The Home Information Support Project (HISP) is its official title but it is known by members of the public as The Information Service at Eastleigh Community Services. HISP provides a free, confidential service for anyone who finds it difficult to get out and about or who is unsure about where to get help either because of age, disability or illness. Our telephone enquiry service (tel no: 023 8090 2405) deals with over 1000 enquiries a year on topics as diverse as gardening, support services for older people, local clubs or activity groups, allowances, reliable workmen and a whole lot more.

The service prides itself on being able to find the answer to any enquiry, often making use of its network of local and national contacts. The fact that it is part of Eastleigh Community Services provides a network for many local answers. We do not cover finance issues or anything with a legal implication, anyone with enquiries about these are passed immediately to local organisations licensed to provide such a service and to the Citizens Advice Bureau.

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Particularly popular is our form filling service, with referrals coming from health visitors and social workers as well as many self-referrals. The range of forms is varied from passport forms, benefit forms and Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance. More often than not this service is provided in the client's own home unless clients prefer to come to our office at Eastleigh Community Services. Because not all enquiries can be dealt with over the phone and because some people do not like using the telephone, we are happy to arrange home visits. Such visits are made at the discretion of the attending member of staff.