14 May 2003

A-Z GUIDE FOR FARMERS UNVEILED AT BALMORAL SHOW

A revised edition of the A-Z for Farmers, a comprehensive guide to public services, was unveiled at the Balmoral Show in Belfast today.

The new guide, a publication produced by the Social Security Agency and Family Farm Development Ltd, was the centrepiece of a special stand setting out the wide range of services and support programmes available from the Department for Social Development and its agencies.

Staff at the DSD stand also provided guidance on rural grants from the Housing Executive, advice on energy saving and the Warm Homes initiative against fuel poverty.

John Hunter, Permanent Secretary at the Department, said that information on the support available was especially valuable at a time when many in the agricultural industry were experiencing very difficult economic conditions.

"We are committed to supporting vulnerable people throughout the community. This is a valuable opportunity to pass on information about social security benefits, housing grants, energy efficiency and the Warm Homes Scheme, all of which are of particular value to people living in rural areas."

Chris Thompson, Chief Executive of the Social Security Agency added:

"The updated A-Z for Farmers, and our presence here at Balmoral, shows our commitment to making sure people in the farming and rural communities are getting the benefits they are entitled to and are aware of the range of services and support available to them.

"Knowing who to contact and where to obtain the right information is often half the battle. The first edition of the Guide was very well received and I am confident that this revised version will further help people in these testing times."

Copies of the guide are available from Social Security Agency staff on the Department for Social Development stand at the show. The guide is also available on the Social Security Agency Internet site www.ssani.gov.uk

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