Assistance from Durham Christian Partnership

The low income can receive assistance from Durham Christian Partnership, which is made up of a number of churches and charities. The organisation offers some of its own programmes, such as a free food bank, and they also support a number of other projects as well as rely on other agencies in the greater Durham County area.

The partnership will try to help the vulnerable, but in many cases the best solution is offered by another local charity. In these cases, they will signpost the applicant to another service that best addresses their needs.

Food and charity shops in Durham

In an emergency, the Durham Christian Partnership food bank will provide a parcel of groceries and support to people that have a voucher. With almost 25 per cent of the population in poverty, the demand for low cost or even free food or meals is very high, and the churches try to meet the demand.

The location relies on donations from the community as well as volunteers to pack the food into a parcel. It will generally provide a family up to 3 days worth, and the partnership will only help people a limited number of time per year. The hours are limited, and to receive assistance, vouchers are needed and are required.

A charity shop sells gently used household items, clothing, and more to the public. The store, known as Beyond Ourselves, is located at 1-12 Front Street, Framwellgate Moor, Durham, DH1 5EJ and also relies on volunteers to run it. The money raised from the items sold will be used to pay for the programmes run by the churches.

Additional Durham Christian Partnership services

StreetLights is a programme for the homeless in Durham County. The local churches that take place in the partnership offer individuals practical support and work with them to find a solution. It is the region’s solution to ending homelessness.

Volunteers from the Council and Durham Christian Partnership visit the streets in the city and county. They will pass out food or serve meals, give a piece of clothing, and provide advice. There may also be blankets during the winter and a hot drink given. But a key service of StreetLights is on giving advice and trying to place the homeless into a hostel or shelter.

Signposting is part of Listening Service, and the Chapter of Durham Cathedral and Partnership offer this. It is available six days per week, and clients will be given confidential advice on the problem they are facing. A referral will also be given to either a not-for-profit or local charity as well, if that is the best option.

The Durham Money Advice Centre is not run by the churches, but is a key partner, and can be called at 0191 303 7514. This will give clients free advice on the challenges they are facing, and includes budgeting and income maximisation. The advice will touch up debt arrears management, budgeting and applying for benefits. It someone is homeless, then they can learn about deposit and housing payment schemes. The staff can help with given a voucher to a food bank, or completing forms for welfare or other benefits.

The main address of the Durham Christian Partnership is at 42 Salisbury Road, Durham, DH1 5QT, and the telephone number is 0191 303 8623. Or people can stop by a local church and ask about the partnership.