Assistance from Carecent in Yorkshire

The main services from Carecent include the Central Clothing Store as well as a meal or parcel of food. However, the Yorkshire agency can also signpost the less fortunate to other assistance programmes in the region, ranging from temporary accommodations to workshops on applying for schemes such as welfare.

The drop in centre is open 6 days per week, and anyone that is less fortunate can use the location. Typical clients include the unemployed or homeless, and anyone on a low income can receive free information. Central Methodist Church or its partners are focused on assisting the disadvantaged in the community.

Basic needs, such as food, are available, but the true aim is to help people gain stability. Volunteers from the church listed to the needs to the client, and based on that, they offer advice and support. Much of the advice is arranged by partnerships with other organisations in the York area, such as Citizens Advice. However Carecent staff can signpost the clients to these resources.

The Central Clothing Store is available for people that have a referral. Residents can get this from many different recognised agencies in North Yorkshire, ranging from a council to Citizens Advice. Other churches can also provide this to the disadvantaged, and the reason being is that Carecent runs this clothing store on behalf of other agencies.

If someone needs help in finding who to contact, then they can send an email to info@carecent.org. Or agencies can contact Carecent to sign up to be a recognised agency.

When dropping in at the clothing store, people need to bring a referral form. This will serve as proof of their need. If they meet the eligibility criteria, a number of items can be selected from the store, ranging from winter coats to shoes or boots. There is clothing for employment reasons as well, and many of the items are free.

These goods are passed out by Central Methodist Church as the clothing can help move clients towards an improved lifestyle. Having a new item can also build confidence of the client when they are applying for a job or gaining new skills.

Other services are available from Carecent. There are outreach workers on site, and they will signpost the client to shelters in North Yorkshire. Other assistance will be vouchers given out to food banks. Also, as noted, staff from other agencies will hold workshops for the low income at the centre, and show them how to apply for benefits or other support services. During these sessions, a free hot snack or full meal will be served to those who drop in at the sessions.

Many services are available from Central Methodist Church, which is where Carecent is based. The address is St Saviourgate, York, YO1 8NQ, and people can call 01904 624244.