Shoreham Baptist Church services for the low income in West Sussex

The programmes run by Shoreham Baptist Church are done so in partnership with national charity organisations. They partner with groups such as the Trussell Trust on offering free food for feeding the hungry and they are also part of CAP for offering counselling debt arrears. While those are the two services provided, the volunteers at the church can also signpost the low income to many other local schemes. And government benefits.

The foodbank on site is part of Trussell Trust. This is offered a form of support for families on a low income that are in a one time crisis. Tt does not provide ongoing assistance. What may be available depends on donations from people in the Mid and West Sussex area, but in general a parcel is passed out for free.

Groceries that are available at the site are donated by other local church groups, individuals and food collection days at supermarkets in Shoreham-by-Sea. It may contain tinned meats, fruits, tea, and similar items. Other nutritionally balanced items are in the parcel as well.

When seeking help from the food bank in Shoreham-by-Sea, a voucher is needed. The resident can get this from Social Services in West Sussex, GP Surgeries, or Citizens Advice. An assessment will be done by the agency, and only if found eligible will the person be able to use the foodbank.

Volunteers from Shoreham Baptist Church who work at the food bank can direct the family to other agencies as well. There may be more permanent solutions for people living in poverty through the government welfare schemes or benefit system. This is what signposting is for, and the church can provide information on grants for financial aid and more.

Anyone who receives food may also be referred to the debt counselling from Shoreham Baptist Church. Or they can be signposted to other more personal counselling if they have other issues they are dealing with, such as disputes with family members.

The Shoreham Baptist Church offers debt help as well. This is a free service for those dealing with creditors. Many people from the area are having financial problems and don’t know where to turn to for help. Maybe their debts and bills are causing them to go without food or transportation. In these instances the trained manager from Shoreham Baptist Church may be able to assist.

The church is part of the nationwide CAP debt relief organisation. This means that all of the support is provided for free. Clients come from Shoreham-by-Sea as well as Adur. There are also money management classes for other across West Sussex. Any family that needs free advice on how to improve their financial situation can use this service, and they can be Christian or part of any faith.

As part of this, the manager from Shoreham Baptist Church will contact creditors. Those can be done directly by the CAP service, or they can also involve the client. The aim is to help the person deal with any loan (including payday firms) as well as credit card companies. All solutions will be explored until the individual becomes debt free. Whether it takes a month, or years, assistance is provided during this timeframe.

There are two main phone numbers to call the Shoreham Baptist Church. For information on the food bank, ring 01273 965407. The phone for debt counselling is 0800 328 0006.