We have a growing database of resources and external links that you may find useful. Select a category from the list below.
Note: Monmouthshire County Council are not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
Advice and Benefits
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Age Concern is the UK's largest organisation working with and for older people. They provide vital local services as well as influencing public opinion and government. Every day they are in touch with thousands of older people enabling them to make more of life.
The Appeals Service was formally launched on 3rd April 2000. The Service arranges and hears appeals on decisions on Social Security, Child Support, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, Vaccine Damage, Tax Credit and Compensation Recovery, Child Tax Credit and Pensions Credit
This site provides comprehensive information about Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance. Find out if you qualify and at what rate you are likely to be paid. Contains guidance on application, how the Department of Work and Pensions make decisions about Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance, and more.
The Citizens Advice Bureau Service offers free, confidential, impartial and independent advice. From its origins in 1939 as an emergency service during World War II, it has evolved into a professional national agency.
The UK's leading drugs charity and centre of expertise on drugs
EGAS - providing you with information on alternative sources of funding for further and higher education
A free directory that lists self help groups, support groups and charities in the UK.
The Inland Revenue is here to ensure that everyone understands and receives what they are entitled to and understands and pays what they owe, so that everyone contributes to the UK's needs.
Samaritans is available 24 hours a day to provide confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide.
Asylum Seekers and Refugees
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A movement of ordinary people from across the world standing up for humanity and human rights, our purpose is to protect individuals wherever justice, fairness, freedom and truth are denied.
information on general and health related issues, multilingual and multicultural health resources.
The Immigration Advisory Service (IAS) is the UK’s largest charity providing representation and advice in immigration and asylum law. These services are free to people who are eligible
Information, news, events, publications, myth busting, newsletter.
The NCB website has information for professionals working with young asylum seekers and refugees
Experience in reception, resettlement, development and integration, provide advice and support to asylum seekers and refugees.
News, briefings, information in 12 languages, myth buster leaflets, advice and publications.
Business
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Business Finder UK serves the UK public by providing Free Business Listing, Free Business Searches, Free Classifieds and Free Business Cards.
One of the leading professional accountancy bodies in the UK and the only one which specialises in the public sector.
The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) is the UK's independent regulator for corporate reporting and governance.
A business portal designed to help new businesses to get started by offering advice and services to make the business start-up process easier.
UK Trade & Investment's trade services offer support to companies based in the UK to achieve their export potential.
Central Government
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This site's purpose is to promote the UK overseas, communicate Government news and information, explain the role and history of Number 10 as a building, and the office of Prime Minister as an institution.
The Cabinet Office's role is to support the Government's delivery and reform programme.
Communities and Local Government's vision is of prosperous and cohesive communities, offering a safe, healthy and sustainable environment for all.
CJS Online has been developed as part of modernising government agenda, to establish a consolidated criminal justice system (CJS) presence on the Internet and reflect the continued commitment to deliver quality services which reflect both the citizens' needs and those working within the CJS.
The Department For Constitutional Affairs are responsible in government for upholding justice, rights and democracy. They aim to empower citizens to obtain justice, safeguard their rights, and participate in a transparent and accountable democratic process.
The Department For Culture, Media & Sport aims to improve the quality of life for all cultural and sporting activities and through the strengthening of the tourism, creative and leisure industries.
Defra (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) was created in June 2001 * to drive forward the Government's programmes on the environment, food and rural affairs. They work for the essentials of life - food, air, land, water, people, animals and plants. Their remit is the pursuit of sustainable development - weaving together economic, social and environmental concerns.
Providing health and social care policy, guidance and publications
The Department for International Development (DFID) was established in 1997, as the successor to the Overseas Development Administration, previously part of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO).
The Department for Transport's objective is to oversee the delivery of a reliable, safe and secure transport system that responds efficiently to the needs of individuals and business whilst safeguarding our environment.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is responsible for the Government's welfare reform agenda. Its aim is to promote opportunity and independence for all. It delivers support and advice through a modern network of services to people of working age, employers, pensioners, families and children and disabled people.
The website that takes you to the heart of government.
