MARIGOT--District six representative Georges Richardson says he wants residents of the district to know that assistance with administrative services, for all types of social aid offered by the State or Collectivité, has been reinforced and is offered free of charge by Association Sandy Ground on the Move Insertion.
While this assistance already existed, it is being reinforced, partly because the Préfecture recently restricted access to the public by implementing an appointments-only system and changing the way it deals with applications for permits, renewals, etc.
Assistance with filling in forms for different types of social aid, benefits, permits, tax declarations, etc., is offered by the association from its Rue Ladyfish office, where two members of staff are on hand.
“In 2016, we want to upgrade the possibilities for insertion and it’s about social cohesion and social development from projects that are put in place,” Richardson explained. “It’s important the people have help in writing these letters and filling in forms, and knowing what benefits and resources are available to them from the State.
“Many persons have not mastered the French language and that is a hindrance to them in itself. And there are people who are approaching retirement and procedures have to be put in place for them, and they need to know what their rights are and what they are entitled to.”
On this point the Collectivité has already disclosed it will be holding an information evening for seniors and disabled persons in Sandy Ground on February 17.
He added staff from Sandy Ground on the Move Insertion will also go out in the field to help households where necessary. The association is also working closely with the Collectivité’s Social Affairs office to which many of the applications for aid have to be made.
Richardson said the service by his association gives priority to Sandy Ground residents but people from other districts are not excluded.
He added another service offered is to help the elderly with their household chores, shopping, and running errands, and hopes that the district will soon have a vehicle to carry elderly persons about if they have to visit the pharmacy, post office etc.
“All this is about helping the people advance. I’m a firm believer that when associations receive subventions they are obliged to carry out positive, constructive work for the development of the district.”
