East Northants Community Services in Northamptonshire

East Northants Community Services has several ministries and churches in their network which provides services across the Northamptonshire region. Several different programmes are run for families in poverty, and the aim of the charity is to provide emergency support from the Cornerfield Community Cafe as well as other locations.

Churches that are part of the ministries include Rushden and Higham Ferrers as well as the East Northants Faith Group. There are several others as well. The assistance ranges from free meals from the Cornerfield Community Cafe to help in applying for housing benefits. Pastors also arrange for Money Management Support or can signpost low income families to food banks in Northamptonshire. So a wide range of services are available from the East Northants Community charity organisation.

Find help for food and housing needs

Assistance for food is from the Cornerfield Community Cafe, which is open two days per week. Not only will a hot meal be served to the homeless and low income in Northamptonshire, but other practical support is given too.

Another option is the food bank. This is run using the donations from Sainsbury’s or volunteers from the churches. Another key donor is the Northampton Food Collaborative Project. There may be up to five tonnes of groceries passed out each month to hundreds of local people living in poverty. Canned items as well as tinned meats, milk, and more are available. This food bank goes a long way towards helping the the vulnerable.

A small, four bed shelter is available for the homeless. The client will also gain other support services to address the cause of why they are homeless. There will be advice given on mental health challenges or addictions. Then, when the client is ready, East Northants Community Services staff will help the client apply for deposit schemes for a new home or apply for benefits for social housing.

Advice from East Northants Community Services

East Northants Community Services gives free advice. The information given will offer guidance to address a housing crisis or other needs. If some is threatened with homelessness due to rent arrears, or maybe they are about to have their heat disconnected, then information is available on programmes to help.

Volunteers from the churches will meet with the client. Or the meeting can take place at the community cafe. During this session advice will be given on options to resolve the crisis. For example, if someone is facing eviction then rent payment schemes will be reviewed or clients can access fuel assistance for utility bills. For more information, read help for electric bills.

The churches also partner with debt advice charities such as Christians Against Poverty. There are courses arrange for addressing unpaid bills, whether they are for electricity or other costs. One on one counseling is offered as well as workshops with groups such as East Northants.

An IT suite offers help for job training. There is free access to the internet at East Northants Community Services. There are also training classes run in partnership with Northamptonshire based organisations such as the Neighbourhood Learning Project

The drop in centre as well as cafe from East Northants Community Services is at 60 High Street South, Rushden, NN10 0QY. People can call 01933 353946 for more information.