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When a family drops in at the Kirkintilloch Baptist Church food bank, they may not only be given a parcel of groceries, but they may also be signposted to the Money and Debt Course. The team at the church provide both emergency assistance, such as the free food parcels, along with advice to help the family address the root cause of their hardship.

When seeking help from the food bank, a voucher is required. This can be obtained from social workers or care professionals in Glasgow. This is required in order to use the centre. But if someone can’t get a food bank voucher, then they can still get a free meal from the Kirkintilloch Baptist Church. This takes place on Sundays, after the service.

Children that are local to Glasgow can also drop in at Kirkintilloch Baptist Church for a meal. It will usually be small and in the form of a small food item and then a cookie. This is provided from June and at later dates as well.

The church runs the food bank for the East Dunbartonshire area. Many partners work on this programme with Kirkintilloch Baptist Church in an effort to help families or individuals on a low income that are in a crisis. As an example, the Tesco on St Rollox is available in collecting donated items, such as tinned meat, tea, and other food. Restaurants in Glasgow also provide donated food.

The food bank service is organised by the baptist church. This is where the distribution occurs from. Also, volunteers from the church sort and package the food parcels. They try to ensure each client is given what they need to feed their family for up to 5 days.

Signposting is also a service from the Kirkintilloch Baptist Church. This is done to help the family deal with money or employment issues. Or if they need help from welfare or other aid, then the referral process is available for that too. People in Glasgow can be referred to everything from rent deposit schemes to housing and welfare benefits.

Many clients of the food bank eventually make it to the Kirkintilloch Baptist Church debt centre. This is a free service to anyone from East Dunbartonshire and others from Glasgow can drop in too.

The programmes at the debt centre are aimed at helping vulnerable individuals improve their financial situation. The money management course will not only help people save money by giving them advice, but it addresses creditors too. Some of what may be provided is as follows.

-Clients can learn how to enter into payment plans for unpaid loans and housing costs.
-Alternative financing can be accessed in lieu pf payday loans, such as not-for-profit credit unions in East Dunbartonshire.
-Take away material is given, such as a DVD and reading material, so consumers can read more on debt assistance programmes.
-Housing needs are covered by the debt centre, and many requests are made to the church on how to access schemes for paying deposits.

The end result of someone using the debt centre is they will take better control of their spending habits and finances, which help to stabilize their situation.

The food bank and debt programme are run from Kirkintilloch Baptist Church. The post is 52 Townhead, Kirkintilloch, Glasgow, G66 1NL. Or call them at 0141 578 6006.