Residents regularly get in contact with me over a variety of issues, and I will always do my best to assist wherever possible. While my team and I do our best to provide support to residents, there are other organisations that may also be able to help out.
Please note that neither myself nor my colleagues are a blue light service, and will not be able to offer the same level of support as an emergency service would. If you are contacting me about an emergency, do not wait for me to respond. The following contacts may be the quickest way for you to get help.
Please find below a list of contacts that may prove to be helpful to you in our local area and beyond.
LEGAL ADVICE
It is also important to note that neither myself nor my colleagues are able to offer you any form of legal representation, legal advice or personally recommend you a solicitor. If you do need legal advice, I would strongly suggest that you seek the advice of a solicitor.
You may also wish to contact Civil Legal Aid on 0345 3454 345. It must be bore in mind that not everyone will qualify for legal aid, but you can do an eligibility check here: https://www.gov.uk/check-legal-aid
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
USEFUL CONTACTS
CONSUMER ISSUES
CRIME AND ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR (ASB)
EDUCATION
ENERGY
FINANCIAL ADVICE AND SUPPORT
HOUSEHOLD SUPPORT AND BENEFITS
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
IMMIGRATION
LGBT SUPPORT SERVICES
LOCAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES
NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
PLANNING AND BUILDING REGULATIONS
PRIVATE AND CIVIL DISPUTES
PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTOR OMBUDSMAN SCHEMES
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND DISABILITIES (SEND)
TRANSPORT
WORK AND EMPLOYMENT
VETERAN AND MILITARY PERSONNEL SUPPORT SERVICES
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Police/Fire/Ambulance (emergency): Please dial 999 immediately.
Police/Fire/NHS (non-emergency): Please dial 101 as soon as possible.
Humberside Fire & Rescue: If this is an emergency call 999 immediately. 01724 295 920.
Safeguarding concerns for children and young people: If a child is in immediate danger call 999. You can also make a referral to 01724 296 500 (9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4:40pm Friday), 08081 689 687 (freephone) or 01724 296 555 (answerphone – out of hours and at weekends).
Safeguarding concerns for adults: If an adult is in immediate danger, please call 999. You can also make a referral to 01724 297 000, where you should ask for the adult protection team.
USEFUL CONTACTS
North Lincolnshire Council (any council related enquiries): please phone 01724 297 000 or email customercontactcentre@northlincs.gov.uk
Citizens Advice – Citizens Advice are able to offer free and confidential advice on a variety of issues. For more information on what support and advice Citizens Advice can provide, you can visit their website here. Alternatively, you can call 0344 111 444.
Environment Agency: 0800 807 060
North Lincolnshire Trading Standards: The local body responsible for investigating and resolving concerns relating to consumer safety and fair trading, primary production food and feed, animal health and welfare, weights and measures. For more information, please click here. Alternatively, you can email trading.standards@northlincs.gov.uk
CONSUMER ISSUES
Trading Standards – North Lincolnshire Council – The local body responsible for investigating and resolving concerns relating to consumer safety and fair trading, primary production food and feed, animal health and welfare, weights and measures. For more information, please click here. Alternatively, you can email trading.standards@northlincs.gov.uk
Citizens Advice – Citizens Advice are able to offer free and confidential advice on a variety of issues. For more information on what support and advice Citizens Advice can provide, you can visit their website here. Alternatively, you can call 0344 111 444.
Communications Ombudsman - The body responsible for impartially and independently handling disputes between consumers and telecommunications providers. You must complete the complaints progress with your telecommunications provider first, before raising a complaint with the Communications Ombudsman. For more information or to raise an issue, please click here.
CRIME AND ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR (ASB)
Humberside Police – Our regional police force working to keep our area safe. If you need to report a crime in an emergency, please do so by calling 999. In a non-emergency, you can call 101 or report it on their website here. You can also visit this link to find out more about our local police force, file a complaint, provide updates on an existing report and much more.
Safer Neighbourhoods – A North Lincs Council ran initiative using a multi-agency intervention to ensure that crime is reduced in our community. If you experience instances of ASB, or other crimes in your community you can access support from Safer Neighbourhoods, or find out more information here.
