The Community Advice and Support Scheme(CASS) charity was established in 1998 and commenced its operation in Islington and has since expanded its work to include other Greater London Boroughs such as Tower Hamlets, Newham, Barking and Dagenham, and the surrounding areas.

The management committee oversees the policies and custodians of the constitution and funds of the organisation to ensure compliance and prudence and smooth running of CASS.

Our aims and objectives can broadly be placed within the following services outlined below.

• Information:
  General, disability issues, sign posting where we cannot help. (Currently limited service)

• Advice:
  As above.

• Training:
  Volunteers, disability awareness, equality, etc.

• Consultancy:
  Buy in or consult experts to deliver services etc.

• Welfare Right Work:
  Advice and support with benefits issues and applications. (Currently Limited Service)

• Advocacy:
  Undertake detailed case work where we can. (To fill forms or give assistance to those who are home bound or for other reasons cannot come to us)

• Lobby / Dialogue:
  Contribute on public issues / educate and inform our members and clients about new developments that affect their lives.

• Volunteering:
  Recruit, train, support, supervise and work with volunteers to provide services to our members and clients.

• Practical Assistance for Disabled, Elderly and those with Long Term Illness:
  At home, with help in the house, gardening, handy work - painting and decorating, minor repairs of electrical, plumbing, furniture, etc.

• Befriending:
  For those who are vulnerable and in need.

• Outreach:
  Visit individuals and organizations to offer support with our expertise in their homes or centres.

• Work training support for job search / placements:
  Help out with employment / job seeking.

• Recycling:
  To re-use unwanted household / office items / furniture to be able to help our members, clients and other organizations who are in need.

• Grants:
  We assist our clients to identify, apply for grants designed for individual disabled or vulnerable people, receive those on their behalf, pass it on or utilize it as directed by the grant making body. Such grants have gone to help our clients buy equipment or other services they need to live in the community or for repairs and to maintain their quality of life.

• Apprenticeship:
  We work in partnership with London Borough of Islington and Department of Work and Pensions to identify, accept and place job seekers with employers in order to acquire paid work experience for a period of time as a stepping stone into permanent employment.

CASS is continuously seeking for funds to resurrect or cover the above roles fully. We gratefully thank sponsors past, present and future who have generously contributed to helping our targeted communities benefit enormously from our persistent drive to make care and opportunity available to those who need it most.