St Mark’s assistance for low income in Wandsworth

St Mark’s is a charity organisation that is supporting the vulnerable in Wandsworth and nearby areas. The church takes part in several different assistance programmes for families in poverty or facing a crisis. Everything from a free food parcel to a scheme known as Skills for Life will help clients.

Much of what St. Mark’s provides to residents of Wandsworth is the result of partnerships. They work with the Trussell Trust on feeding families as well as Christians Against Poverty on helping families in southern London that are struggling with debts or unpaid loans. However the FST – Skills for Life scheme is directly run by the church.

Too many families in Wandsworth are struggling to feed their families. The free food bank at St Mark’s has served about 3000 people per year, including over 1000 children from families in poverty. It is open seven days per week in the borough, so people can use it anytime they are facing hunger. There are eligibility criteria in place that need to be met in order to get a free parcel of food from the charity. They are as follows.

-Referrals are needed. Residents can get them from Wandsworth Council, social services, a GP, teacher, or other care professionals. St. Marks works with almost 200 careworkers on the referral process.
-The applicant needs to be on a low income or welfare benefits, and facing a crisis.
-The person should bring their own box or bag when selecting groceries or perishable food.

If found to be eligible, and based on donation levels, St Mark’s will offer up to 3 days of emergency groceries to the Wandsworth borough individual or family. There may also be hot snacks, drinks, or a full meal served at the church, even including at Christmas.

St Mark’s provides other services at the same time as the food parcel. This is mostly in the form of advice to help the family overcome their hardship. The volunteers at the centre can offer a listening ear to the person. Based on their needs, everything from signposting to welfare application sites, housing, or council schemes is provided. The aim is to end the cycle of poverty.

St’ Marks debt counselling is another free service. This is provided in partnership with CAP and can help Wandsworth families improve their financial situation. The advice given by the counsellor is free and covers everything from loans to credit card bills and other costs the client may have.

The main phone number for information or to enroll is 020 7326 9417. The Community Transformation Co-ordinator will assess what the individual needs. This will involve a review of their income, savings, and other needs. A plan will be put into place to help the Wandsworth client deal with their debt arrears they may have. Also, the Co-ordinator can signpost the client to other programmes too, even including the food bank above.

Skills for Life, or FST, from St Mark’s helps young people (under the age of 20) in Wandsworth. The aim is to empower them and keep them out of future poverty. All of the care given is one on one so the client has the full attention of the St. Mark’s volunteer.

The social worker from the church will assist the person with everything from employment or job training to educational needs. There is also practical support given, such as meals from a Youth Cafe, clothing, or job development workshops.

The Apha course helps ex-offenders in Wandsworth or even current prisoners in southern London. Up to 12 clients are supported by St. Mark’s. There are courses that will help ex-offenders address the crime they committed, and also gain stability once they are back in society. It also combined the other programmes from St. Mark’s, ranging from the debt counseling to food or signposting to benefits.

The St Mark’s church has a post of Battersea Rise, London SW11 1EJ. For more information on their services, ring 020 7223 6188.