Methodist Action services for the low income

Several resources are run by Methodist Action for the low income and vulnerable, with an aim of addressing homelessness and providing food or meals to the low income in Manchester and Lancashire. They manage a Social Lettings Agency as well are part of a food partnership to better coordinate the basic needs of shelter and food in the community.

Many of the services are available across northwest England, however some are focused on certain towns or counties. Even if the charity does not provide aid in a certain area, then referrals may be offered to other charities or government schemes.

Food, groceries, and meals are provided from Methodist Action working with other charities and local councils. This form of assistance is part of the Blackpool Food Partnership, and the agency will coordinate efforts of many not-for-profits and organisations to address food poverty in Blackpool. Some of the partners include St. Vincent de Paul Society, Blackpool Council, Places for People, Together Lancashire, Trussell Trust, and others.

As part of this focus on feeding the low income and vulnerable, the partnership may provide a voucher or free parcel of food to the disadvantaged. The clients can receive this support in an emergency, and the amount of food offered can be for up to three days. The parcels may have soup, tinned meat, and more.

A Social Lettings Agency known as A Place to Live is for landlords in the Preston, Lancaster, South Ribble and Morecambe areas. Methodist Action will work to provide affordable and safe housing to tenants in Manchester and the northwestern England.

The terms of each tenancy agreement will vary, but the property may last for up to two years. When it comes to paying the deposit, the individual seeking accommodation in the private sector will be able to apply for the Local Authority Bond Guarantee Scheme. This will address the rent deposit that is due to the landlord for a new home. The phone number is 01772 751000.

Temporary accommodations for the homeless in Manchester and Lancaster is provided from No Second Night Out. This will provide emergency shelter to people to get them off the streets.

Not only will clients have a place to sleep, but the homeless also get practical support. This ranges from a hot meal to clothing and also referrals and signposting. The aim is to get the homeless from the streets to shelter or maybe a hostel or other centre. Methodist Action will also signpost people to other assistance as needed.

Fox Street Community, which is run in partnership with Preston City Council, provides supportive or temporary accommodation to men. The number of people that can use the Preston based site is limited to about 20, and the aim is to get people sleeping rough off of the streets. The guest of Fox Street will also receive advice from a social worker.

Referrals and advice is available from the Methodist Action team. This will help the individual address the cause of their hardship. While many services may be available in the area, staff from the team will offer advice on finding and moving into housing and dealing with debt arrears, among other support. Also, the team will help low income residents with applying for benefits that they may be entitled too.

Methodist Action can be called at 01772 751000. A team is on site that can provide information or applications to their services.