Free Impartial Confidential Independent
Mid & East Antrim Community Advice Services helps people resolve their debt, benefits, housing, legal, discrimination, employment, immigration, consumer and other problems and is available to everyone regardless of race, gender, sexuality, age, nationality, disability or religion.
Mid & East Antrim Community Advice Services is a registered charity core funded by Mid & East Antrim Borough Council. We receive other funding from projects such as Welfare Reform, Pension Wise, Money Advice Service and Mid & East Antrim Age Well Partnership, as well as donations from the public.
- Independent – We are an independent charity working in partnership with others to improve access to advice;
- Free – Our services are free;
- Confidential – The client’s visit and the nature of their enquiry are not divulged to anyone outside Mid & East Antrim Community Advice Services;
- Impartial – Mid & East Antrim Community Advice Services puts the client’s interest first and provides information, advice and assistance to enable people to make informed decisions.
Our Aims
- To ensure that individuals do not suffer through lack of knowledge of their rights and responsibilities or of the services available to them, or through an inability to express their needs effectively;
- To exercise a responsible influence on the development of social policies and services, both locally and nationally.
Opening Hours
Monday
10am - 4pm Ballymena & Carrick
Tuesday
10am - 4pm Ballymena & Carrick
Wednesday
10am - 4pm Ballymena & Larne
Thursday
10am - 4pm Ballymena & Larne
Friday
10am - 4pm Ballymena
Latest News
School Uniform Scheme 2023
The preloved School Uniform Scheme will be open for collections from Monday 31st July to Friday 1st September from the following locations:
Offices closed for July holidays
Our offices are now closed for the July holidays. The Ballymena & Carrickfergus offices will be open again on Monday 17th July 2023 at 10am and the Larne […]
As we enter the last few days of the uniform scheme we would like to remind everyone that we have lots of items still available
A big thank you to NI Hospice shop in Larne and Gospel Mission in Ballymena who have donated brand new uniform items and new clothing
Dont forget EVERYTHING IS FREE
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Are there any available? Maybe at a different location?
Hi were is collection please and thank you for
Tesco Ballymena have kindly arranged a donation point for new items of uniform for those of you who wish to donate small items such as pants, socks, tights etc
Ronnie McFall Tesco Community Champion pictured with Michele Campbell Operations Director MEACAS
MEA Affordable Food Club
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Brilliant idea!!!
We have had a great response today on the first day of collections of the school uniforms with both preloved and new items available.
We would appreciate donations of the following:
School bags
Coats
Shoes
PE kits and items such as football boots, hockey sticks etc
Please continue to both donate throughout August at any of our 3 offices or at any of the collection locations below.
Each outlet will be open Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm until 1st September, except bank holiday Monday 28th August when they will be closed.
MEA Affordable Food Club
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Our preloved school Uniforms are now ready for collection from Monday 31st July until 1st September from the following locations:
The Braid, Ballymena
The Education Room, Carrickfergus Civic Centre
Unit 5 Murrayfield Shopping Centre, Larne (opposite Iceland)
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday from 10am - 3pm
except for the Bank Holiday Monday 28th August when we will be closed.
And we will continue to accept donations at each location throughout August.
Pictured below: Jack, Dane, Victor and Lewis who alongside all our staff and volunteers have worked extremely hard this week to ensure everything is ready for opening at 10am on Monday.
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council
MEA Affordable Food Club
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Hello, a group member of LACSG has asked if the Larne shop has any harbour bear preschool uniforms if anyone would be able to let us know to pass on thanks
Facebook isn’t letting me contact you by message if you see this could you send me a message
Do you have any spare hangers, carrier bags or coats you can donate to the preloved uniform scheme. Drop off at one of the locations listed in the uniform poster below:
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The preloved school uniform scheme will be open for collections from 31st July until 1st September from the following locations.
Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm.
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We are currently recruiting for Trainee Advisers and Receptionists.
To be eligible to apply you must be aged 16 to 24 and in receipt of Universal Credit, JSA, ESA or Income Support.
For more information see the vacancy numbers below or email the Advice Services Manager
julia.cleeland@meacas.com
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Can anyone not apply for this job??
We are once again running the very successful School Uniform Scheme, which is being delivered in partnership with MEACommunity Advice Services (and supported by Mid and East Antrim Poverty Action Group (PAG).
The scheme was initially piloted across the borough in July 2019 and has been providing good quality pre-worn school uniforms ever since. This has been a lifeline for many families who are struggling with the current increased cost of living.
