Finding it hard to make ends meet after the Christmas spending spree? Struggling to cope with a redundancy? Would like a benefit check?

You’ll be glad to hear the East Belfast Independent Advice Centre is on hand to provide a free helping hand with your financial woes.

Mary McManus, a spokesperson for EBIAC said: “January is a busy time of year. East Belfast Independent Advice Centre (EBIAC) provides free, independent and confidential advice on a range of issues including welfare benefits, housing, consumer and employment issues and many more. Many people feel the financial difficulties after Christmas and we are here to help.”

Therefore they have provided a wide range of drop-in locations and times but do stress that an appointment is required for the completion of DLA forms.

The centre is open to give advice at 85 Castlereagh Street on Monday to Wednesday mornings from 9.30am – 12pm and Thursday afternoons from 2pm-4pm.

A drop-in service is also provided by the advice centre at:

• St Matthew's Primary School, Short Strand on Mondays from 9.30am-12pm

• Woodstock Library, Woodstock Road on Wednesdays from 2pm-4pm

• The Bridge Centre, 135 Ravenhill Road on Thursdays by appointment calling 028 90 221 221

• Tullycarnet Primary School, Kings Road on Fridays from 9.30am-12pm

The centre also provides an interpreting service for those who do not speak English.