Paulette Hamilton MP Labour Member of Parliament for Birmingham Erdington
Help and Advice
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The Role of an MP
My role as an MP is to represent everybody in the Birmingham Erdington constituency in Westminster. An MP can assist with matters for which Parliament or central Government is responsible for. There is also help available here:
Homelessness
If you or someone you know is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, then it is important you speak to Birmingham City Council as soon as possible. If you need emergency accommodation now and you are aged 25 or over or are aged 18 to 25 and have dependent children, phone the council on: 0121 303 7410 option 3.
Phone lines are open: Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Under 25s
If you are under the age of 25 and have no children, you will need to attend St Basils Youth Hub instead. You can phone them on: 0300 303 0099.
The council’s Domestic Abuse Homelessness Hub, in partnership with Cranstoun, can help people escaping domestic abuse find a safe place to stay. If you need their help, you can call them on: 0121 272 8905, or email: BHMHousingSolutions@cranstoun.org.uk.
To find out what documentation you need to speed up your request, click this link here: https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/20207/homelessness/1196/i_need_accommodation_now
Out of hours Support:
If you are aged 18 or over, and you need support to find accommodation outside office hours or over the weekend, call the council on: 0121 303 2296.
If you are under the age of 18, call us on: 0121 675 4806.
Other Help
Other Helpful Organisations can be found on the council’s website here: https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/20207/homelessness/1216/homeless_advice
Foodbanks
I can’t afford food
If you cannot afford to buy food I can provide you with a food voucher, please contact my office on 0121 306 4275 or paulette.hamilton.mp@parliament.uk. Or alternatively, you can contact Citizen’s Advice at 08082787990 who can refer you to a foodbank. Birmingham City council also have online referral form that you can fill in: https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/xfp/form/825
The Active Wellbeing Society have put together a map with the latest list of Trussell Trust foodbanks, independent foodbanks and pantries, community cafes and cooked food providers, on street food outreach and additional (non food related) support. You can take a look at what is in your local area here: https://theaws.co.uk/food-provision-database/
Domestic Abuse
If you are in immediate danger, phone 999, or get someone else to phone, and state whether you need the police, ambulance or fire service. Move to a safe place, avoiding kitchens or stairs, and stay near a door for a quick escape. If in doubt, get out.
You can find a more in depth list of support here: https://birmingham.gov.uk/info/50047/crime_and_safety/2823/get_help_for_victims_and_survivors_of_domestic_abuse
Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid
Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid is the main organisation that provides services for women experiencing domestic abuse in Bimingham and Solihull.
0808 800 0028 – everyday, 9:15am – 5:15pm
Cranstoun
Help adults and young people facing difficulties with domestic abuse, alcohol, drugs, housing and criminal justice.
birminghamadmin@cranstoun.org.uk
Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm: 0121 633 1750
Men’s Advice Line
help to understand rights and options and to support to access refuge for male victims.
Monday to Friday 10:00am to 8:00pm: 0808 801 0327 (free call)
Bharosa Domestic Abuse Service
Bharosa works with Birmingham City Council to provide a confidential, free and fair service. We help women and young girls over the age of 16 who are experiencing any form of domestic abuse.
The service is culturally sensitive to the needs of the women we support. They can provide support in a range of different languages including Bengali, Urdu, Punjabi, Mirpuri and Gujarati.
Telephone: 0121 303 0368
Lines open: Monday to Thursday 9:00am to 5:00pm and Friday 9:00am to 4.00pm
Email: bharosa@birmingham.gov.uk
Mental Health Support
Below you can fine different mental helplines if you are struggling with your mental health. Please reach out to any of these helplines or a trusted friend or family if you need someone to talk to. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or are having thoughts of harming yourself or others; please either contact the Birmingham and Solihull Urgent Mental Health Helpline on 0800 915 9292, your GP, 999 or present yourself at A&E.
[link to mental health helpline pack]
I’m struggling to pay my energy bills
Citizen’s advice have put together a guide on what to do if you are struggling to pay your bills: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/energy/energy-supply/get-help-paying-your-bills/struggling-to-pay-your-energy-bills/
Help with your Water Bill
SevernTrent: https://www.stwater.co.uk/my-account/help-when-you-need-it/help-with-paying-your-bill/
The WaterSure scheme provides eligible customers with water meters and meeting specific criteria the opportunity to cap their water bills: https://www.stwater.co.uk/my-account/help-when-you-need-it/help-with-paying-your-bill/watersure-scheme/
Household Support Fund:
The Household Support Fund, provided by the Department for Work and Pensions, is a fixed amount of money available to the local authority to support households in most need with essentials such as food, energy and essential goods and supplies, including water
Other useful links:
Turn2us is a national charity offering information and practical support to people facing financial insecurity.
Citizen’s Advice Birmingham