It can cost families up to £300 per child to buy school uniforms ready for the new academic year. This places additional stress on families. In these tough times, with budgets already stretched, it could be ‘make or break’ for some of the households of the 30k schoolchildren in the Borough.
The school uniform scheme is accepting all clean, good quality garments including blazers, shirts, blouses, ties, polo shirts, trousers, shorts, skirts, pinafores, summer dresses, sweatshirts, jumpers, cardigans, PE kits, PE equipment, school bags, school shoes, trainers, football boots, hockey sticks, coats and waterproof jackets.
School Uniform Scheme drop-off points:
For your convenience, donations of good quality, clean school uniforms can be dropped off at the following Council leisure centres between Monday 3 July and Friday 28 July:
• Seven Towers Leisure Centre, Ballymena: Monday, Wednesday & Friday 7.30am - 9pm, Tuesday and Thursday - 8.45am - 9pm, Saturday 9am - 5pm and Sunday -12noon - 5pm
• Larne Leisure Centre: Monday to Friday - 8.30am to 9pm, Saturday - 9am to 5pm, Sunday - 11am to 5pm
• Amphitheatre Wellness Centre, Carrickfergus: Monday – Friday - 6.30am - 9pm, Saturday - 8am - 5pm and Sunday - 9am - 5pm
In late July Council will announce details of where families can collect items of school uniforms FREE OF CHARGE.
There is no qualifying criteria or referral process.
People can go along and drop off uniforms, however, if they have nothing to donate, they can still pick up anything that they need (subject to availability) throughout August.
Beneficiaries will be asked to complete a very short questionnaire, which will be anonymous. This will allow Council to measure impact.
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Do we have a date for when uniforms can be collected please
We are celebrating our past and present volunteers during this Volunteer Week, which runs from June 1st to June 7th.
Mid & East Antrim Community Advice Services would not be able to provide the quality services we offer without the invaluable contributions of our volunteers. A big thank you to each and every one of you who have given of your time to volunteer with us, we couldn’t do it without you 👏👏
#VolunteersWeek #VolunteersWeek2023 #celebrateandinspire #thankyouvolunteers
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Volunteer recruitment now open. Closing date Friday 16th June.
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Volunteer recruitment now open for our Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne offices.
Closing date Friday 16th June at 4pm.
Volunteers are vital for us to be able to offer the full range of services that we do and applications are open to anyone who has some spare time and would like to help the local community.
No experience necessary as full training will be given.
To apply or for more information, please contact us on the email in the flyer below 👇
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Meacas along with a number of other support agencies will be in attendance at the Rural Support Clinic this Friday in Glenlough Community Centre, Carnlough from 10am to 2pm.
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We are working for the fourth year with Habitat for Humanity to deliver the MEA Christmas Toy Container project. This project is involves inviting local residents to drop off pre-loved / unwanted toys to our 5 Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) and 3 Leisure Centres throughout November / December 2022. These toys are then provided to the local community at a very reasonable price.
Habitat are hosting a pop up shop in our Carrick and Larne Pop Up Shops next week and the following week where they will be offering toy at a very reasonable price!
· Pop Up Shop in Carrickfergus (De Courcy Centre) on Tuesday 29 November 2022; and
· Pop Up Shop in Larne (Main Street) on 6 December 2022.
Why not pop in and pick up a Christmas bargain for a little (or big!) one?
#meactiononenvironment #meachristmastoycontainer2022
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Are you interested in volunteering? Why not pop into the Tower Centre today and have a chat with Suzy about the opportunities available.
We have a number of volunteer positions available in our Ballymena, Carrick and Larne offices for various positions including reception and trainee advisers.
We also have some new volunteering opportunities within the new community hub which is due to open soon in Ballymena which include delivery drivers, meet and greet volunteers and volunteer cooks.
If you have some spare time and would like to volunteer then either come along to the Tower Centre today or give us a call for more information on 02896 001333.
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See the below offers that some businesses are doing to help with the cost of living.
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Our Ballymena office phones and internet are currently down. We are currently working to try and resolve this issue. Please be patient and thank you for your understanding.
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Our Pop-up shops are now open across Mid and East Antrim. Pictured below are Michele Campbell Operations Director MEACAS, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Ald Noel Williams and Jackie Patton Head of Community Planning and Development Mid and East Antrim.
To date, a total of 1,916 items have been collected by 474 families with an estimated total saving of £16,762
The uniforms are free to collect throughout August 2022 across three locations from 10 – 4 Monday to Friday (closed for lunch 1-1:30). Shops below:
Ballymena – Tower Centre
Carrickfergus – De Courcy Centre
Larne – Main Street
#midandeastantrim #ballymena #Carrickfergus #Larne #FreeSchoolUniforms #mea
1 CommentComment on Facebook
👌
To contact Action Fraud please follow this link: www.actionfraud.police.uk/
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
You may be eligible for one, or more, of these Cost of Living Support Payments if you get certain benefits or tax credits.