The European Union (EU) is a family of democratic European countries, committed to working together for peace and prosperity. It is not a State intended to replace existing states, but it is more than any other international organisation. Its Member States have set up common institutions to which they delegate some of their sovereignty so that decisions on specific matters of joint interest can be made democratically at European level.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office provides a range of essential services to the public - from advising British travellers to issuing UK visas and promoting trade and investment opportunities overseas.
HMSO delivers a wide range of services to the public, information industry and government relating to access and re-use of government information.
HM Customs and Excise is a Government department with responsibility for collecting billions of pounds in revenue each year in VAT, other taxes and customs duties. We also have a vital front-line role in protecting our society from illegal imports of drugs, alcohol and tobacco smuggling and tax fraud.
HM Treasury aims to raise the rate of sustainable growth and achieve rising prosperity and a better quality of life, with economic and employment opportunities for all.
The Home Office website has information for asylum seekrs and refugees.
This site provides the first one-stop portal for local authorities to get quick and easy access to information they need on the web sites of central government departments, agencies and public bodies.
The purpose of the Ministry of Defence, and the Armed Forces, is to defend the United Kingdom, and Overseas Territories, our people and interests; act as a force for good by strengthening international peace and security.
This website highlights the many steps taken to give more accountable Government, enable Parliament to hold the executive to account and to provide the lively debate that every good democracy needs.
The Regulatory Impact Unit (RIU) is based at the centre of Government in the Cabinet Office. Its role is to work with other government departments, agencies and regulators to help ensure that regulations are fair and effective. Regulations protect people at work, consumers and the environment, but it is important to strike the right balance so that they do not impose unnecessary burdens on businesses or stifle growth.
The United Kingdom Passport Service (UKPS) site aims to assist new applicants and existing passport holders by providing information and online facilities for all aspects of application, renewal and amendments of passports for British nationals resident in the UK.
Charities and Voluntary Organisations
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ACO, the Association of Charity Officers, is an umbrella group and exists to put charities in touch with people in need and people in need in touch with charities.
The Charity Commission is established by law as the regulator and registrar for charities in England and Wales. Our aim is to provide the best possible regulation of charities in England and Wales in order to increase charities' effectiveness and public confidence and trust.
Providing the UK with a huge counselling support network, enabling those in distress to find a counsellor close to them and appropriate for their needs. This is a free, confidential service that will hopefully encourage those in distress to seek help.
UK charity that helps young people overcome barriers and get their lives working.
Community, People and Living
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Awards for All is a Lottery grants scheme aimed at local communities, awarding grants of between £500 and £5,000 in a simple and straightforward way. Awards for All can fund projects that enable people to take part in art, sport, heritage and community activities, as well as projects that promote education, the environment and health in the local community.
The Crime Reduction Website provides information and resources for people working to reduce crime in their local area.
Crimestoppers operates across the UK to help identify, prevent, solve and reduce crime. This invaluable community service enables anyone with details of criminal activity to pass them on anonymously, without fear of exposure or retribution.
information on topics such as advice and support, faiths and religions, arts and entertainment, health, news, and education.
Stop a fire happening in your home. These webpages explain what to do, what to check and what to avoid doing.
The grant scheme for students and trainees which helps young people facing severe financial and other difficulties, typically in the absence of a family safety net or parental support, acquire academic, trade or professional qualifications that are so essential in today’s world
Consumer Advice
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Consumer Direct is the government-funded telephone and online service offering information and advice on consumer issues. Consumer Direct is funded by the Office of Fair Trading and delivered in partnership with Local Authority Trading Standards Services.
The FSA aims to maintain efficient, orderly and clean financial markets and help retail consumers achieve a fair deal.
This site provides a wealth of information for consumers and businesses, schools, advice and information centres, community organisations, local councils, business support agencies and trade associations.
Council and Democracy
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Audit Commission is an independent public body responsible for ensuring that public money is spent economically, efficiently, and effectively in the areas of local government, housing, health, criminal justice and fire and rescue services.
You can use this website to make a complaint to the Ombudsman or to find out more about the Ombudsmen's work.
An independent body that was set up by the UK Parliament in November 2000. It's aim is to increase public confidence in the democratic process within the United Kingdom - and encourage people to take part - by modernising the electoral process, promoting public awareness of electoral matters, and regulating political parties.
