Huddersfield Mission services for low income in West Yorkshire

When people need advice, the Huddersfield Mission and its staff of full time social workers can be an option. Not only will the team at the charity offer clients free advice on a wide ranging of issues, such as applying for benefits, but the organisation also runs a community cafe that can provide food to the needy.

The drop in location is open five days per week, and almost 1,000 residents from West Yorkshire drop in at the centre each month. While the advice is provided for free, some of the meals may have a low cost charged to residents, and that is based on many factors. If the mission can’t assist, then staff will signpost the client to other programmes in the area.

Food assistance is offered from the community café. This is where people can go for not only low cost nutritious meals, but while that is being served to them the applicant will be given other forms of support. The advice is free and confidential, and staff from Huddersfield Mission will help clients apply for a wide range of government and charity schemes. There is assistance with housing benefits, completing forms for school lunches, and other activities, such as cooking classes. The mission can also give out a voucher for a food bank in the West Yorkshire area as well.

One key aim of Huddersfield Mission is to help people gain independent living. To make this happen, clients can enroll into IT classes and job training. One service is the Computing and Training facility, or CAT. This is where clients of the charity can learn how to write a letter or a CV, use a computer, surf the world-wide web, send an e-mail, get help with job-searching, and improve other skills.

Classes are held to improve IT skills. There are also sessions for senior citizens and anyone who wants to improve their computer skills. The basics of computers skills are addressed by CATS, or the charity can offer more moderate level classes for residents that need them.

The Drop In Centre is where people can go for a listening ear, no matter what their challenge is. People come to Huddersfield Mission for help in dealing with drug or alcohol problems. The homeless or people in rent arrears stop by for advice in dealing with tenancy issues or they can receive debt advice. Anyone from West Yorkshire is welcome, and the charity can help people facing difficult times.

Other practical support is available as well, as donations allow. The mission may have bus passes for local travel, or funds for emergency electricity or fuel costs. When it comes to funds for bills such as heating, this is in the form of a voucher as a last resort, and find help for electricity bills.

Staff from the Mission also work in partnership with councils as well as voluntary agencies. The organisation will provide support and guidance for a variety of individuals on a low income, or their partners may do that as well.

Huddersfield Mission also helps with the WomenCentre. This service helps women gain stability and improve their life, and a number of programmes are available. There are holistic, one-stop-shop services available from the centre, ranging from information on job training and employment opportunities to programmes for their children. They can also use the community cafe for a low cost meal for their family.

The address of Huddersfield Mission is 3-13 Lord Street. Volunteers are always needed as well, and for more information or referrals, call the organisation at 01484 421461.