You do not need to do anything to apply. If you are eligible, you’ll be paid automatically in the same way you receive your normal benefit payments or tax credits.
These additional cost of living payments will be made separately from your normal payments. They are not taxable and will not affect any of the benefits or tax credits you get.
To be eligible for the first Cost of Living Payment of £326, you will need to have been entitled to (or later become entitled to) one of the following benefits for any day in the period 26 April 2022 to 25 May 2022:
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Income Support
Pension Credit
Universal Credit
The first cost of living payment of £326 will be paid to most eligible people in Northern Ireland from 20 July onwards - these payments will continue until the end of July.
Those on Tax Credits will receive payments in Autumn.
www.nidirect.gov.uk
A cost of living support package has been put in place for 2022 that includes one-off payments to those on income related benefits, disabled claimants and pensioners. These payments are intended to pr...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
To all our Carrickfergus clients
Thanks to Ulida Intergrated school and Woodburn Primary for their kind donation of uniforms.
These uniforms along with other uniforms from Carrickfergus schools will be distributed from our Office from 18th July and from our pop up shop in the De Courcy centre during August everything Free of Charge.
Call Leah on 07712163954
10am -4pm to pre order
3 CommentsComment on Facebook
To all our Carrickfergus clients Thanks to Ulida Intergrated school and Woodburn Primary for their kind donation of uniforms. These uniforms along with other uniforms from Carrickfergus schools will be distributed from our Office from 18th July and from our pop up shop in the De Courcy centre during August everything Free of Charge. Call Leah on 07712163954 10am -4pm to pre order
Can I drop of Carrickfergus academy uniform? Great condition, thanks
This number is saying not vaild
Come to our stall at the Wellington Court Job Fair from 12pm to 2pm today and have a chat!
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Some information for those living in Housing Executive properties regarding a recent scam. Read article below for more information.
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Details about the new mileage rate for Health Trust staff in article below.
Health Minister increases HSC mileage rate
www.health-ni.gov.uk
Health Minister Robin Swann has announced a mileage rate increase for Health Trust staff.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Hargey confirms cost-of-living payments
Hargey confirms cost-of-living payments
www.communities-ni.gov.uk
Direct cost-of-living payments of up to £650 will be made to those in greatest need over the coming weeks, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has0 CommentsComment on Facebook
McIlveen announces £12.6m summer holiday food grant
McIlveen announces £12.6m summer holiday food grant
www.education-ni.gov.uk
Families of children entitled to a free school meal will receive a school holiday food grant this summer, Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Information regarding giving and receiving notice to quit regarding tenancy.
You have to let your landlord know if you want to move out of your rented home. The law says you do this in writing a certain amount of time before the date you move out. This written notice is called a "notice to quit".
Landlords should also give tenants written notice to quit if they want a tenant to move out.
More information in the article below.
Giving and receiving Notice to Quit
www.housingadviceni.org
You have to let your landlord know if you want to move out of your rented home. The law says you do this in writing a certain amount of time before the date you move out. This written notice is called...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Previously announced Child Funeral Scheme has come in to operation today.
Details in the link provided.
Child Funeral Fund operational from today - Hargey
www.communities-ni.gov.uk
A Child Funeral Fund announced by Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey in March has come into operation today (June 1 2022).0 CommentsComment on Facebook
URGENT CLOSING DATE 7th JUNE
If you are interested in this opportunity then follow the instructions below.
#jobstart opportunities with Mid and East Antrim Community Advice Services
The JobStart scheme, run by the #departmentforcommunities has developed to help people ages 16 to 24 to get into the job market through a six-month paid employment opportunity.
Six roles are available at MEACAS two for each of our offices in Ballymena, Carrickfergus, and Larne.
📌 Ballymena - tinyurl.com/4chv5rvn
📌 Carrickfergus - tinyurl.com/5n96nbfy
📌 Larne - tinyurl.com/yc3pwz6s
If you are on UC, contact your Work Coach via your Journal. If you are in receipt of JSA, IS or ESA phone a Work Coach on 0300 200 7807. If you are 18-24 years and not in receipt of benefits phone 028 9072 6797 to check if you are eligible for the Scheme.
