High Wycombe Society programmes in Buckinghamshire

For families that are facing a financial hardship, the High Wycombe Society can provide them with assistance. The organisation is a faith based charity that provides everything from furniture or appliances to free food to seniors and debt advice from Christian Against Poverty. Some of the assistance is offered directly by the charity, and others is provided by signposting the client to other High Wycombe agencies.

When seeking help from the Society, the person should call in advance. They will be placed into contact with a staff member or volunteer as part of Frontline. This is the phone service. The caller will have an assessment done based on their needs and then be referred to an assistance programme. For over 100 years the society has tried to help with everything from food to placement of individuals into Buckinghamshire hostels. All of the advice from the phone service is provided for free.

Almost 90 percent of people seeking assistance are on government benefits, such as welfare or even the Universal Credit. Others are ex offenders, victims of domestic abuse, single parents or mums, or ex services personnel. Anyone can drop in or call the Frontline service for advice.

Main support services from High Wycombe Society

From time to time, the society will hold money management workshops in partnership with the Christian Against Poverty. A counsellor will visit the site and meet with a family that is struggling to pay down their bills or other loans they have. CAP is a national charity that offers many services in both Buckinghamshire and other regions. Everything from helping a client enter into payment plans with a creditor, budgeting to seeking additional grants or low interest loans can be covered by these sessions.

The main scheme provided from the charity is the furniture project. The High Wycombe Society receives donated items from people or companies from across Buckinghamshire. If the item is a decent quality then it may be sold at a low price, or given to a family settling into a new home. Not only that, but by the Society selling the furniture it also cuts down on the waste in landfills. The project is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm and Saturday morning as well.

If the furniture or appliance is sold, the money is used to help a family on a low income or benefits pay for housing costs such as rent arrears or a deposit. In some cases, the High Wycombe Society raises other money from the community to fund their grant programmes, and these funds are also used for helping with a variety of bills and household expenses, even including a deposit to turn on electricity service. This money will often help keep people out of homelessness.

The Trustees of the charity will need to approve any cash grants. The funds will be used as a form of financial aid to help the family facing a crisis. The cash issued will be as the result of the furniture project or donations.

People over 50, or the elderly, can also get help. High Wycombe Society will provide them with various forms of support, both practical (such as food or a hot meal) as well as social activities. Other service will be the free advice given to pensioners and those over 50s on benefits and more. The Pop-In-Centre will also help senior with the purchase of food, clothing and address them with medical needs.

The High Wycombe Central Aid is located at West Richardson St, High Wycombe HP11 2SB. Or to reach the Frontline advice line, the number is 01494 535890.