ASB Help – A small national charity that offers further advice and support to victims of ASB that have exhausted all other avenues of escalation through their local council. If you have received support from North Lincs Council but feel you require further support as a victim of ASB, you can access more information and contact ASB Help here.
Crimestoppers – A national charity that enables victims or witnesses of crimes to anonymously report crimes. For more information on the support and services they provide, you can visit their website here. Alternatively, you can anonymously report information by calling 0800 555 111.
Victim Support – If you have been a victim of a crime, or have been affected by a crime, Victim Support are a charity that can offer free and confidential advice, including helping create a safety plan if you feel unsafe, understanding where to turn to, and learning how to cope. For more information or to access support, please click here.
EDUCATION
Education Support – Education Support is a charity dedicated to the mental health support of teachers and education staff at education facilities across the UK. To find out more, you can visit their website here, or you can give them a call at 0800 562 561.
School Complaints – If you are facing issues with a school, you may want to complain. To find out the complaint types and see where yours fits in, you can visit the Government website here.
State School Complaints – If you have completed the complaints process within the school and are not happy, you can either complain to the Department for Education, or to Ofsted. To complain to the Department for Education, please visit their website here. If you would like to complain to Ofsted, please do so here.
Special Education Needs (SEN) School Complaints – If you have completed the complaints progress with the school or local authority and are not happy, you can complain to the Department for Education here.
Private School Complaints – If you have followed the school’s complaints procedure and are not happy with the outcome, you can complain to the Department for Education here.
Reporting Serious Teacher Misconduct – If you are aware of serious misconduct of a teacher, you should report it. Before doing so, you must complain to the school or sixth form, the board of governors and the local authority. If you have done all of the above, you can report serious misconduct here.
Report Child Abuse – If you have any concerns that a child or young person is at risk or being neglected, you can call the Children’s Social Care team on 01724 296500 (Mon-Fri, 9am to 5pm) and 08081 689667. At weekends and in out of office hours, you can call their answerphone on 01724 296555.
Data Protection – If you have concerns about data protection at a school, you can make a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office here.
Discrimination – If you have concerns about discrimination at a school, you can make a complaint to the Equality Advisory and Support Service here.
Exam Board Complaints – If you would like to make a complaint, raise a concern (whistleblow) or report malpractice about an exam board, you can do so here.
Key Stage 1 and 2 Maladministration – If you would like to find some more information on maladministration in Key Stage 1 and 2, and how to report it, you can do so here.
ENERGY
Energy Ombudsman - The body responsible for impartially and independently handling disputes between consumers and energy suppliers. You must complete the complaints progress with your energy supplier first, before raising a complaint with the Energy Ombudsman. For more information or to raise an issue, please click here.
British Gas – If you have any concerns or issues with British Gas as your energy provider and require support or intervention, you can find their FAQs for help and support here, or you can find out how to contact British Gas directly here.
e.on Next – If you have any concerns or issues with e.on Next as your energy provider and require support or intervention, you can find both their FAQs for help and support, alongside additional contact details by clicking here.
EDF Energy - If you have any concerns or issues with EDF Energy as your energy provider and require support or intervention, you can find both their FAQs for help and support, alongside additional contact details by clicking here.
Octopus Energy - If you have any concerns or issues with Octopus Energy as your energy provider and require support or intervention, you can find both their FAQs for help and support, alongside additional contact details by clicking here.
OVO Energy - If you have any concerns or issues with OVO Energy as your energy provider and require support or intervention, you can find both their FAQs for help and support, alongside additional contact details by clicking here.
SSE Energy – If you have any concerns or issues with SSE Energy as your energy provider and require support or intervention, you can find out how to contact SSE Energy directly by clicking here.
FINANCIAL ADVICE AND SUPPORT
MoneyHelper – A government-backed organisation providing free and impartial assistance with money, whether that be your pension, accrued debt, or further personal budget concerns. You can find out more, or access assistance here.
Citizens Advice – Citizens Advice are able to offer free and confidential advice on a variety of issues, including on matters of finance. For more information on what support and advice Citizens Advice can provide, you can visit their website here. Alternatively, you can call 0344 111 444.
