Pitstop assistance for low income in Surrey

Pitstop provides support services to the vulnerable in Surrey. The charity relies on volunteers that are available at the drop in centre to provide an assessment of the applicant’s needs, and based on the results assistance will be provided to the family.

The organisation can provide support such as advice in applying for welfare or benefits. In addition, Pitstop has basic needs on site that they can offer clients, which can be a bag of groceries or clothing. In some cases a limited amount of furniture will be given to a formerly homeless person as well.

The programmes are available across Surrey, with a focus on those with a local connection to the Mole Valley. Even if the charity is not able to offer the support that someone needs, then the volunteers will signpost the client to another agency, whether from the government or a local not-for-profit.

The drop in centre will offer the individual a place to stay to meet with the volunteer. All of the advice is offered in confidence. While they are at the location, Pitstop will give them a free hot meal or drink. Then, if more long term food assistance is needed, then a parcel of groceries will be provided to the client. This is only available on a first come and served basis.

Advice is provided for addressing problems. There are different topics covered by this service, and the main ones are below.

• Benefits and welfare form filing can be done by a Pitstop volunteer and the client. This will help with accessing all sorts of government aid, including emergency grants from welfare.
• Substance abusers can be assigned to a keyworker for long term support. The Substance Use Worker arranged group sessions for those that need it.
• Housing assistance is available from the advice service. Families on a low income can get support in applying for housing benefit schemes.
• Pitstop offers free debt advice, both for expenses such as credit cards or rent arrears and more.

Helping tenants settle into a new home is a key service. So Pitstop has on site furniture, such as bedding and appliances, as well as other household items. These are for people that are struggling to pay for the goods they need for their new flat.

When possible, the volunteers from Pitstop will even deliver the furniture to clients in Surrey. They will also assist with setting up the items in the new home. This is a major benefit for those older people or others who just are not strong enough to move the items themselves.

The Personal Assessment will help the client address future needs for stability. There are steps to this process. Pitstop will usually require the client to volunteer at a local organisation. This can provide them experience for a future job in the Surrey area.

The next step to the plan will be the creation of a CV as well as help in applying for a job. Or if the individual needs new skills, then IT training or other support is arranged. This will lead to a full time job. Ideally the person will be placed into a position with a life sustaining wages.

Pitstop and the client need to follow the action plan put together. If this is done, then this can lead to other assistance from the programmes they offer.

Pitstop also partners with other local groups, such as the United Reformed Church. To drop in, or for more information, the address is Epsom Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 8ST, call 01372 363003. This office is open from Monday to Friday.

If someone needs help, or has question on applying for welfare,e then this is done on Friday’s. Pitstop holds a group session at 3 Church Road, Leatherhead, KT22 8AT.