Rainbow Centre low income support services

The Rainbow Centre provides assistance to hundreds of families per week, and the charity provides practical support and basic needs. A number challenges can be addressed by the organisation, ranging from lack of food to household goods such as furniture and more. Another key aim of the staff at the Rainbow Centre is to refer clients on a low income to benefits and help people locate a job in North Yorkshire. The main services are below.

Food and low cost meals are part of the Rainbow Cafe. While some people in poverty may sometimes be given a parcel of food for free, most of the support from the cafe will come with a low cost from clients. Not only can people from Scarborough have a place to turn to for a hot drink or meal, but they can also get sign posting to charities.

The cafe is located within the Rainbow Centre, and a number of programmes are run from it. There are fresh meals for the homeless and even to meet the dietary needs of the elderly. Snacks and hot drinks are also available, often at a low cost. Everything served is done in a friendly manner, and the cafe has also be noted for being a place for good value.

Buffets may also be served to the public in North Yorkshire at a low price. This has a variety of food items for addressing numerous tastes and requirements of the poor and low income, and it too can help prevent hunger.

Other forms of practical support are provided too. Over 200 people per week call upon the charity for help, and more examples of their services are noted below.

• Referrals to shelters and temporary accommodations in North Yorkshire.
• Low income residents can get referrals to benefits, for housing or maybe local council schemes for deposits.
• Practical help from the Rainbow Centre includes clothing, furniture, beds, blankets, and more.
• The homeless can use a community room, such as for laundry or shower facilities.
• Assistance is for people impacted by domestic violence or a mental disability.

The centre, which is open Monday to Friday from 8.30am until 2.30pm, will aim to address emergencies, no matter the cause. The staff will offer clothing or food parcels as noted above, and at the same time the client will be referred to other support services to address the crisis. All of this is intended to help support and uplift people in the community.

A resale store is on site. The Rainbow Centre has a furniture donation program. It works by taking in high quality basic household goods such as furniture and redistributes these items into the community both for the low income and homeless. It for those people that need items for their new home or flat. It relies on donations and volunteers from the Scarborough area, so please donate if possible.

Seniors can get a meal from the Lunch Club, which is held one day per week. It is run in partnership with charities as well as the Scarborough Borough Council, and not only will an elderly person get some food, but they can access other support too.

The main Rainbow Centre has a post of Castle Road, Scarborough, YO11 1TH. Drop in for support, or call 01723 500663.