NOAH Enterprise welfare centre programmes in Bedfordshire

Services from NOAH are available at the Welfare Centre. This is where people can drop in at for assistance. Every week, hundreds of individuals receive a free meal along with support for their long term needs, which is mostly available from advice on applying to central government benefits.

People come for all different types of needs. Some low income residents of Bedfordshire are hungry and just need a free, hot meal. That is provided if requested, both at breakfast and dinner. Other individuals have more complex needs, and staff from NOAH will meet with those people to understand the situation and assist them. The social worker will listen, counsel, and talk about the problems.

Unlike most places in Bedfordshire or really anywhere through the nation, the welfare centre is open 365 days per year, even on holidays. So there is always a place for the homeless or vulnerable to stop in at.

For anyone that drops in, the New Opportunities and Horizons Welfare Centre provides a safe environment where people can get information on benefits. Staff provide applicants with free advice about a range of issues. Clients can learn about local food banks, employment services, housing benefits, and medical care. If someone does need help, then a personal support plan will be created. The main programmes are as follows.

• A canteen will offer people free meals each day.
• The homeless can use a laundry for personal hygiene.
• Health care, such as a dentist is provided.
• Information on benefits, ranging from schemes for rent deposits to temporary accommodations. Staff can help with completing forms for these grants from the government.

All of the welfare services are combined with job training. So long term hardships are addressed as well. More details on those NOAH progammes are noted below.

On the job work experience and training is available in Bedfordshire from New Opportunities and Horizons. It is done in partnership with Ashden Trust. The priority is for the long term unemployed as well as those that want new skills. There is also training for the homeless.

All of this is offered as employment is key to getting a person off of welfare over the long term. A job that provide enough of an income for paying the bills or buying food will allow the person to break away from poverty and welfare dependency as well.

Hundreds of people each year go through the on job training programmes. They gain experience and confidence. During the entire process, NOAH will mentor them to address any challenges that arise. The mentor will help them create Cvs, enroll clients into English for Speakers of Other Languages, help on the search and application for jobs, and practice interviews.

Some of the key experiences available from this service are in activities such as IT skills, Woodwork and furniture restoration, Driving assistance, White goods refurbishment, and more. Other jobs may also be arranged by NOAH depending on the results of an assessment.

There are also charity shops and furniture stores. The address is 54 Church Street as well as 11-15 High Town Road, Luton, LU1 3JG. Anyone from Bedfordshire can shop at these NOAH – New Opportunities and Horizons locations, and they will have clothing, furniture, and more. All money raised is used to fund the welfare centre programmes noted above.

NOAH welfare centre is at 141 Park Street, Luton, LU1 3HG. Individuals can call 01582 728416 for information as well as advice.