Development and Planning Services
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Communities and Local Government is responsible for building regulations, which exist principally to ensure the health and safety of people in and around buildings. The regulations apply to most new buildings and many alterations of existing buildings in England and Wales, whether domestic, commercial or industrial.
Local Authority Building Control (LABC) is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards in building design and construction. LABC is a publicly accountable, independent building control provider. Our aim is to assist you in producing high quality buildings that meet the minimum requirements of the Building Regulations in a time scale which keeps your costs to a minimum.
The Land Registry guarantee the title to registered land in England and Wales and hold records for land ownership and interests.
The Planning Inspectorate's main work is the processing of planning and enforcement appeals and holding inquiries into local development plans. They also deal with a wide variety of other planning related casework including listed building consent appeals, advertisement appeals, and reporting on planning applications.
The Planning Portal offers a wide range of services and guidance on the planning system.
Disabled Services
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The British Council of Disabled People (BCODP) was set up by disabled people in 1981 to promote our full equality and participation within society. We are an umbrella organisation that represents some 130 organisations run and controlled by disabled people. BCODP is the only national umbrella organisation to be democratically set up by disabled people themselves to represent their interests at the national level.
Education
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Bullying Online was founded in April 1999 by Liz Carnell and her son John, as a direct result of their experience of dealing with school bullying. They decided to share their knowledge with other parents and pupils and identified the Internet as the most cost effective medium. Bullying Online became a UK-registered charity in May 2000 and has four trustees.
Curriculum Online is central to the Government's drive to transform teaching and learning in schools by improving access to ICT and multimedia resources for all pupils. This website exists to bring teaching professionals and multimedia resources together. It offers an easy, pinpoint searching through multimedia resources, aligned with the curriculum of subjects taught in schools in England.
The Department for Children, Schools and Families leads work across Government to ensure that all children and young people:stay healthy and safe; secure an excellent education and the highest possible standards of achievement; enjoy their childhood; make a positive contribution to society and the economy; have lives full of opportunity, free from the effects of poverty.
The government's web portal for adult learners. The portal pulls together, in one convenient place, links to all the information that adult learners may need. This will help you make better-informed decisions about learning.
Erasmus enables higher education students, teachers and institutions in 31 European countries to study for part of their degree in another country.
The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is responsible for funding and planning education and training for over 16-year-olds in England.
Details of registered childcare providers in the Monmouthshire area.
Ofsted is a non-ministerial government department established under the Education (Schools) Act 1992 to take responsibility for the inspection of all schools in England. Its role also includes the inspection of local education authorities, teacher training institutions and youth work. During 2001, Ofsted became responsible for inspecting all 16-19 education and for the regulation of early years childcare, including childminders.
Want to get a qualification that will help you develop or change your career? Learn a subject in depth? The Open University – voted top for student satisfaction for three years running – could provide the flexibility, the qualifications and the top-class teaching you’re after. For most courses you don't need any previous qualifications. And with our world-leading blend of supported open learning and innovative course materials, you’ll get an exceptional learning experience.
Hotcourses and UCAS bring you a comprehensive guide to everything you need when planning and organising your student finances.
Working to improve basic skills, identified as the ability to read, write, speak and to use mathematics at a level necessary to function and progress at work and in society in general. Provides standards for schools; family literacy and numeracy programmes; work with voluntary and community organisations; open learning; financial literacy, and workplace basic skills programmes.
UCAS is the central organisation that processes applications for full-time undergraduate courses at UK universities and colleges.
Information for learners of further and higher education.
Information from the Welsh Assembly Government on the Year 7 Clothing Grant
Education Jobs and careers
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Information and guidance on applying for a Criminal Records Bureau Check.
Website providing information about the teaching profession in Wales.
Information about equivalency of foreign qualifications to UK.
Information for teachers and teaching staff.<br />
The Welsh Assembly Government who have responsibility for education.
Emergency Planning and Services
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The British Transport Police are the national police force for the railways providing a policing service to rail operators, their staff and passengers throughout England, Wales and Scotland.
The Department of Health's website with information on NHS contingency plans and advice on preparing for specific types of disasters and attacks.
Industrial regulator responsible with the Environment Agency for enforcing the COMAH regulations
This website includes the common sense advice found in the Preparing for Emergencies booklet, and information on what the government is doing to protect the country as a whole.
