Advice Services

At Shiney Advice, we understand that life’s complexities often come with questions that need clear, expert answers. Our advice services are tailored to meet the diverse needs of our community.

ShARP is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee.

We provide a range of FREE advice services, including telephone, face to face and also outreach advice sessions in Coalfields and Washington.

Please contact us Monday – Friday – 9am – 4.30pm for more details.

When you contact us you will initially be assessed by our triage team and may be given either a face to face or telephone appointment with an advice worker, offered self help materials, or be signposted/referred to relevant agencies.

ShARP provides advice and guidance on debt and general welfare rights issues. Our team of experienced advice workers and volunteers are here to help. Our aim is to help the local community to help themselves. Understanding and supporting the needs of our local community is what we do best. We hold the Advice Quality Mark and also specialise in providing advice and education about budget management and debt.

Welfare Reform

Sunderland Council is raising awareness around the changes to benefits as a result of welfare reform. The campaign encouraged people to stay informed and plan ahead.

For more information see www.sunderland.gov.uk/

Welfare Benefit

Check on line at: https://www.gov.uk/benefits-adviser

To check your eligibility or to see if your DLA benefit will be effected please go to: www.gov.uk/pip-checker

Sunderland University provides FREE legal advice – for more information go to: www.sunderland.ac.uk

Debt Issues

ShARP can assist in helping you with your debt issues. Please identify the items that apply to you and bring proof with you to your appointment – without all the necessary information, we will not be able to help you. Please click on the link for a list of documents you may need to bring with you.

Welfare Benefits

ShARP can assist you with a variety of Welfare and Benefits issues.We have included links to some of the forms regularly needed by our clients.

Form to appeal against Working Tax and Child Tax Credit decisions

For information about PIP forms for adults please follow the link below.

https://www.gov.uk/pip/how-to-claim

Attendance Allowance Forms over 65 years of age

Child’s Disability Living Allowance Form under 16 to download

To apply for Carers on line

Carers allowance download form

SHARP's Free Energy Advice Service

There is FREE one-to-one advice. Please call SHARP during office hours to book a place (please spread the word to older friends and family who might not use the internet) 0191 3856687…. All welcome