advice and guidance service for Wales. The overall focus for the service is to help people make effective decisions and become independent in managing their careers.

Newport Communities First

Tel: 01633 856623

Web: www.gavowales.org.uk/communities-first

Communities First is a training provider that may be able to provide free courses based upon learning work-based skills.

Newport Family Skills

Tel: 01633 240912

Web: www.familyskillsnewport.co.uk

Family Skills project is for parents on benefits or a low income living in Newport.  They can provide training courses on a variety of subjects such as; Confidence Building, English & Maths, I.T., Money Matters, Food Hygiene, Health & Safety, Customer Service, Child Care Pathways, and lots more. They can also support you to find work or volunteering with help on applications, writing CVs or interview techniques.