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The Salvation Army in South Leicester provides help to the community in many ways. The church mostly offers in kind goods for basic needs, such as tins of free food, clothing, hot meals or cold drinks, and similar items. One other service provided is done so as part of the One Roof Leicester network they are part of, and this is when the Salvation Army works to stop homelessness in the city.

The services are for many individuals in the County town of Leicestershire. Most of the assistance is for the vulnerable and families on a low income. Clients include those in need due to a crisis (such as job loss or benefit sanctions), the homeless, and older people over 55. But any person that is an emergency can stop by to apply for help or linkage to financial assistance, and of course the charity shop sells low cost goods to anyone from Leicestershire.

Free food or inexpensive meals

Free food and meals are available. One service is the cafe, and the hours are Monday to Friday 8.30am to 3.30pm. There are many low priced items on the menu, including meals, drinks, tea, biscuits, and more. Christmas meals and celebrations are also held for children and people in poverty. The food is sold at a low cost by the Leicester South Salvation Army. Note all orders need to be placed by 2.30pm.

The Leicester South Salvation Army foodbank is another way to feed the needy. This will provide clients a parcel of groceries. Most of the items are tinned, but there may be some fresh foods available as well, such as fruits or veggies. The Salvation Army is part of the Trussell Trust network in that vouchers are needed.

Housing assistance from Leicester South Salvation Army

The homeless in Leicestershire County can turn to the Salvation Army for help on their housing needs. This is where the support offered in partnership with One Roof can assist. There is help for individuals that are sleeping rough. Other financial aid in the city is for tenants in rent arrears and that are threatened by homelessness.

For over 40 years the Salvation Army has been a partner batting homelessness in the city. Not only can the homeless or those threatened with eviction use the cafe above to get hot meals, but advice, mentoring, and linkage to other services are also provided, including the Leicestershire County crisis grant scheme. The aim is to keep a roof over each person’s head.

One way to end homelessness is by better education. This can lead to a job with a living wage, which allows the tenant to not keep up with paying their rent, but also other bills. The Leicester South Salvation Army works in partnership to run workshops for this education need.

The Salvation Army can also link families to benefits for housing stability. There are council run schemes for housing or rent deposits, lunches for students in school, and help for pensioners. Another widely available scheme is welfare, which issues grants to the poor. Much more is also available. Clients can learn about what they are eligible for, and get help in applying for them.

Additional services

The Leicester South Salvation Army also has a Charity Shop, and the address is Dunton Street, South Wigston, Leicester, LE18 4PU. Ring it at 0116 2785296. The centre is open most days, including Monday – Friday from 9:00am to 3:30pm. The shop is also open on Saturday from Saturday 10.00am until 2.00pm. Many items are sold. Everything from clothing to books, toys, bedding, furniture, and much more. Anyone can shop there to save money.

Older people over 55 can apply for the Forward Looking scheme. It is aimed at helping older people in Leicestershire County. The Salvation Army can inspire or entertain them, and also provide more practical support. There will be visits to places such as theatres or museums. Other services from Forward Looking include meals, information on benefits for pensioners, lunches, and much more. The groups meets each Tuesday morning.

The opening times of the Leicester South Salvation Army is Monday at 8:30am. The church is open each day (up through Friday) until 2pm. For information or basic needs, the address is Ladysmith Road off Saffron Road South, Wigston, Leicester, LE18 4UZ. The telephone is 0116 277 4114.