Presumed to have been written after Wednesday, 13th April, 2012. Meadows Advice Group helping those who need most help One of the privileges of serving the Meadows as an elected representative is being invited to play a role in some of the partnerships and independent services that serve the communities of the Meadows. I'm the Chair of the Board for the Meadows Advice Group - surf http://www.meadowspartnershiptrust.org.ukicommunity/meadows-advice- group.aspx and http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=3639 It's been established for some years and their advisors help people in need with welfare benefits and debt and general advice. Typically they open 700 new cases for people every year, recovering £850,000 in annualised benefits and lump sums, and helping people with £100,000 in priority debts and £320,000 in non-priority debts. The Group is now part of the Advice Nottingham umbrella of organisations to deliver welfare advice services to the satisfaction of the City Council, in a new performance related contract. Advice Nottingham includes the Citizens Advice Bureau as well as groups representing specific areas including St.Anns, Bestwood and Clifton. Having entered this new contract, the group will probably look to show how it helps in a more public way, before starting in a new way to reach out to people in need, most particularly in groups or communities that seem less keen to seek such advice.