British Red Cross – National Charity that provides support across a wide range of issues. They have created a useful page that outlines the support that those struggling financially can receive, and where they can access support local to them. To find out more information and access their advice, please click here.
Financial Ombudsman – The body responsible for impartially and independently handling disputes covering most areas of personal finance between consumers and financial businesses or claims management companies. You must complete the complaints progress with your financial business or claims management company first, before raising a complaint with the Financial Ombudsman. For more information or to raise an issue, please click here.
PayPlan – This is a free service, that provides advice and support for those in debt. This includes liaising with your debtors and helping adjust your current budget, as well as assistance in establishing a payment plan. For more information, please visit their website here. Alternatively, you can get help by calling PayPlan on 0800 316 1833.
HOUSEHOLD SUPPORT AND BENEFITS
Employment and Support Allowance – If you would like to claim ESA as someone who has a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work, you can do so by clicking here.
Housing Advice – Please call 01724 297 000. You should ask for the Housing Advice Team.
Ongo Homes – North Lincolnshire’s largest housing provider. If you wish to find a home, or are facing issues as an Ongo Homes tenant, you can find more information, including houses to buy or rent and how to report an issue, here.
Shelter England – A UK charity that provides support for housing issues, whether that be facing potential homelessness or want to find out your housing rights. You can visit their website here or call 0808 800 4444 for assistance.
The Forge Project – Open five mornings a week, The Forge Project provides support to those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness through the provision of food and warmth, as well as signposting and referrals to appropriate agencies when necessary. You can visit their website for more information here, call them on 01724 276 742, email them at talktous.forgeproject@gmail.com, or visit them at Cottage Beck Road, DN16 1UB.
Universal Credit – If you would like to claim Universal Credit as you are unemployed or on a low income, you can do so by clicking here.
Crosby Community Association – Open Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm, Crosby Community Association provides free advice and guidance in areas of Welfare Benefits, Housing Issues and Debt. They can help in a variety of ways, including helping complete forms, managing council tax issues and more. For more information, you can visit their website here, give them a call on 01724 330 022, or visit them on Frodingham Road.
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Scunthorpe General Hospital – For more information, you can visit their website here. Alternatively, you can call 01724 282 282, or for patient enquiries contact nlg-tr.pals@nhs.net
Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital – You can visit their website here, or call 01472 874 111.
NHS North Lincolnshire CCG – You can visit their website for more information here, or call 01652 251 000.
North Lincolnshire Council Healthy Lifestyle Service – This service can support people with things such as achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, stopping smoking, being more active, and increasing your emotional health. You can get in touch by emailing nlc.healthylifestyles@nhs.net or calling them on 01724 298212.
Disability Liaison Nurse – These nurses work clinically with patients everyday, as well as ensuring that staff are given advice and support so that reasonable adjustment can be made to patient care. If you require support from this team during your time in hospital, you can click here to find out what duties they can provide help with.
Patient Advice and Liaison Services (PALS) – PALS deals with any complaints you may have about your local hospital. You can get in touch by emailing nlg-tr.PALS@nhs.net, or by calling 03033 306518.
Cloverleaf Advocacy – This service provides advocacy services to people with mental health needs, learning disabilities, older people, people with physical and sensory impairment, and carers. This supports people to make their own decisions, have their voices heard and to achieve their own goals. You can contact them by emailing northlincs@cloverleaf-advocacy.co.uk, or you can call 01724 854952.
Adult Information Service (AIS) – AIS provides free, impartial information and guidance on services, activities and what’s on for adults across North Lincolnshire. They provide advice on staying independent, support in your community, support for carers, activities and groups for you to get involved in and general information on care and support. You can email them at ais@northlincs.gov.uk, or call them at 01724 297000.
The Ironstone Sexual Health Clinic – The clinic is able to provide advice around any sexual health concerns you may have, and offer free testing for STI’s, contraception and PrEP. To find out more, you can visit their website here, or call them on 0300 330 1122.
IMMIGRATION
Citizens Advice – Citizens Advice are able to offer free and confidential advice on a variety of immigration issues. For more information on what immigration support and advice Citizens Advice can provide, you can visit their website here. Alternatively, you can call 0344 111 444.
