John praised advice sessions in doctors’ surgeries, organised by Leeds West Primary Care Trust and the Citizens Advice Bureau.

“This is a brilliant bit of joined up government – the kind of project Primary Care Trusts were created to do,” said John. “Poverty, money worries and stress aren’t diseases but they are very bad for your health, and it’s very good news that you can now get good, free, expert, independent advice about debt, housing or whatever the problem is – in local doctors’ surgeries here in West Leeds.”

The Citizens Advice Bureau offer advice on non-medical issues of all kinds at Armley Clinic on Tuesday afternoons, Bramley Clinic on Wednesday afternoons, and New Wortley Health Centre on Thursday afternoons. Appointments can be booked on 231 9860.

And Leeds North West PCT have been running a similar welfare rights advice session at Kirkstall Clinic for nearly two years now, working with Leeds City Council’s welfare rights unit. Leeds West PCT have applied for extra government funding to run more advice sessions.

©John Battle MP 15th September 2004