A month in the Life of The Well

A Month in the Life of The Well

What happens at The Well’s Advice Centre in any given month? The short answer is: a lot. Our team is constantly working to meet the demand for support, but the numbers only tell part of the story. They are a reflection of the challenges our community faces and the resilience of the people we serve.

In the 30 days between July 20 and August 20, our dedicated team of staff and volunteers:

• Opened over 160 new cases, providing a safe and welcoming first point of contact for individuals and families in need.
• Delivered over 511 hours of advice, dedicating time to a wide range of issues. This includes spending over 20 hours helping just one family with their housing issue, a powerful example of the long-term support The Well provides.
• Welcomed over 840 people through our doors, demonstrating the Advice Centre’s role as a vital community hub.

Understanding the Top Issues

While the numbers show the scale of our work, the list of top issues reveals the specific challenges our neighbours are facing. This month, the most common issues brought to our door were:

1. Universal Credit & Benefits: These remain at the top of our list, reflecting the ongoing struggle with financial insecurity and the complexities of the benefits system. Our advisors work hard to ensure people receive the income they are entitled to, preventing destitution and providing a foundation for stability.
2. Immigration: As a welcoming community, Govanhill is home to many newly arrived individuals and families. The need for advice on immigration-related matters highlights the support required to help people settle in and feel secure.
3. Housing: The high number of hours dedicated to housing issues speaks to the immense stress and difficulty many people face in securing and maintaining safe, affordable accommodation.
4. Council Tax & Pensions: The need for support with Council Tax and Pension Credit shows that financial pressures affect people of all ages and backgrounds.

The Story Behind the Numbers

The statistics showcase the hard work of our staff and volunteers, but more importantly, they are a powerful reminder of the resilience of the Govanhill community. Every number on that chart represents a person who took a brave step to seek help. Our purpose is to be the welcoming place where they can do just that.