Get benefits advice and support.

When it comes to claiming benefits, many people are not sure what they are entitled to.

And, with a range of available benefits available –  including Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Personal Independence Payments (PIP) to name just a few –  it’s no wonder that people can become confused.

The social security system is extremely complicated, but benefits are not just for the unemployed.

Many families and CHD patients are entitled to extra help from the government but are unaware of their eligibility. We suggest getting expert advice from the various agencies that can help with an eligibility check and guide you through the application process.

At The Somerville Foundation, we support you through life’s practical challenges and help you to live as normally as possible.

Places to access money and benefit advice and support

Your local Citizens Advice Bureau or Disability Support Organisation can assist and support you through the benefits process. They can do a benefits check to find out what you might be entitled to and help with form filling. They can also help if you come up against any difficulties.

With your help, we’ve helped fund new and improved treatments for congenital heart disease. we opened the UK’s first dedicated Congenital Heart Research Centre. we’ve organised receptions at the House of Lords and House of Commons, a film première, concerts, parachute jumps, marathon runs, annual sponsored walks and masquerade balls. we ensure that adult CHD patients enjoy access to every opportunity, are free from discrimination, and are fully supported throughout their lives. we’ve staged annual conferences, regional patient information days and workshops throughout the UK. we’ve published a range of leaflets for CHD patients on a wide-range of topics. we’ve launched a Freephone patient helpline to provide practical advice, a listening ear, and emotional reassurance at times of stress. we’ve created online networks where congenital heart patients can connect with each other. we successfully applied for a Comic Relief grant to help develop mental health support services. we’ve contributed to adult congenital heart disease nurse training days and taken part in various study days and conferences for medical and health professionals. we’ve established a benevolent fund for members who are in financial hardship. we’ve organised residential weekends and outward bound holidays for teenagers and adults, providing congenital heart patients with the opportunity to meet and gain support from each other.

Just think what else we could do if you donate, fundraise or volunteer for us.

FIND OUT HOW WE’RE HEALING BROKEN HEARTS