Immigration Advisers – Immigration Advisers can provide advice and help on a wide range of immigration issues, including helping fill in the correct forms and representing you at tribunal. It is important to note that this is not necessarily free advice. You must ensure that the adviser is registered and if they charge a fee before using them. You can find an Immigration Adviser here.
Immigration Advice Services – These services are a non-Government Agency that provide specialist immigration advice. It is important to bear in mind that they will charge for their advice and services. To learn more about the services they provide, you can visit their website here, give them a call on 0333 305 9375, or email them at info@iasservices.org.uk.
Migrant Help UK – Migrant Help is a UK charity that provides support to people affected by displacement, offering help with applying for accommodation and financial support for asylum seekers, interpreting services alongside many more services. To find out more, you can visit their website here.
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) – You are also able to contact UKVI directly for help. It is important to note that they are unable to give you advice about your personal circumstances. You can contact them by visiting their website here.
LGBT SUPPORT SERVICES
Stonewall – A registered charity that provides support through a variety of avenues that impact the LGBT community, including advice and support on coming out, understanding your rights, signposting to local community youth groups and much more. For more information on how Stonewall can support you in your journey, please click here.
Galop – Galop is a charity that directs support to LGBT community members who have been, or are, victims of abuse, in addition to their family members and friends. This includes children and young people who require support. For more information on how Galop can help, please click here.
MindOut – A LGBT mental health service run by and for LGBT community members. This is a global online support service that provides mental health support for those who identify as LGBT or other. For more information or to access their services, please click here.
Switchboard – A national LGBT support line. Switchboard provides support and advice from LGBT members across the country at any point in their journey, from sexual health to relationships, to gender identity. For more information or to access their services, please click here.
LOCAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
The Talking Shop in the Foundry – If you are feeling anxiety, low mood or stress, the Talking Shop in Scunthorpe is able to offer a free brief telephone consultation at 01724 867297. This is an NHS-funded psychological therapy service available Monday-Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm, and they can direct you to services they feel will help you or advise you on steps you can rake to improve your wellbeing. They are based in the Foundry in the town centre.
Scunthorpe and District Mind – The local branch of national charity Mind, who provide advice and support to local people. They offer 1-1 sessions, as well as telephone support on 01724 279500. In times of crisis, Mind run a prevention service for over 16s from Thursday-Sunday called the Haven. From 6pm-midnight, the organisation welcomes those in difficulty to a communal area in the headquarters at Printer’s Yard on Fenton Street. There, people can receive self-help advice, and develop a plan to improve their wellbeing. You can find more general mental health advice from Mind here.
Samaritans Scunthorpe – Samaritans continue to provide completely free advice via telephone, email and letter. You can talk to one of their volunteers 24/7, and no judgement is given on the importance or type of issue that you may be concerned about. They can be called on 116 123, or you can email them at jo@samaritans.org. Our nearest Samaritans branch is on Lindum Street. You can find out more here.
Life Central – A support service created by North Lincolnshire Council, in conjunction with North Lincolnshire Youth Council and the local NHS Trust, to provide advice to young people on everyday topics like healthy eating, dealing with exam stress and bulling. You can find out more here.
Qwell – A free online mental health and wellbeing support service for over 18s in the Humber, Coast and Vale. You can exchange messages with accredited professionals in a safe and confidential environment, and access tools like online journals to track your moods. For more information or to access support, please click here.
Your GP – You are able to book an appointment with your GP if you are having mental health difficulties. There may be a range of different outcomes to this, from suggested lifestyle changes, to a referral to psychological wellbeing services, to medication. Do not be afraid to reach out to your GP if you require this support.
Humber, Coast and Vale Resilience Hub – For health and care workers. Manned by trained mental health professionals who focus on helping people going though emotional wellbeing to bereavement, debt, domestic violence and relationship issues. There is now a referral number you can contact to receive support – 03300 022 044 – and an app containing steps to improve wellbeing and refer yourself, called HNY Our People.
LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES
Your councillors are ready and willing to help with local issues you may be facing in your ward. You can find your electoral ward here, and I have provided a list of ward councillors and their contact details below for you.
