Enquiries – BuDS

Articles in Enquiries

A white woman wearing headphones with a microphone looking into the camera and speaking

About The Enquiries Project

February 27, 2023February 27, 2023 Ben Clark

The BuDS Enquiries Team answers questions and queries from disabled people about a very wide range of issues. We try to fill the gaps left by other support services and helplines, so we often support disabled people with complex and difficult issues.

Getting Help From The Enquiries Project

Any disabled person with a connection to Buckinghamshire can contact the Enquiries project for help. Parents, carers, and supporters can also contact us on behalf of a disabled person. We don’t have strict rules about who we can help: we will always do our best to support you and will let you know immediately if, for any reason, we can’t.

The Enquiries project is staffed entirely by volunteers, many of them disabled people themselves. We are often very busy and there may be a delay in getting back to you. We are sorry about this, but we can only do so much. The Enquiries project is not a crisis or emergency service.

June Update – IAG Enquiries

June 30, 2022February 27, 2023 Ben Clark

So far this month, our small team have helped with 11 queries that have come in. Some are still on going due to the complexity of the issue.

The queries vary from accessibility issues that the public have raised to us, help with disability case law and assistance in dealing with work issues that fall under the Equality Act 2010.

If we can’t answer ourselves, we will always signpost you to a local or national service we know will be able to help you.

We are in need of volunteers to support this service, if you have knowledge of disability laws, housing, accessibility or benefits, we could use your support. Please email volunteering@buds.org.uk

Training Opportunities

May 31, 2022June 1, 2022 Ben Clark

Would you like to qualify as a professional Enquiries Advisor or as a Carbon Footprint Business Consultant? BuDS is happy to offer two great FREE opportunities for disabled people in Bucks to train for well-paid professional careers. Read on for more.

Why Flexible Working Is Crucial For Disabled Employees

May 31, 2022July 5, 2022 Ben Clark

Written by Janneke Elford, BuDS HR & Projects Manager

Due to the pandemic, a new era of remote working has provided greater chances for disabled workers, many of whom had previously been wrongly excluded from the workforce due to a lack of flexibility from employers.

One group in particular has been diligently advocating for flexible work: disabled and chronically ill people, who are frequently forced out of many jobs due to their employer’s inflexibility. Covid-19, on the other hand, has compelled many employers to try remote working, and they’ve discovered that it works.

April Update – IAG Enquiries

May 5, 2022May 5, 2022 Ben Clark

Whilst we have not officially launched out enquiries service yet, our small but dedicated team continues to answer queries from members and professionals across Buckinghamshire on a range of topics.

We are handling a number of enquiries currently, and we pride ourselves in being able to support members with a range of enquiries, including housing, benefits, accessibility and local help, disability, and general law and covid.

If we can’t answer ourselves we will always signpost you to a local or national service we know will be able to help you.

We are in need of volunteers to support this service, if you have knowledge of disability laws, housing, accessibility or benefits, we could use your support. Please email volunteering@buds.org.uk

Support with Energy Bill Price Cap Increase

March 31, 2022April 6, 2022 Ben Clark

Claim the energy Council Tax rebate: Households across England are being urged to contact their local council to set up direct debits, in order to receive a one-off energy rebate of £150.
For more info and updates please visit the link in the post text

On April 1st 2022, there will be an increase to the Government price cap on most people’s energy bills. This means energy bills will rise by a massive 54%. That means that a bill of £100 per month would become £154 per month. We’ve put together some useful information how you can get help towards these higher costs.