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OM Magazine, Issue 177, February 2024
24th January 2024
Seeing a gap in the market, Lee Grant has created a unique service that provides comprehensive support and guidance to individuals navigating the complexities of dealing with organisations. This innovative venture is family run and seeks to ensure people receive a fair and highly personalised service.
Having had an extensive professional background spanning 25 years in the NHS, Lee’s expertise lies primarily in Operational and Project Management and Procurement which by definition means negotiating terms with various organisations, including writing tenders to bid for projects and contracts. Lee has written successful tender bids in both the NHS and private commercial sectors.
This breadth of experience, including being Head of Communications and PR at an NHS Trust, a GP practice manager as well as in Crisis Management has equipped Lee with a deep understanding of how large organisations work and the ability to navigate complex and challenging scenarios.
“PASS stands as a testament to the power of personalised support and empathy for those that need it. It will support them every step of the way”
Taking a leap of faith, Lee decided to step away from the security of NHS employment to create Plymouth Advice and Support Service (PASS) to be the solution he feels is so desperately needed. This passion has stemmed from supporting a close relative, who suffers with a long-standing mental health condition. They had come into contact with multiple services over the years who didn’t provide the help and answers required. This was where Lee had a light bulb moment and recognised the lack of support for those who do not have a support network to help and guide them when trying to deal with organisations.
Technology is dominating the way things are handled these days, with more and more things you can only do online, whether that’s booking a doctor’s appointment, filling in a form or chatroom helplines. Lee’s objective is to help those who aren’t confident with their way around the internet and the digital world, who need help filling in forms, writing complaint letters, benefit applications or helping to fill in Small Claims court forms on behalf of those in need.
The objective is clear—to bridge the gap for those in need of personalised support.
“If you find yourself banging your head against the wall or are not sure where to start, let PASS be your friend and support”
PASS offers support, guidance and expertise to people dealing with any organisation; Sky, HMRC, your local Council, BT, your GP Practice, the NHS, utility companies; it really is anything and anybody!
If you believe you’re eligible to claim a benefit but the rigmarole of trying to find and complete the claims form is putting you off, then Lee can assist with filling in the paperwork. Recognising that some people get stressed with form filling and especially online forms, Lee offers a unique home
visit service.
The home visits are a valuable option Lee wanted to bring into this service as there are many factors he’s considered as to why people will need help; their age, physical or learning disabilities and there are a lot of people who aren’t tech savvy. A home visit of up to two hours can be used to help complete important letters, sitting in and supporting if you’re having a benefits assessment or even if you have an important or difficult telephone call; Lee will be the moral support and the hand you hold through it.
A home visit with one letter starts from just £69, which includes the research, phone calls, production of the letter and of course, the home visit. Home visits are available in Plymouth and surrounding areas although geographically, PASS can offer advice across the South West and beyond, showcasing Lee’s willingness to go the extra mile to provide invaluable assistance. All staff have a clean DBS check which means they are cleared to work with vulnerable adults.
“A commitment to personalised, in-person support, sets PASS apart in a digital age”
In whatever way you want to use PASS, the first thing will be to ascertain the issue at hand, what’s happened so far and discover the desired outcome you’d like. Initial contact with PASS is not only straightforward but also free of charge, allowing individuals to assess their needs and determine if there is common ground to move forward. There are many ways to get in touch with the Plymouth Advice and Support Service which are via email, Facebook, the website or by telephone which is contactable 7 days a week.
People who are already within the care or support of a statutory organisation may be eligible for funding to use PASS and would need to check with their provider. There are pots and funding for this kind of help which was something Lee had discovered when dealing with a client who was referred to him by another organisation.
The values that underpin PASS reflect Lee’s deeply ingrained commitment to fairness, equality, customer service, advocacy and opening up opportunities. These values serve as the backbone of the service, allowing it to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those it serves.
It’s very early days for PASS as the service was only launched in November 2023, but there are already agreements in place with a number of agencies for PASS to help the clients that they are unable to see. As the service grows and evolves, Lee will remain committed to making a positive difference in the lives of individuals facing the challenges of dealing with organisations.
“If in doubt, just give me a no obligation call and we will see if there’s something I can
help with.”
Lee Grant, Director
