UK Bill Help

Hundreds of individuals on a low income in Glasgow receive assistance from the Lodging House Mission every day. The charity supports people living in poverty as well as the homeless and rough sleepers. Whether it is a free hot meal, article of clothing, or signposting to benefits, LHM has been assisting the vulnerable for over 100 years.

The charity combines short term assistance along with long term support, which can come from their educational services scheme. About 100 people per week take part in the vocational courses offered. The long term support can also be met by government programmes, such as housing or benefits. The aim is to address the emergency and help the Glasgow family get long term help.

Food and practical support

Most of this is provided from the soup kitchen / cafe, which is located at the main centre at East Campbell Street. There is breakfast served for a very low price five days per week as late as 10am. Or some very basic items, such as tea or a bowl of cereal, is provided by the LHM volunteers for free to those living in poverty.

Lunch from the cafe operates the same way. A few items, such as soup, bread, or tea, is given out for free. If people want a larger meal, it will be provided for a low cost, often under £2.00. The meals are served 5 days per week.

In total, there are about 4,000 meals served in Glasgow per month. No one from the community is turned away from using the service. Also, the team at the Lodging House Mission may also signpost the client to other forms of support as noted below, such as a foodbank in Scotland.

Lodging House Mission provides other basic needs from the drop in centre. There may be clothing given out to the homeless. Those individuals in Glasgow that need help with hygiene can use the showers or laundry on site too. Practical support will help the client take care of any short term needs they have.

Lodging House Mission educational support

The charity will offer information on employment as well as vocational courses in Glasgow. The aim is to help people find a job with a livable wage so they can either get off the streets or have the money to pay for other bills or rent expenses they have. Anyone from the community can participate in the educational support as well, and hundreds of people do per month. This is also provided in partnership with John Wheatley College.

There are courses for job skills, including CV Writing, basic math, Basic Computing, Creative Writing, and others. LHM also holds more social activities such as drama or art workshops, but these may not always lead to a better job. The learning Center is open 5 hours per day from Monday to Friday.

Referrals from LHM

The team also provides advice to anyone that needs it. Whether they are users of the cafe or just drop in at the centre, help will be given with no questions asked.

Lodging House Mission specialists can answer questions on government aid. Whether it is housing benefits or other schemes, not only is advice given, but they can also help the person apply. There are also free phone facilities available Monday through Friday, both in the morning and afternoon. Many of these benefit schemes can help the client address an emergency they are threatened with.

The Day Centre is located at 35 East Campbell Street, Glasgow G1 5DT. It is open Monday to Friday for the vulnerable. The telephone number is 0141 552 0285.