ST HELENS Council is extending its benefits advice sessions into the community as part of its commitment to providing quality services to the borough's residents.

The Rights Advice Shop, based in Wesley House, Corporation Street, already provides weekly advice sessions at Chester Lane office (every Tuesday from 9.30am to12.30pm) and at Earlestown Town Hall (every Friday from 9.30am to 12.30pm). No appointments are necessary. From this Monday (May 11), weekly advice sessions will be available at Thatto Heath local office on Wednesdays (9.30am to 12.30pm) and at the Haydock local office on Thursdays (9.30am to 12.30pm). Experienced and fully-trained advisers are on hand.

Ken Wardale, manager of the Rights Advice Shop, said: "By bringing these services closer to the communities they serve we hope that many people, particularly those who find it difficult to visit the town centre office, will be able to seek advice more locally."

Councillor Richard Ward, chair of Housing and Environmental Services, added: "The Rights Advice service provides free and confidential help on all DSS and local authority benefits. Many people still miss out on their full entitlements, often for the sake of making the necessary enquiry."

Anyone who needs further information on benefits can call in at the Rights Advice Shop, or telephone 01744 456206.

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