SWLICAN or ICAN

For over 40 years South West Lancashire Independent Community Advice Network has continued to work as a grass roots organisation providing quality advice and support on Employment Law, Welfare Rights and Money Advice.

Our services are free, accessible and client friendly and are delivered from our base at the Ecumenical Centre and at a number of outreach venues.

Our Vision

South West Lancashire Independent Community Advice Network (SWLICAN or ICAN for short.) is a driver of social inclusion through the provisions of accessible resources, training and social activities for individuals and local Voluntary, Community and Faith organisations in West Lancashire.

ICAN’s basic philosophy is the empowerment of people to be active citizens who are able to help themselves, either by accessing services or volunteering and employment opportunities. We want people to be able to solve their problems themselves by providing them with the necessary life skills, confidence, resources and facilities to do so.

Our Aims

South West Lancashire Independent Community Advice Network is a grass roots organisation which aims to provide quality advice and support on Employment Law, Welfare Rights, Debt, Health and Safety, plus support on ICT

Our aims are to provide a free, accessible and customer friendly service delivered through a network of community-based venues to help people overcome the effects of social and economic exclusion.

ICAN Team

  • Jimmy McDermott - Senior Adviser
  • John Earle - Welfare Rights Adviser
  • Lynne Dempsey - Benefits & Money Adviser
  • Ian Appleton - Benefits Adviser
  • Sara De Jesus - Volunteer
  • Jill Tugwell - Volunteer

Specialising in Welfare Benefits, Disability Benefits, Employment Law, Debt and Money Advice, Training, Volunteering Opportunities

Providing FREE, independent and confidential advice

  • Jan Fitzsimons - Project Development Officer and Administration

Management Committee

Chair-Paul McConnell, David Vickers, John Fleet, Cllr Gareth Dowling, Cllr Janice Monaghan, Cllr Vickie Cummins, Charles Evans, Tess Reddington, John Earle, George Hughes

 

What we did in 2025

  1. We supported over 2500 clients
  2. We recovered over £7.5 million in benefits during the period 2024 to 2025, and other entitlements for clients- which helps to support the local economy
  3. This is equivalent to £3000.00 for each client
  4. Delivered Know Your Rights and Money Management Courses across the Borough - thanks to WLBC
  5. Delivered Cooking on a Budget ‘Soup Making  and Air Fryer Courses’ across the Borough, thanks to Awards for All Funding
  6. Provided 'Pensioner Financial Fit' Open Days at different venues across the West Lancs Borough
  7. Worked in partnership with over 50 local organisations or groups
  8. Continued being the local delivery partner with a Foundation that helps residents get up to £300 in ‘Free’ home energy fuel top up’s
  9. Are the only provider of Home Visits for Welfare Rights across the Borough, seeing 155 clients
  10. Our assistance increased up to 100% from 2024
  11. Our Debt Advice services have helped to increase financial security and decreased money problems for many people, leading to better mental wellbeing
  12. We set up new outreach services in Upholland and the Concourse, to complement our existing outreach services at Burscough, Tarleton and Ormskirk to reach the wider community 
  13. Provided training for a volunteer in Welfare Rights to become a valued and integrated staff member
  14. Undertook a research project on Pensioners in our Community, clearly showing areas of need in the Borough

 

Contact us for details - admin@swlican.org

Member of Advice UK 

Contact Us

Connect with us:

The Ecumenical Centre
Northway, Skelmersdale, Lancashire,
WN8 6PN

Tel : 01695 726269

Registered Company number: 04617964

Registered Charity No. 1110649

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