Available Support Services and Our Charity Work

Eltel’s Commitments

Eltel is committed to our community. Sponsorship of local fitness initiatives and a culture of fundraising for local causes and national charities see Eltel not just work in the community, but also with it. In recent years our Directors and staff have raised funds for causes such as dementia, homelessness, and suicide prevention, and are committed to doing more.

Support starts at home and Eltel is committed to the health and well-being of our staff. As well as staff safety, we take mental and physical health seriously. With certified First Aiders, one on one support is available, and referrals to external services can also be made for additional support.

Fundraisers

Our Director Mike Ritchie is currently undertaking a 30-day sit-ups challenge to raise funds for Samaritans. Mike’s progress and details for donations can be found at Facebook Fundraisers.

Eltel’s Mental Health First Aider

Mike Ritchie is certified in Understanding Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace. They’re able to provide support in person or by other preferred means.

“It’s really good to talk openly and in confidence, I’m your contact for help and or advice in any issues you may be facing which are affecting your day to day mental well being. If you need a place to be heard without judgment, please call me on 01642706744, and arrange a time to Speak out.”

– Mike Ritchie

Other Available Support Services

Advice

Citizens Advice – Provides access to information on your rights, including benefits, housing and employment, and on debt, consumer and legal issues. Search the site for your nearest bureau in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. citizensadvice.org.uk

Bereavement support

Child Bereavement UK – Supports families when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying, or when a child is facing bereavement. childbereavementuk.org

Cruse Bereavement Care – Provide bereavement support, either face-to-face or over the phone, from trained volunteers around the UK. Calls to this helpline are free. cruse.org.uk

Debt Management

Business Debtline – The charity gives clear advice including claiming any benefits that may be due and advice for businesses that are having financial problems. It also has a special service for those who have a problem with speech or hearing. https://www.businessdebtline.org/

Christians Against Poverty – If you apply for help you will be given a case manager who will contact your creditors and arrange a debt management plan, or you will be provided with different options to deal with your debts. https://capuk.org

MoneyHelper – Free and impartial money advice set up by the government. Includes budgeting tools and planners, debt advice, and guidelines on paying for funerals and care. moneyhelper.org.uk

National Debtline – This organisation is another one that offers advice about the steps to take if you are in debt and it has a free helpline or you can contact an advisor by an enquiry form or by post. https://www.nationaldebtline.org/

StepChange Debt Charity – Free, independent debt charity offering practical support and advice to help people in the UK overcome their debt problems. stepchange.org

GamCare – Provides free information, advice and support for anyone harmed by gambling. www.gamcare.org.uk

Health

Alzheimer’s Society – Works to improve quality of life for people affected by dementia. Its website includes guidance on diagnosis, symptoms and care for people living with Alzheimer’s, information on local services and support groups. alzheimers.org.uk

Cancer Research UK – A cancer research and awareness charity for anyone affected by any kind of cancer. cancerresearchuk.org

Macmillan – Information and support for people living with cancer in the UK. macmillan.org.uk

Mind – Provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. www.mind.org.uk

Samaritans – Provides confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, for people who are experiencing feelings of distress and/or despair. samaritans.org

Housing

Shelter England – Advice on housing benefits and housing law in England. england.shelter.org.uk

Support for carers, family and friends

Age UK – A charity with a network of local branches that aims to help older people make the most out of life. It has a befriending service and sometimes loans out wheelchairs. ageuk.org.uk

Befriending Networks – Offers supportive, reliable relationships through volunteer befrienders to people who would otherwise be socially isolated. befriending.co.uk

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – Free helpline set up to help support men of all ages and backgrounds talk about their fears and problems. thecalmzone.net

Carers Trust – Provides support and information for carers in England through its network of carers centres. carers.org

Carers UK – Provides expert advice, information and support to carers. carersuk.org

Mencap – Support for people with learning disabilities and their families in England and Scotland. mencap.org.uk

Scope – Practical information and emotional support for anyone with a learning disability or physical impairment. scope.org.uk

Victim Support – Is a national charity giving free and confidential help to victims of crime, witnesses, their family, friends and anyone else affected, across England and Wales. victimsupport.org.uk

Refuge – Supports women and children who have experienced domestic abuse by providing refuge and support in the community. Runs a freephone 24-hour helpline. www.refuge.org.uk

Our Work