#jobstart #jobsbenefitsni #meacas #midandeastantrim #jobapplyni
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
#jobstart opportunities with Mid and East Antrim Community Advice Services
The JobStart scheme, run by the #departmentforcommunities has developed to help people ages 16 to 24 to get into the job market through a six-month paid employment opportunity.
Six roles are available at MEACAS two for each of our offices in Ballymena, Carrickfergus, and Larne.
📌 Ballymena - tinyurl.com/4chv5rvn
📌 Carrickfergus - tinyurl.com/5n96nbfy
📌 Larne - tinyurl.com/yc3pwz6s
If you are on UC, contact your Work Coach via your Journal. If you are in receipt of JSA, IS or ESA phone a Work Coach on 0300 200 7807. If you are 18-24 years and not in receipt of benefits phone 028 9072 6797 to check if you are eligible for the Scheme.
#jobstart #jobsbenefitsni #meacas #midandeastantrim #jobapplyni
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Ukraine Assistance Centres
The following arrangements have been put in place for the opening of the #Ukraine Assistance Centres.
Those attending will need to bring ID and proof of the scheme under which they are registered.
More information: www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/support-ukraine
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough | Ards and North Down Borough Council | Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council | Belfast City Council | Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council | Derry City & Strabane District Council | Fermanagh and Omagh District Council | Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council | Mid and East Antrim Borough Council | Mid Ulster District Council | Newry, Mourne and Down District Council | Department of Finance | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs | Department for the Economy NI | Department of Education NI | Department of Justice NI | Department for Infrastructure
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Free School Meals – Easter Break Payment
Families entitled to free school meals will receive a payment to support meals during the Easter break.
This will be paid to your bank account (if details are available) or by cheque week commencing 11 April 2022.
FAQs in the link below.
Free School Meals / Uniform Grants
www.eani.org.uk
Information on Free School Meals and Uniform Grant to include eligibility, how to apply for support in the current year (2021 -2022) and contact details.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Some informaton on a new fund to help with funeral costs for those that have unfortunately lost a child.
The Child Funeral Fund will offer a one-off payment of £3,056 after the death of a child under 18.
The money will also be made available in the event of a still birth after 24 weeks.
The fund is not means-tested and will be available to all families regardless of their financial situation.
More information below.
Child funeral fund: Families in Northern Ireland to receive payments
www.bbc.co.uk
The new fund will offer one-off payments of £3,056 to families following the death of a child.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Some information regarding PCR testing. See linked article for details.
Covid-19: Free PCR tests to end for most in April
www.bbc.co.uk
Lateral flow tests will remain free for now, but routine contact tracing is to be phased out.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
A couple in Armagh has fallen victim to scammers claiming to be Police Officers from the Police ‘Fraud Squad’.
Legitimate businesses will not ask you for your banking information over the phone. Be wary if someone on the phone claims to be a bank or other provider.
Avoid clicking links you receive in text messages; some scammers will pretend to be courier services such as DHL or Royal Mail and will send you a text claiming you have not paid your postage for example. If you are suspicious of a text you have received you should not reply or provide any personal information.
If you have been a victim of scamming you can contact us for advice on 028 9600 1333 or email us advice@meacas.com
You can also report a scam to the Action Fraud link below.
www.actionfraud.police.uk/
Couple scammed out of £77,000 by 'fraud squad'
www.bbc.co.uk
Police are warning people to be on their guard after the couple were conned over the telephone.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Are you struggling with the increased cost of living?
Have you checked that your benefit entitlement is up to date?
Even if you are employed on a low income you may be entitled to some help.
Contact us us for a benefit check with any of the numbers below alternatively you can email us at advice@meacas.com
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Some simple tips from National Energy Action NI and the Consumer Council NI about how to reduce your heating bills.
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Energy Support Payments will begin on Friday 11th March. You will be enrolled automatically if you are on an eligible benefit. See article below for more information.
Energy bills: One-off support payment delayed by one day
www.bbc.co.uk
A payment of £200 was to made on Thursday but this will not happen due to a "technical glitch".2 CommentsComment on Facebook
B Mc Quillan
David Melvin
=Getting Control of Your Finances=
Mid and East Antrim Community Advice Services is apart of the Debt NI project, we have two experienced debt advisers Mary and Jakki working across the whole of Mid and East Antrim who can help you so please reach out by texting debt to 88440, email us on advice@meacas.com or call us on 02896001333. We are here to help.
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Payments for this scheme are expected to begin on 10th March.
www.communities-ni.gov.uk/news/energy-payment-starting-next-week
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
So I am a disabled person and I get PIP. I also work part time. I don’t get any of those benefits so am I excluded? Am I being discriminated against for being disabled?
B Mc Quillan David Melvin