Cllr Andrea Davison (Ashby Central) – Please call 01724 296349 or email andrea.davison@northlincs.gov.uk
Cllr Mick Grant (Ashby Central) – Please call 01724 296348 or email cllr.mickgrant@northlincs.gov.uk
Cllr Judith Matthews (Ashby Lakeside) - Please call 07823 791310, or email cllr.judithmatthews@northlincs.gov.uk
Cllr Max Bell (Ashby Lakeside) - Please call 07823 791662, or email cllr.maxbell@northlincs.gov.uk
Cllr Janet Longcake (Bottesford) - Please call 01724 858142, or email cllr.janetlongcake@northlincs.gov.uk
Cllr John Davison (Bottesford) - Please call 01724 850833 or 07986 608509 (mobile), or email cllr.johndavison@northlincs.gov.uk
Cllr Margaret Armiger (Bottesford) - Please call 01724 349743 or 07505 528040 (mobile), or email cllr.margaretarmiger@northlincs.gov.uk
Cllr Carol Ross (Broughton and Scawby) – Please call 01652 652990 or 07885 880189 (mobile), or email cllr.carolross@northlincs.gov.uk
Cllr Janet Lee (Broughton and Scawby) - Please call 07855 406401, or email cllr.janetlee@northlincs.gov.uk
Cllr Len Foster (Brumby) - Please call 01724 330994, or email len.k.foster@northlincs.gov.uk
Cllr Steve Swift (Brumby) - Please call 01724 296348, or email steve.swift@northlincs.gov.uk
Cllr Susan Armitage (Brumby) - Please call 01724 783431, or email cllr.suearmitage@northlincs.gov.uk
Cllr Christine O’Sullivan (Crosby and Park) – Please call 01724 270950, or email cllr.christineosullivan@northlincs.gov.uk
Cllr Helen Yates (Crosby and Park) - Please call 07823 790472, or email cllr.helenyates@northlincs.gov.uk
Cllr Naseer Ahmed (Crosby and Park) - Please call 07823 791796, or email cllr.naseerahmed@northlincs.gov.uk
Cllr Darryl Southern (Frodingham) - Please call 07504 813880, or email cllr.darrylsouthern@northlincs.gov.uk
Cllr Tony Ellerby (Frodingham) - Please call 01724 861331, or email cllr.tonyellerby@northlincs.gov.uk
Cllr Helen Rayner (Kingsway with Lincoln Gardens) - Please call 07905 772716, or email cllr.helenrayner@northlincs.gov.uk
Cllr Tony Gosling (Kingsway with Lincoln Gardens) - Please call 01724 855725, or email cllr.tonygosling@northlincs.gov.uk
Cllr Neil Poole (Messingham) - Please call 07860 799178, or email cllr.neilpoole@northlincs.gov.uk
Cllr David Garritt (Ridge) - Please call 07824 889616, or email cllr.davidgarritt@northlincs.gov.uk
Cllr Trevor Foster (Ridge) - Please call 01724 762119, or email cllr.trevorfoster@northlincs.gov.uk
Cllr Lorraine Yeadon (Town) - Please call 01724 296348, or email cllr.lorraineyeadon@northlincs.gov.uk
Cllr Mashook Ali (Town) - Please call 01724 850700, or email cllr.mashookali@northlincs.gov.uk
NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
Shout – Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. It’s used most frequently by people who are anxious, stressed, depressed, suicidal or overwhelmed and who need immediate support. To access the service and start a conversation with a trained volunteer, send a text to 85258.
No Panic – No Panic is a registered charity which helps people who suffer from panic attacks, phobias, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders and other related anxiety disorders. A confidential helpline that is staffed by trained volunteers can be accessed at 0844 967 4848.
Kooth – An online platform for children and young adults aged 11-25. It allows registered users to access free online counselling, and join in conversations on moderated discussion boards. For more information or to access support, please click here.
CALM – The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is leading a movement against poor mental health. They run a free and confidential helpline and webchat which is available 7 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone who needs to talk about life’s problems. They also have a helpline on 0800 58 58 58 which is open from 5pm-midnight 365 days a year for anyone who is in crisis. You can find more information on their services here.
