CCP assistance for low income in Gloucestershire

CCP and its staff work to help residents of Gloucestershire gain independence. They provide many services to help low income families that are in a crisis, but the aim of the organisation is to promote economic independence. Programmes such as Family Support prevent homelessness or provide food, and coordinators help people deal with debts, benefits, and more.

When in a crisis, the Family Support Programme is an option if the resident has no where else to turn to for assistance. County Community Projects (CCP) may have some of their own services to provide to people, but the organisation also partners with both statutory agencies and charities to better assist the vulnerable. Some of the main services, which will be personalised, are as follows.

• Information on job training for the unemployed.
• Applications to benefits, including council schemes and government welfare.
• Advocacy Service will direct people in poverty to services, and also staff from CCP work to give the poor a voice.
• Advice to help young people and seniors to access Adult Health and Social Care.
• Help is arranged for substance misusers.

Food share is a programme available to families on a low income or in an emergency. The service is aimed at people facing a crisis, and now are unexpectedly faced with hunger or maybe on the brink of poverty. They may receive a free parcel containing groceries for a few days, and the distribution centre is at 15 Royal Crescent, Cheltenham.

Residents of Gloucestershire should not hesitate to seek assistance from food share. With the weak economy and reductions in benefits, more people than ever are struggling. The CCP scheme provides free food parcels while the client works on gaining independence over the long term. Please volunteer or donate as well, as the food scheme relies on the generosity of churches, restaurants, and others.

Christmas assistance is arranged by County Community Projects. A scheme will offer free meals and gifts to children and low income families. The programme, known as Hamper Scamper, will give out a box of food, small present, and items to the vulnerable. This scheme as well relies on donations and the support of volunteers from the community as well. To apply, or get more details, dial 01242 228999.

Foyer is for young people in Gloucestershire. CCP will help them access housing, education, and job training as well, with a key aim on helping clients gain employment. There are almost 70 flats available for a form of lodging, and clients also benefit from ongoing tenancy support. Most of the services include Bramah House, the Season House in Stroud, and other locations.

Ongoing advice is provided. There are services such as IAG – Information, Advice and Guidance as well as Training and Employment. Staff from CCP also work with partners in the region to help people gain independence.

For those that enroll, clients are supported as they seek employment. County Community Projects clients are supported as they try to find paid employment. As part of this process, a plan is created and goals will need to be met and measured against. Also, as people progress, they will receive help in moving into their own home, and this will include help with rent deposits and other aid.

Homeless prevention is provided from a Floating Support Scheme. This is for people of all backgrounds, including those with a mental illness. CCP will give them advice on how to stop the evictions, or resettle into a new, more affordable home.

Experienced Coordinators work with tenants or the currently homeless. They will help address any tenancy issues, whether it is rent arrears or some other form of housing debt. Form filling is also provided by volunteers to benefits as well as local deposit schemes. The aim is to address the root cause of the homelessness faced by the family, offer budgeting help, and more.

If staff from County Community Projects (CCP) can’t assist, then they will refer the client to other programmes. For example, the Gloucestershire County council has an emergency welfare service, which can help with housing. Or agencies such as CAB also help those in a hardship. For more information on floating support, ring 300 365 0366.

County Community Projects – CCP has many other services for people in poverty. Ring the charity at 01242 228 999 for details.