About Welfare Services

Our Impact

Our Welfare Services Team is here to help

Each year, our Welfare Services Team helps hundreds of residents improve their financial circumstances through income maximisation, energy savings, crisis intervention, and specialist advice.

Our work secures additional income for households, reduces fuel poverty, improves access to benefits, and provides vital support to vulnerable residents across the communities we serve.

Why Choose Our Welfare Services?

Holistic, person-centred support
Specialist welfare benefits expertise
Trusted local partnerships and referral networks
Income maximisation and debt reduction support
Energy advice and fuel poverty assistance through Cadent
Tailored support for vulnerable and hard-to-reach residents
Crisis intervention and long-term resilience building
Advocacy and complex casework support

Helping Residents Build Financial Security, Wellbeing and Independence

Through specialist advice, practical support, strong partnerships, and a commitment to person-centred service delivery, Enabling Independence Welfare Services continues to make a positive difference to the lives of residents across Barking & Dagenham, Havering and Redbridge.

Case Studies

Real Stories, Real Impact

Every day, Enabling Independence Welfare Services Team helps residents overcome financial hardship, access vital support, and improve their quality of life. Through specialist advice, advocacy, income maximisation, energy support, and strong partnership working, we provide tailored solutions that make a lasting difference.

The following case studies demonstrate how our holistic, person-centred approach supports older residents, families, young carers, disabled people, and vulnerable households to achieve greater financial security, wellbeing, and independence. These real-life examples highlight the positive outcomes that can be achieved when people receive the right support at the right time.

Pension Credit Support

Securing Additional Income for an Older Resident

The Challenge
Mrs C, aged 78, was struggling to manage rising living costs on a limited retirement income. She was unaware that she may be entitled to Pension Credit and additional financial support.

Our Support

Completed a full benefits check
Assisted with a Pension Credit application
Identified further support available through related benefit entitlements

The Outcome

Additional annual income secured
Access to further financial support schemes
Improved financial security and peace of mind

Benefits Advice & Income Maximisation

Helping a Resident Access Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

The Challenge

Mr D was living with a long-term health condition and found the PIP application process difficult to navigate.

Our Support

One-to-one application support
Assistance gathering supporting evidence
Guidance throughout the assessment process

The Outcome

Successful PIP award
Increased financial stability
Improved independence and access to additional support

Energy Efficiency & Cadent Partnership

Supporting a Household Facing Fuel Poverty

The Challenge
A family with young children was struggling with rising energy bills and limiting heating usage during winter months.

Our Support

Energy efficiency advice
Referral through the Cadent partnership
Priority Services Register (PSR) application support
Income maximisation assessment

The Outcome

Reduced energy-related financial pressure
Improved household energy awareness
Access to additional support and protections

Young Carers Support

Improving Stability for a Family with Caring Responsibilities

The Challenge
A young person was providing significant care for a parent with a long-term health condition, while the family experienced ongoing financial hardship.

Our Support

Home visits and family assessment
Welfare benefits advice
Income maximisation support
Referrals to specialist support services

The Outcome

Increased household income
Reduced financial stress
Improved wellbeing for the young carer and family

Advocacy & Complex Support

Supporting a Resident with Complex Needs

The Challenge
Following a decline in health, an older resident required support to manage finances, wellbeing, and important legal decisions.

Our Support

Guidance on Appointeeship and Power of Attorney
Coordination with health and social care services
Advocacy and ongoing support

The Outcome

Improved safeguarding and wellbeing
Better access to support services
Increased stability and peace of mind

Crisis Intervention

Preventing Financial Crisis Through Early Support

The Challenge
A resident facing redundancy began experiencing financial difficulties and was concerned about falling behind with essential bills.

Our Support

Benefits assessment
Budgeting advice
Debt referrals
Access to temporary financial support

The Outcome

Financial situation stabilised
Reduced risk of debt escalation
Improved confidence in managing finances

Cadent Partnership

Helping a Vulnerable Resident Stay Safe and Connected

The Challenge
An older resident with health issues was struggling with energy affordability and was unaware of support available through energy providers.

Our Support

Priority Services Register referral
Energy affordability advice
Gas safety and carbon monoxide awareness
Income maximisation support

The Outcome

Access to additional protections and services
Improved energy affordability
Increased safety and wellbeing at home

Making a Difference Every Day

Every resident's situation is unique, but our goal remains the same: to provide practical support, specialist advice, and advocacy that helps people improve their financial wellbeing, maintain independence, and build a more secure future.

Together with our partners, we continue to help residents across Barking & Dagenham, Havering and Redbridge overcome challenges, access vital support, and achieve lasting positive outcomes.

Welfare Feedback

First and foremost, thank you very much for coming and for reassuring me that, as a mum, I am doing the best that I can. Isabel's eating disorder is a great worry for me, especially because of my own health issues. Thank you both so much for the money towards the tablet and for giving my son money for his extra activities. Honestly, you have both put a smile on my face and reassured me about so many things. Your kindness and support mean more than words can say.”