Elvira Vila

The service is being provided by Elvira Vila, a highly experienced welfare rights advisor with many years’ experience providing welfare benefits and welfare rights advice.

This new service is designed to provide expert advice, advocacy, and support to people navigating the complexities of welfare benefits, ensuring that those in need receive the assistance they are entitled to, in areas such as welfare benefits, income maximisation, disability allowances, applications and appeals. 

The service is available to all Manor Estates and Muirhouse Housing Association tenants.

Claire Ironside, chief executive of Manor Estates Housing Association, said:  “Everyone deserves the opportunity to live with dignity, and accessing the right welfare support can be a lifeline for many people. Our new Welfare Rights Service will ensure that no one has to navigate the system alone.”

Susan Bell, chief executive of Muirhouse Housing Association, added: “The service exists as a vital resource offering not only practical support but also empathetic and compassionate advocacy ensuring that individuals can navigate an often complex system and ensure that they receive the benefits afforded by law while promoting dignity, fairness, and trust.”