UK Bill Help

The vulnerable can turn to Caring Hands in the Community for help. The not-for-profit organisation offers several core services, and they include health care, wellbeing, food, and similar aid. They combine advice with practical support in an effort to assist residents of Kent.

The day centre is open for anyone to drop in at. There are no restrictions on income, race, or religion. This is the location in which people can receive advice on their options. Also, the Caring Hands in the Community is where the assistance originates from.

General medical services are offered in Caring Hands in partnership with King’s Family Practice. During the course of a week both nurse practitioners and doctors will stop by to care for patients. While a priority is on the homeless, anyone from the community can receive support from the health clinic. The location will have surgery’s, provide help to substance misusers, and other aid.

Food is available from the centre, and there is also a kitchen facility that serves free meals. There are hundreds of people who stop by each day for either a voucher or a free hot meal. The location is run by volunteers and uses donated items from Sainsbury’s, churches, businesses and other charities.

Whether the client is sleeping rough or on a low income, there are lunches, breakfasts, and snacks offered during the day. Or parcels are offered for residents in Kent facing an emergency. Not only will the food be offered, but staff from Caring Hands in the Community take that opportunity to offer advice and signpost clients to other programmes.

Practical support is offered for many challenges, ranging from general medical services to lack of a job or debt arrears. This is for clients who need it. Staff from Caring Hands in the Community work to break the cycle of poverty, homelessness and addiction as well. Services include Benefit assessments, One to one mentoring, Telephone advocacy, help with job searches, and free internet access for IT skills.

A IT Suite at the day centre offers access to these assistance programmes. There is also free internet access with volunteers providing CV assistance, UK Online training, Job Search and Benefit Assessment. The staff from the centre is involved in helping visitors access training and seek employment.

Advice on applying and completing forms for benefits is offered. The charity can also help the vulnerable with seeking help on their fuel bills. Or, if the household needs welfare benefits, then forms can be provided to the local council. The team at Caring hands can also help a family on a low income apply for the emergency support scheme in Kent, which is the local welfare programme.

Legal advice is for those living in poverty in Kent. Lawyers provide pro-bono advice, so this means it is free to the low income. The support is for accessing benefits or contesting evictions. Also, counselling can help residents with payment plans on their energy bills.

Caring Hands in the Community offers the services above and more. They also partner with, and can signpost people to the Medway Council, Kent People’s Trust, and other agencies if and when needed. The location is at Bridge House, New Road Avenue, Chatham, Kent, ME4 6BA. Applicants can ring 01634 409768.