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Community Solutions is a not-for-profit charity organisation that not only provides free food and support around financial needs, but the staff also support families in other ways. They provide parents mentoring, are involved in holding classes on Achieving Economic Well Being, and the staff want to make a positive contribution in their client’s life. If there is a financial hardship then referrals are given to welfare grants or other financial aid for paying bills.

Many of the people dropping in at Community Solutions are hungry and/or living in poverty. Or they have social needs. The first way the charity helps is by handing out a free parcel of groceries from the Food Bank. This can help feed the family for a period of time, and it can be effective at ending hunger.

The parcel may contain many types of goods. There is non-perishable and tinned meat, soup, and groceries. More perishable items can be provided too, including fruits, veggies, or cheese. The parcel of food from Community Solutions will normally feed the entire family for 3-5 days.

Support schemes

At the same time as getting the parcel from the food bank, this is where the Family Connections service starts up. There are four main parts to this, and they address employment, financial help/welfare, parenting, and other needs of the clients. It is coordinated in partnership with The Henry Smith Charity. The process will all be done to promote positive change in the life on the client. The main topics are below.

Individuals with mental health issues can get help from the Support Solutions scheme. The approach taken includes providing information on how to apply to grants for paying bills, volunteering opportunities, housing repairs, and work placements. Some of the financial aid will also allow the individual with a mental health issue to receive mobility transportation is they also have a physical disability. All applicants to this programme need to be vulnerable and have anti-social tendencies.

Family Connections also includes group activities. Families or individuals from across East Lancashire can sign up for activities based on their interests. There are both counselors as well as volunteers at Community Solutions that hold the group activities.

Community Solutions will help the group apply for government benefits, whether it is for paying housing or rent. There is also intake for the council run Lancashire Care and Urgent grant support scheme, vouchers for food, or energy bill help. The disability allowance grants can also benefit many clients. There is also a hot meal service served as part of Ladies That Lunch, and this takes place in Accrington. In addition the agencies holds knitting sessions, games, and other activities. Also if this is done in partnership with Help Direct Service and local organisations.

Training and support is also arranged. This can help either a younger or older person learn a new skills. Most activities are held by volunteers. Maybe it is for work or education, but in either case news skills can help end poverty for a family on a low income.

Individual Support is also arranged by Community Solutions. The client can meet with a counsellor or volunteer. A chat will take place over coffee and a meal. Or advise can be given over the telephone. In any case, this support involves both practical needs (such as referrals to clothing, housing, or job) as well as general mentoring. The process can help stabilize the client, and maybe even increase their self-esteem.

For support from Community Solution,s ring 01254 460080. Or the main food bank (which is also the drop in centre) is at Elmfield Hall, Gatty Park, Hyndburn Road, Accrington in Lancashire.