Shinewater Shaftesbury Centre low income programmes East Sussex

The Shaftesbury Centre provides many support services for families on a low income. The not-for-profit works with people from across the community to get them them help they need in a crisis, such as a free food parcel or referrals to schemes for rent arrears. The support centre also offers assistance for long term needs, mainly in addressing lack of employment and they also coordinate free money advice. The main programmes are noted below.

Advice on benefits, debts, and welfare

After an appointment has been made, and an assessment completed, the client can meet with a staff member from the Shaftesbury Centre. They will spend many hours with the team in taking a holistic approach to resolving the financial challenge. The support services are below.

-An assessment of benefits will be provided to both help the client apply for everything from housing to deposit or rent assistance programmes. They will also determine how much money a family can get.
-Appeals for denied applications or housing/lodging are arranged.
-Free advice is available on paying down payday loans or other debt arrears.
-If needed, the team will negotiate with creditors on behalf of the person. They deal with credit card companies and other lenders.

When dealing with debts or other money matters, there may be as many as three appointments that take place between the client and the Shinewater Shaftesbury Centre. If an when needed, additional telephone calls will take place if further information is needed.

At the end of this process, a budget will be created for the family. This Financial Statement will take into account all of the client’s income and expenses. Not only will there be advice on what bills to pay first, such as rent or other housing, but the support is ongoing as well.

Employment at a livable wage is often the key to ending poverty. There is help given to those who need to find a job, or assistance on employment rights. The team at the centre will give information on steps to take to resolve this issue.

Food and financial aid from Shaftesbury Centre

The not-for-profit will partner with the Eastbourne Food Bank and other charities to offer free food. They are both a collection point and distribution centre. Anyone that is in poverty or struggling across East Sussex can seek a voucher from a social worker.

If they are approved, then a free parcel of food will be given to them. It will have enough in it to feed a family for up to 3 days. They also have information on lunch club sites help at local churches, and a client may get a meal for as low as £3.50.

Housing assistance is provided too. If a person is in rent arrears and threatened with eviction, or currently homeless, then the team at Shaftesbury Centre in Shinewater can provide help. Most of what they give is in the form of advice. Whether a tenant needs information on where to apply at for rent help in an emergency, or if they need assistance from specialists, then referrals are given.

One additional service is signposting to legal advice in East Sussex. While in some cases it is free, there are cases in which the assistance comes with a low cost. Shaftesbury Centre has information on legal aid for employment issues, housing or evictions, and pension or welfare queries.

A number of other services are available from the Shinewater Shaftesbury Centre. Whether someone needs general help for a crisis, or ongoing support, information is provided from their office at Milfoil Drive, Shinewater, Eastbourne, BN23 8BR. There is also a phone service, and that number is 01323 760654.