Environment
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The leading public body responsible for protecting and improving the environment in England and Wales.
Health and Social Care
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Al-Anon Family Groups provide understanding, strength and hope to anyone whose life is, or has been, affected by someone else's drinking.
As part of the National Childcare Strategy, ChildcareLink aims to help people back into the workplace by removing the childcare barrier. The ChildcareLink service is funded by the Department for Education and Skills and the Scottish Executive.
Family Rights Group (FRG) was established as a registered charity in 1974 to provide advice and support for families whose children are involved with social services. FRG works to improve the services received by these families.
NHS free give up smoking website
Britain's Health and Safety Commission (HSC) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are responsible for the regulation of almost all the risks to health and safety arising from work activity in Britain.
The Health Protection Agency is a new national organisation for England and Wales. It is dedicated to protecting people's health and reducing the impact of infectious diseases, chemical hazards, poisons and radiation hazards. It brings together the expertise of health and scientific professionals.
The inspection body for both the NHS and independent healthcare. Check up on your local health services.
Information, advice and a directory of hospice services
The UK's leading site for disabled and elderly people, carers and healthcare professionals, with information, news, views and products.
Mencap is the UK's leading learning disability charity working with people with a learning disability and their families and carers. Mencap offers information and advice on a range of learning disability issues, provide support, including housing, education, employment and leisure activities and campaign to bring about positive changes in the people's lives.
This site connects you to your local NHS services and provides national information about the NHS. Find out what the NHS is, how the NHS works, and how you can use it.
NHS Direct operates a 24-hour nurse advice and health information service, providing confidential information on what to do if you or your family are feeling ill; particular health conditions; local healthcare services, such as doctors, dentists or late night opening pharmacies, self help and support organisations.
THT is the leading HIV and AIDS charity in the UK
Housing
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Join the FREE online Forum of Council Exchanges, add your Home to the Council Exchange Community, view Exchanges and reply to ones of interest.
CTAB is a provider of information and mortgages for council tenants - recommended by local authorities and housing associations. A one-stop-centre for advice and help with right to buy and rent to mortgage.
Jobs and Careers
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This site provides help and advice on job hunting and extra support, help and advice on making a claim for benefit, Information for organisations working with and alongside Jobcentre Plus.
Jobseekers-uk.com is a service provided by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation to assist you in locating a recruitment agency best suited to finding you work - on a permanent or temporary basis.
Manpower can help you anticipate and benefit from the changes happening now and next in the contemporary world of work.
Legal Advice
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The Children's Legal Centre is a unique, independent national charity concerned with law and policy affecting children and young people. The Children's Legal Centre has many years of experience in providing legal advice and representation to children, their carers and professionals throughout the UK.
Looking after legal aid in England and Wales and responsible for ensuring that people get the information, advice and legal help they need to deal with a wide range of everyday problems.
Leisure, libraries and culture
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The Countryside Agency is the statutory champion and watchdog working to make the quality of life better for people in the countryside and the quality of the countryside better for everyone.
News
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Sky News brings you closer to the news across the UK and the world. Be the first to find out about breaking news reports and video.
A varied range of sites including news, sport, community, education, children's, and lifestyle sites.
Sport and activities
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Travel and roads
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Information, advice and how to apply for a insurance card
The Highways Agency is an Executive Agency of the Department for Transport (DfT), and is responsible for operating, maintaining and improving the strategic road network in England on behalf of the Secretary of State for Transport. They have a major role in delivering the Government's Ten Year Plan for Transport. They also fulfil an international role by building good working relationships and sharing experience and expertise with other overseas road administrations. This helps promote the value of UK knowledge, expertise and best practice across the world to support UK industry.
The UK's largest scheduled coach company.
ORR became the health and safety regulator for the rail industry when responsibility was transferred from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). This transfer of responsibility was given effect in the Railways Act 2005.
A service which provides impartial journey planning information about all public transport services - buses, coaches, trains, ferries, trams, metro and underground - throughout England, Wales and Scotland. At present it offers information based on details in published timetables.
Utilities
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BT is a UK wide communications solutions provider with a global reach in the business market.
Information and advice on how you can be more energy efficient in your home.
Transco delivers around half the nation's energy needs through its 275,000km of pipework and runs Britain's national gas emergency service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
