Residents across Newry Mourne and Down area are showing signs of being stressed over Covid-19 says Community Advice
“Distressed calls” from residents of Newry Mourne and Down requiring access to key benefits during the recent pandemic has highlighted the growing concern felt among those in society who have been furloughed or made redundant writes Laura Barr.
Senior Coordinator from Community Advice (Newry Mourne and Down), Kellie Murray told Down News that advisers had received calls from “very distressed clients” who had lost their jobs, had their hours reduced or were put on furlough.
“The current pandemic has led to many people, who were previously able to manage financially, suddenly finding themselves struggling to pay their mortgage, rent, loans etc.
“Clients required benefit checks to see if they should remain on legacy benefits such as tax credits or move to Universal Credit and others required help to claim Universal Credit for the first time” Kellie explained.
“Our service provides advice on a wide range of issues and since March the amount of employment queries drastically increased in the aftermath of COVID-19.”
Department for Communities last quarterly Benefits Statistic Summary dated May 2020 detailed a total of 35,440 new claimants to Universal Credit in the month of March alone.
This seen an increase from the previous month of 28,800 people claiming Universal Credit.
Slieve Croob Councillor Alan Lewis said the coronavirus pandemic has had a “detrimental impact” on the economy which has affected people’s health, livelihoods, business, and employment.
The UUP Cllr commented: “The pandemic has directly hit people’s pockets and impacted upon household income.
“This is evident from the increase in calls I have personally received and some of the cases and stories have actually kept me awake at night.
“Our district is hurting, and people are crying out for help.”
Cllr Lewis added that there is no shame in applying for help and that local council, Northern Ireland Assembly and UK government have recognised that extra help is needed.
“I would encourage those most vulnerable and those in need of assistance to check which benefits they are entitled to.
“Help from local councillors along with civic based assistance is widely available for anyone who wishes to check what they may be entitled to.
“There is also a responsibility on elected representatives to ensure constituents are kept updated and informed on which benefits they could be entitled to and how best to apply.”
Mournes Councillor Sean Doran (Sinn Féin) also told Down News that he had been “inundated with calls” over the last six months.
“I’ve received calls from people who are very distressed and looking for assistance with furlough, benefits and people who are genuinely concerned about their jobs especially when large employers such as Collins Aerospace announced redundancies were planned.
“Now that the furlough scheme is finished and Christmas is not too far away, people are really distressed which is understandable.