Childline – Childline provides free, confidential advice to children and young people up to the age of 19 on any issue that they may be facing, including abuse, gender identity and mental wellbeing. For more information, please click here.
PLANNING AND BUILDING REGULATIONS
Planning Control Breaches - If you believe a development is in progress without authorisation, or is in breach of the agreed conditions, you can report this to North Lincolnshire Council here.
Planning Concerns – If you have any questions, or require advice in relation to planning, whether that be accessing the Local Development Framework, or find a Planning Application, you can do so here.
Property Ombudsman – The body responsible for impartially and independently handling disputes between consumers and Property Agents. You must complete the complaints progress with your Property Agent first, before raising a complaint with the Property Ombudsman. For more information or to raise an issue, please click here.
New Homes Ombudsman – The body responsible for resolving complaints from people who have purchased a new home, and are dissatisfied with an aspect of the service they have received, or the quality of the new home. Please note, this service covers homes built by developers who are registered with the New Homes Quality Board. You can check whether your developer is a Registered Developer on their website. For more information or to raise a complaint, please click here.
Furniture and Home Improvement Ombudsman – The body responsible for impartially and independently handling disputes between consumers and furniture or home improvement businesses. You must complete the complaints progress with the relevant business first, before raising a complaint with the Furniture and Home Improvement Ombudsman. For more information or to raise an issue, please click here.
PRIVATE AND CIVIL DISPUTES
Civil Mediation - Mediation is a means to resolve a dispute between two or more people, businesses and other organisations. If you are unsure of what would qualify for a civil mediation, please click here for further information.
Neighbour Dispute Advice – If you are having a dispute with a neighbour and are unsure how to resolve the issue, you can find additional advice and support here.
Civil Legal Advice – This body provides free and confidential legal advice if you are eligible. They can provide support for a variety of issues, including domestic abuse, special educational needs, housin issues and more. To find out if you are eligible or for additional information, please click here.
Communications Ombudsman - The body responsible for impartially and independently handling disputes between consumers and telecommunications providers. You must complete the complaints progress with your telecommunications provider first, before raising a complaint with the Communications Ombudsman. For more information or to raise an issue, please click here.
PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTOR OMBUDSMAN SCHEMES
Private Sector
Energy Ombudsman – The body responsible for impartially and independently handling disputes between consumers and energy suppliers. You must complete the complaints progress with your energy supplier first, before raising a complaint with the Energy Ombudsman. For more information or to raise an issue, please click here.
Communications Ombudsman – The body responsible for impartially and independently handling disputes between consumers and telecommunications providers. You must complete the complaints progress with your telecommunications provider first, before raising a complaint with the Communications Ombudsman. For more information or to raise an issue, please click here.
Motor Ombudsman – The body responsible for impartially and independently handling disputes between consumers and the UK’s motor industry. For more information or to raise an issue, please click here.
Rail Ombudsman - The body responsible for impartially and independently handling disputes between consumers and service providers within the rail industry. You must complete the complaints progress with your service provider first, before raising a complaint with the Rail Ombudsman. For more information or to raise an issue, please click here.
Financial Ombudsman – The body responsible for impartially and independently handling disputes covering most areas of personal finance between consumers and financial businesses or claims management companies. You must complete the complaints progress with your financial business or claims management company first, before raising a complaint with the Financial Ombudsman. For more information or to raise an issue, please click here.
Property Ombudsman – The body responsible for impartially and independently handling disputes between consumers and Property Agents. You must complete the complaints progress with your Property Agent first, before raising a complaint with the Property Ombudsman. For more information or to raise an issue, please click here.
New Homes Ombudsman – The body responsible for resolving complaints from people who have purchased a new home, and are dissatisfied with an aspect of the service they have received, or the quality of the new home. Please note, this service covers homes built by developers who are registered with the New Homes Quality Board. You can check whether your developer is a Registered Developer on their website. For more information or to raise a complaint, please click here.
