Derby Rights and Representation Foundation Advice Surgery In Belper

At the Borough Council offices, King Street on Friday the 28^th October from 10am until 2pm the Derby Rights and Representation Foundation will be opening its doors to the Belper public to give free advice, support and advocacy on issues such as welfare rights, fuel poverty and benefit sanctions, as well as providing representation on a variety of other circumstances.

The Derby Rights and Representation Foundation (DRRF) is a non profit organisation established by Chris Williamson, Former MP for Derby North. Its aims are “to provide free support and advocacy to those who need it in what has become increasingly uncertain times for many members of our society.” The initiative has been funded through grants from four local Trade Unions; Unite, The Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians (UCATT), The Fire Brigade Union (FBU) and The Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF) who have expressed a belief in the necessity of the advocacy service provided.

In their press release statement Founder Chris Williamson elaborates “With social security funding under ever increasing pressure from cuts from central government, Derby Rights and Representation Foundation provides a vital lifeline for those who feel they may have nobody to turn to in these days of uncertainty.”
The expansion of this service into the Belper area is due to invitation by Belper’s Labour party Councillors Ben Bellamy, Maurice Neville, Erik Johnson and John Owen to “help fight increasing poverty and economic uncertainty in the town”.

The DRRF has also been endorsed by Labour Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn

The Derby Rights and Representation Foundation is based at 9A Theatre Walk inside the Intu Centre next door to Derby Playhouse. Similar drop in sessions will continue to be conducted from the Borough council offices fortnightly from 10am til 2pm.

 

By Bevan Cope, Youth Officer for Belper and Duffield Labour Party