Guildford Action help for low income in Surrey

Staff from Guildford Action are committed to helping the vulnerable and low income in Surrey. Many of the clients that turn to the not-for-profit organisation are out of all other options, and the charity serves as a safety net for them by providing assistance for their basic needs.

The charity provides everything from the Rough Sleeper Access Project to health care for those in poverty. Another key programme is the Guildford Action for Families support service (GAF), and this addresses all sorts of needs ranging from help in completing forms to benefits to free food. The aim of the support services is to help the client gain independence.

Anyone that needs help should use the Drop-in Centre in Surrey. This is where volunteers will listen to the needs of the individual and offer solutions. The main programmes are below. If the organisation can’t assist, then they will signpost the client to other agencies or councils in Surrey.

Practical support is provided from the Day Service. Some of the aid is to address personal hygiene items, and clients can use a shower or be provided free clothing. There are also laundry facilities on site. Another key service is the ability for those in poverty to get food. This can either be a low cost meal or a voucher to a local Surrey food bank.

Guildford Action is a place to go for referral and advice as well, as the staff from the charity partner with other agencies and service providers in Surrey. The aim of the organisation is to help the family gain independent living, and there are different programmes provided by the support service.

Clients can access free advice. The staff can provide information on everything from council schemes to referrals to benefits. With all the changes occurring to the safety net system in the UK and across Surrey, many people need more advice on where to turn to for support. The day centre can help meet this need.

For those that can’t make it to the centre, the Guildford Action for Families staff can perform home visits. This outreach will bring them a voucher for using to get food, or the staff will bring applications for government benefits. The outreach service will help the family develop a long term plan for gaining stability, and this will often include information on local government welfare schemes.

Health care services are provided on site by volunteer nurses and GPs. This is mostly for the homeless, but other people can use this service too. Basic check ups are arranged by Guildford Action. Both Doctors from the region and District Nurses visit during the week to provide the primary care.

People in poverty that are struggling with housing as well as the homeless can use the Guildford Action Rough Sleeper Access Project. This combined emergency shelter along with a free hot meal. The place to drop in at for information is the Day Service centre, and it is open each weekday morning up to 9.30 am. The aim of the project is to both prevent homelessness and hunger. The client can also be signposted to rent deposit schemes in Surrey as well.

Education and life skill workshops are arranged at the Day Service Centre. This is critical for the individual in gaining skills to overcome their challenge. Gaining new skills will help the client stabilise their environment. This will eventually allow them to reintegrate with the community at large.

If the person can make it to the drop in centre, the location is Beverley Hall, 71 Haydon Place, Guildford. Or for information on the out reach service, ring 01483 533942.