Furniture and Home Improvement Ombudsman – The body responsible for impartially and independently handling disputes between consumers and furniture or home improvement businesses. You must complete the complaints progress with the relevant business first, before raising a complaint with the Furniture and Home Improvement Ombudsman. For more information or to raise an issue, please click here.
Pensions Ombudsman - The body responsible for impartially and independently investigating Public and Private Pension complaints or disputes. It is also for the investigation of complaints concerning decisions made by the Pension Protection Fund or the Financial Assistance Scheme. This is a free service. For more information or to raise an issue, please click here.
Legal Ombudsman – The body responsible for investigating complaints between consumers and legal service providers. This is a free service. Ideally, you should first raise the complaint with the person who provided you with the legal service, however it is appreciated that this is not always easy or possible. For more information or to raise an issue, please click here.
Public Sector
European Ombudsman – The body responsible for independently investigating maladministration or systemic issues reported about European Union institutions and bodies. This is a free service. To find out more or to raise an issue, please click here.
Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman - The body responsible for impartially and independently making final decisions on complaints not resolved by NHS England and UK Government departments and other organisations. This is a free service. For more information or to raise an issue, please click here.
Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman – The body responsible for fairly and independently investigating complaints against councils and other authorities and organisations, including adult social care providers. This is a free service. For more information or to raise an issue, please click here.
Housing Ombudsman – The body responsible for resolving disputes about registered housing organisations through independent, impartial and fair investigation. They resolve disputes between tenants and leaseholders of social landlords (housing associations, local authorities) and voluntary members (private landlords, letting agents), working with residents as they are within the landlord’s complaints procedure. This is a free service. Please note, if your landlord is not a member of this service, the Housing Ombudsman are unable to assist. For more information or to raise an issue, please click here.
Prisons and Probation Ombudsman – The body responsible for carrying out independent investigations into complaints and deaths in custody. The three main duties of this body are to investigate complaints made by offenders under probation supervision and individuals detained under immigration powers, investigate deaths of prisoners in detention, and investigate deaths of recently released (within 14 days of release) prisoners excluding homicide. To find out more or to raise an issue, please click here.
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND DISABILITIES (SEND)
Disability Liaison Nurses – These nurses work clinically with patients everyday, as well as ensuring that staff are given advice and support so that reasonable adjustment can be made to patient care. If you require support from this team during your time in hospital, you can click here to find out what duties they can provide help with.
Special Educational Needs (SEN) School Complaints – If you have concerns about a school’s provision of SEN support, you can find out how to submit a complaint here.
National Autistic Society – If you, a family member or friend is diagnosed with autism and require any further support, the National Autistic Society can provide assistance and guidance through a variety of avenues, including schooling, employment and more. To find out more, or access assistance, please click here.
Mencap - If you, a family member or friend is diagnosed with a learning disability and require any further support, the Mencap can provide assistance and guidance through a variety of avenues. To find out more, or access assistance, please click here.
Independent Provider of Special Education Advice (IPSEA) – IPSEA is a charity that provides advice on SEND law, helps navigate the SEND system and ensure that SEND children receive the education and provisions they are entitled to. To find out more or access support, please click here.
Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) – Working to end the discrimination faced by deaf, hearing loss and tinnitus. For more information on their work and research, or to access their support, please click here.
Royal Association for Deaf People (RAD) – Providing services through events and workshops, interpretations, and enhancing independence for deaf people. For more information or to access their support, please click here.
SignHealth – Providing support to vulnerable deaf people, with support like learning skills for daily living, budgeting and socialising. For more information, or to access their support, you can visit their website here.
National Deaf Children’s Society – Providing support for families, deaf children and young people. This can be through assistive technology, emotional health and wellbeing for family members, getting diagnoses and more. For more information or to access their support, you can access their website here.
Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) – A charity providing support, whether that be through assistive technology procurement, education, financial help and more. For more information, you can access their website here. Alternatively, you can call 0303 123 9999.
Partially Sighted Society – A society providing information, advice, as well as assistive technology and clear print material to help those with a visual impairment make the most of their remaining sight. For more information, you can access their website here.
Guide Dogs for the Blind Association – A charity dedicated to supporting people living with a visual impairment, with or without a dog. Can help provide mechanisms to ensure those living with sight loss can do so actively, independently and confidently. For more information, you can visit their website here, or call them on 0800 781 1444 between 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday.
