Advice and Support Carmarthenshire is gearing up to hold its first conference

ASC is a network of organisations that work in partnership to support individuals and families with its major emphasis on helping people out of poverty and debt by helping them access advice, benefits, home improvements, employment and training.It was formed in 2010 as part of a co-ordinated effort to help communities deal with such issues.

Members include Carmarthenshire County Council, Age Cymru, CAVS, Mencap, Job Force Wales, the Department of Work and Pensions and Citizens Advice Bureau, amongst others.

The conference, being held from 9.30am-12.30pm at Llandybie Memorial Hall on Monday, February 20, will aim to put Carmarthenshire’s position in a national context and to identify priority areas for action within the county.

The Deputy Minister for Children and Social Services, Gwenda Thomas, will be guest speaker, and the main focus will be child poverty.

ASC Chair, Cllr Kevin Madge, said: “The conference will highlight some of the projects and work currently being undertaken and future plans and developments. It is also an opportunity for members of ASC to explore how – by working in partnership – they can help make a difference.”

The conference follows the recent launch of the ASC website www.asccarmarthenshire.co.uk

It was developed to act as a signpost for people who don’t know which way to turn for support.

As well as links to partner organisations, it also directs users to advice pages where they can get help on issues including Attendance Allowance, Working Tax Credits, Disability Living Allowance, employment and training, and even free school meals.

People can also access the site to learn how they can reduce their fuel costs by making their homes more energy efficient or even find out who they can turn to if they have become the victim of an illegal money lender.

Cllr Madge added: “When people are looking for help, they often don’t know which way to turn, and we understand that they can become confused with all the organisations out there. This was why we developed Advice and Support Carmarthenshire, as it brings everything together in one place.

“The website makes it easy for people, as it can direct people to the right service to meet their needs and will hopefully prevent them becoming lost in the system.”

For further information about ASC and to reserve a place at the conference call 01267 234567 or email asc@carmarthenshire.gov.uk.