http://ukinspain.fco.gov.uk/en/news/?view=PressR&id=22737609
British Ambassador to Spain, Giles Paxman, and President of the Diputación of Alicante, Joaquín Ripoll, today announced a new initiative, an online Partnership Directory, to help British nationals in the Alicante province.
A growing demand for welfare assistance for British people in the Alicante region is being met by an innovative new partnership between the British consulate and local partners in the region. The launch of a new online directory of services and a joint work programme between the Diputación de Alicante, the British Consulate, and local organisations like as Age Concern, the Royal British Legion and HELP is set to make a real difference for British people experiencing difficulties.
The dedicated Pensions, Benefits and Healthcare Team at the British Consulate deal with an average of 200 cases per month in which Britons enquire about financial help, and many more welfare cases are referred to the Consulate regularly.
In November 2009, the Consulate and Diputación celebrated an event called ‘ConeXiones’ - the day brought together 50 representatives from the local authorities, the British voluntary sector, the British Consulate plus key staff from the Department for Work & Pensions and the Department of Health in the UK. Today Ambassador Paxman and Sr. Ripoll are announcing the next stage in the ‘ConeXiones’ programme by launching an online Partnership Directory. The directory is full of key information and contact details that will be shared between social services and local organisations. This level of partnership work between the Consulate and local authorities is unique in Spain.
Plans to extend the ConeXiones programme include Spanish language training for volunteers and combined roadshow events on services available for local people. A central part of the project is encouraging British nationals to register on the padrón. The simple step of registering with town hall authorities means British nationals can access social services and other benefits, and that local councils receive sufficient funding to provide for residents.
Ambassador Paxman said:
“The online directory will mean cases are referred easily between organisations so that British nationals in need have access to the best support services as soon as they need them. The project also increases understanding between British and Spanish authorities which in turn improves integration. I’d like to thank the Diputación for donating their time and resources to the Directory.”
Sr. Ripoll said:
“It has been a pleasure to work together with the British Consulate so that the province of Alicante can set an example of integration amongst European residents. We are thrilled to be part of this innovative project and are lucky to have such an active Consulate and Ambassador who care so much about the wellbeing of their citizens.”
In the seven years in which the Diputación have been promoting integration, they have provided more than 150 Spanish courses to residents of different nationalities.