Introducing the Rock Foundation’s new Benefit Advice team

Andy Silvester 


Andy combines the twin roles of Benefits Adviser and Grants Officer at Rock Foundation UK, working from Rock Community Hub, Garibaldi Street, Grimsby on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays, and from Heneage Road on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

He hails from Lincolnshire, growing up around the Wolds and Grimsby area, and has worked in welfare charities and the third sector for almost 20 years. Initially with Citizens Advice, where he specialised in complex casework – Benefit Tribunals, Employment Rights, Housing, Disability Rights and Civil Law. More recently he was CEO of a successful independent advice charity for almost 10 years.

An accomplished Photographer and published writer, Andy’s greatest achievement to date is in maintaining a 100% success record for clients and looks forward to continuing this achievement for Rock Foundation and its service users.

Away from work, Andy is the very happy partner of Kate, adopted parent to several felines and is frequently to be found consorting with musicians.

Margaret Winship

Margaret who is usually known as Maggie, has worked locally and in Lincolnshire with a focus on supporting people to improve their lives for the last 25 years. She has worked in health, learning disabilities, housing, benefit and carers services.

Maggie joined the Rock Foundation staff team to work with colleagues at the Food Hub in Garibaldi Street to make sure that people have access to information to claim the correct benefits. Rock Foundation has a plan to reduce the need to make so many visits to the food bank by signposting service users to appropriate benefit help. Maggie’s role is to help fill in claim forms, give up to date advice and support with the claim process.

Maggie’s hobbies include reading, swimming, gardening and most importantly spending time with her family.