Nick Smith MP has welcomed the efforts of a campaign that put £500,000 in the hands of those who need it most.

Last year the Blaenau Gwent MP was one of the supporters of the Your Benefits are Changing campaign, which aimed to keep people informed of wide-sweeping benefits reform.

As part of phase one of the campaign, Mr Smith set up a stall in Ebbw Vale market to help point people in the right direction for much needed advice.

The second phase of the Welsh campaign, which includes everything from Facebook and Youtube vidoes to bus and radio advertising, has launched as YBAC revealed the people they have advised are now collectively £500,000 better off.

Mr Smith said: “While I and my colleagues continue to scrutinise the shambles the DWP are making of benefit changes, it is still important to make sure people don’t miss out on what they are entitled to.

“The letters and phone calls I receive from constituents are constant proof a delay of just a week’s payment can be crippling when you are living from day to day.

“This is why I am glad to have supported such a worthwhile campaign.  If support is available we have a duty to ensure people know it’s out there.

“For Labour, the key is to help get people into work. That is why Labour will introduce the Jobs Guarantee scheme for young unemployed people, to give people the opportunities and the training they need.”

For more information visit www.yourbenefitsarechanging.co.uk