Mix 92.6 Podcasts

We're all doing our best to help in the fight against climate change, so it's no surprise that scammers have decided that is where we're most vulnerable.  Trading Standards Officer Darren Ward explains on Local Life how the 'energy-efficiency scammers' work, what to watch out for and - above all - how to save yourself a lot of grief.

With the government's furlough scheme due to close at the end of October, many will be anxious about the possibility of redundancy.  There is no easy solution, but it's best to know your rights in advance.  On Local Life, June Chapman, CEO of Citizens Advice St Albans, offered seven critical tips for those facing the possibility of job loss.  Forewarned is forearmed.

When someone knocks on your door and tells you he can fix that loose tile, beware.  It's odds on he's a scammer aiming to rip you off.  HCC Trading Standards Officer Darren Ward tells Local Life some hair-raising tales of the tricks these scammers play and how much it can end up costing you.

St Albans' parliamentary candidates answer questions on their policies to address the climate and ecological crises facing us.

This was recorded at Trinity URC St Albans on Tue 3 Dec 2019.

June Chapman, CEO of Citizens Advice St Albans, answers six of the questions about Universal Credit that have been asked most frequently since the lock-down began.

June Chapman, CEO of Citizens Advice St Albans, explains how this critical support service is operating on the phone and online during the current crisis, which has forced the temporary closure of CA offices.  June provides details including the dedicated local phone line and email address.

June Chapman offers advice on one of the most frequent questions asked - what to do when I cannot pay my housing costs during the lock-down?

The pandemic has not been kind to those living on limited income, at whatever age.  But for those over 60, a single unexpected event can push you to the edge.  Kate Newton, Grants Manager at St Albans Old People's Trust, explains how the Trust can help individuals in need - and has done so to the tune of £200,000 in the past year.  Kate also describes other projects helping local people, including the Warmer Homes initiative and explains how many people are unaware that they can claim Pension Credit.

Jennifer Marshall, Regional Children’s Home Manager for MacIntryre Charity, explains how this local organisation supports children with often complex learning disabilities such as autism, helping them to develop skills for adult life.  Youngsters who seek continuity in their daily life were especially at risk during the Covid-19 lockdown but learned to cope and develop against the odds.

John Archer, CEO of the local branch of national charity Headway, explains its work with those who have experienced acquired brain injury - whether resulting from a medical condition or a traumatic event.  As recent press coverage has highlighted, sports such as soccer and rugby are now areas of concern.