General advice

Our team are on hand and can help with general queries and advice in-person, by phone, and by email.

How can we help?

If you have a general query relating to items such as:

  • Benefits
  • Blue Badges
  • Now Cards

Or if you require some help with general disability issues, please contact our team.

The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has set up a dedicated YouTube channel for BSL users so that the content can be found more easily. You can get accessible information by clicking the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/user/dwpsign

Alternatively, if you are in receipt of direct payments, you can also contact the Lancashire Independent Living Service (LILS).

We have provided some popular questions and answers below, which may be useful.

Popular questions

We recommend that you take a look at our popular questions below. If you can’t find the answer to your query, please feel free to contact us.

How do I know what benefits I am entitled to?

You can visit https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators and use one of the available online benefit calculators. If you are unable to do this contact us to see how we can help.

How do I apply for a Blue Badge?

You can visit https://www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge If you are unable to do this contact us to see how we can help.

How do I apply for a NOW card?

You can visit http://www.nowcard.org/ If you are unable to do this contact us to see how we can help.

How do I apply for benefits?

Do a google search to find out how to apply for specific benefits. If you are unable to do this contact us to see how we can help.

How do I report a hate crime/incident?

You can report online https://www.report-it.org.uk/ or contact us as we are a third-party reporting centre.

I have an issue with my housing

Contact your local council as they have an obligation to help with housing issues ie Preston City Council 01772 906412 (out of hours: 01772 906014)

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How did it go?

Have you used this service? Let us know how it went by completing our short feedback survey.

Getting in touch

You can contact Disability Equality NW for general advice. Use the button below to find out more about contacting us.

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Direct payment advice

We can provide Direct Payment information, support, and advice.

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General advice

Our team are on hand to help you with general advice.

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Hate crime advice

Here for advice, support, and for you to report a hate.

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The Safety First project

Recognising that personal safety can be compromised for disabled people.

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Supported banking service

Helping to manage your direct payments and personal budgets.

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Events, workshops & training

Further information about our upcoming events, workshops, and training.