UK Bill Help

Any person in Kent that has no other government safety net programmes available to them can seek help from Catching Lives. The charity provides assistance directly to clients for any basic needs they have. The organisation also has an advocacy service, which helps with more complicated needs such as housing or access to welfare or energy bill assistance.

The services are provided to the vulnerable in the city of Canterbury. Some of the assistance goes beyond that as well, in particular to families on a low income in East Kent. More information on the help provided is below.

Direct assistance from Catching Lives

What is noted below is what can be provided at the drop in centre for those that are eligible. The services will require proof of income as well as need. Also, all resources are limited and aid is not guranteed. These programmes are provided from the Canterbury Open Centre.

-Food and free meals include a hot breakfast or lunch. There are also vouchers given out by Catching Lives to the Canterbury Food Bank.

-Employment needs are addressed by the free use of a telephone as well as the IT suite, which as internet access points as well as a computer.

-Catching Lives assists with hygiene. This can be laundry, showers, free toiletries, towels, and use of washing machines.

-Practical support ranges from people being able to obtain a postal address (if they are homeless) or access to storage. There is also free clothing provided, including blankets and sleeping bags.

The Canterbury Community Shelter is another form of assistance provided. This relies on volunteers and churches. There have been hundreds of hours volunteered by people in the city and over 7 churches also support the shelter. Of particular focus in on keeping people warm during the winter months. Dozens of vulnerable people use the shelter each month.

Free advice services

They advocate on behalf of families in poverty. Catching Lives provides the support below in partnership with other agencies in the greater Kent community, including local councils and CAB centres. These not-for-profit organisations hold sessions at the drop in centre, usually on a montyhly basis. A key aim is on solving homelessness and people that are in insecure housing. Together they can help families address any long term barriers.

Catching Lives will help people claim government benefits that are entitled too. If someone needs a postal address or help in completing forms, then that is provided by the team. One programme under under high demand are the cash grants from welfare, also called the Kent Emergency Support Scheme.

Free advice is given on the on the following schemes. The specialists will advocate for people in poverty and give them advice.

• Housing includes applications to rent deposit schemes, benefits and accommodations for the homeless.
• Signposting to a GP in Canterbury for health care. They also help people access Mental Health Outreach.
• Information on welfare Benefits as well as community grants in Canterbury.
• Other signposting may be arranged for Income Tax help, ESOL classes, like skills training, and more.

The specialists will help the client tackle any issues they have. Whether it is income or housing challenges, some form of support is provided. All of the advice is given in confidence and with a listening ear. The Open Centre is located at 13 Station Road East in Canterbury, and the phone number is 01227 464904.