TRANSPORT
Hornsby Travel– A locally-based, North Lincolnshire bus company. If you have any queries or concerns about the service they provide, you can do so by calling 01724 282255 between 09:30-13:00, or emailing info@hornsbytravel.co.uk. For more information, you can visit their website here.
JustGo North Lincs – An on-demand bus service provided by North Lincolnshire Council in partnership with East Yorkshire. Passengers can book and pay on their smartphone, or give them a call to book on 01482 381 710. For more information, or to raise any queries or concerns, you can visit their website here, or email info@justgonorthlincs.co.uk.
Motor Ombudsman – The body responsible for impartially and independently handling disputes between consumers and the UK’s motor industry. For more information or to raise an issue, please click here.
Rail Ombudsman - The body responsible for impartially and independently handling disputes between consumers and service providers within the rail industry. You must complete the complaints progress with your service provider first, before raising a complaint with the Rail Ombudsman. For more information or to raise an issue, please click here.
Stagecoach – One of the UK’s largest bus operators, including here in Scunthorpe. If you have any queries or concerns about the services they provide, please visit Stagecoach’s website here to see their FAQs, or you can call 0345 241 8000, which is open 08:00-18:00 Monday-Friday, or 09:00-17:00 on weekends.
TransPennine Express – Train service providers in Scotland and the North of England, including here at Scunthorpe Train Station. If you have any questions or concerns about the services they provide, please visit the TransPennine Express website here, where you can complete an online form. Alternatively, you can call 0345 600 1671 between 06:00 and 23:00.
WORK AND EMPLOYMENT
ACAS (Employment Dispute Advice) – Acas provides both employers and employees free and impartial advice on workplace rights, rules and best practice. Acas can also offer training support, or assistance in resolving workplace disputes. This is a free service. To find out more or access their services, please click here.
Action Station – North Lincolnshire Council – A local council initiative established to provide support for those seeking employment, or looking to develop their employment skills. This is a free service. For more information, or to access support, please click here.
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) - If you would like to claim ESA as someone who has a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work, you can do so by clicking here.
Scunthorpe Jobcentre Plus – If you are unemployed, or looking to find new employment, you can find locally available jobs or request further support from the local jobcentre. For more information, please click here.
Trading Standards – North Lincolnshire Council – The local body responsible for investigating and resolving concerns relating to consumer safety and fair trading, primary production food and feed, animal health and welfare, weights and measures. For more information, please click here. Alternatively, you can email trading.standards@northlincs.gov.uk
Universal Credit – If you would like to claim Universal Credit as you are unemployed or on a low income, you can do so by clicking here.
Employment Tribunal – If you believe you have been treated unfairly by a current or former employer, you may be entitled to an employment tribunal. This tribunal will hear claims independently in legal disputes around employment law. For more information, please click here.
VETERAN AND MILITARY PERSONNEL SUPPORT SERVICES
North Lincs Veterans Community Hub – A local support network for North Lincolnshire Veterans, the Community Hub provides support to veterans by signposting relevant organisations that may be able to help, as well as offering breakfast clubs for veterans to socialise. For more information or access their services, please click here.
Help for Heroes – Providing support for soldiers, veterans and their families, whether they are struggling with mental trauma, loneliness, disability, poverty or have any other issues or concerns. Help for Heroes ensures that military veterans and families get the support they need after service. For more information please click here.
Veterans’ Gateway – A government-backed service that is the first point of service for all Tri-Service veterans and their families. This gateway provides support on how to adapt to civilian life, whether that be employment, finance, or other obstacles. You can find out more about the services they provide and how to access them here.
Combat Stress – Focussed on mental health trauma, Combat Stress provides clinical treatment and support for veterans, with mental health problems including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression. For more information or to access support, please click here.
Armed Forces Covenant – North Lincolnshire Council has signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant to highlight their commitment to the local Armed Forces community. In conjunction with this, North Lincs Council have spearheaded a number of initiatives to support local veterans and Armed Forces personnel. For more information, please click here.