St. Mary’s Church assistance programmes in Tameside

The borough of Tameside is being supported by the food and other assistance programmes provided by St. Mary’s Church and their partners. Clients get help from the charity as the result of the volunteers from the church and other key organisations.

When it comes to food assistance from St. Mary’s, families on a low income need to have a referral in order to receive groceries. Anyone in need should contact their social worker for this. The church will also accept referrals from the Tameside or Manchester councils, a GP, or nurse. There may be help provided for people regardless of age, background or belief.

Once they have this referral, individuals can drop in at the food bank to request their assistance. The centre is open from Tuesday to Friday, as late as 4pm. The process will involve the applicant needing to meet with a volunteer from St. Mary’s. If they are found to be eligible and have that referral, then a free parcel of healthy food will be given to them. The church also serves Christmas meals in Tameside.

St. Mary’s relies on key partners such as AON Insurance as well as Aldi in Manchester to keep this service running. These companies raise money from the community for the church services. They also donate tinned food, groceries, and surplus items so meals can be served.

The centre was created to help families that are in a crisis. Even if an individual local to Tameside does not have a referral, St. Mary’s Church will still try to assist them. People can meet with a volunteer to learn about other social services in Greater Manchester. The team from the church will provide advice on everything from housing benefits to form filling for local welfare, which can help pay certain bills.

At the same time they use the foodbank or drop in for advice, applicants can access the other assistance programmes helping with debt arrears. Some of what is provided is couselling on from the CAP sponsored programme as well as signposting to Citizens Advice Bureau services.

The church has held debt counselling sessions with CAP in the past as well. Specialists offer this assistance in a confidential face-to-face session. If someone is disabled or older, there may be local home visits in Tameside that take place. This advice can help people that are in a real financial hardship and that need free advice in addressing debt arrears or other bills, such as credit cards.

The team at Citizens Advice will assist St. Mary’s clients with any number of financial challenges. There are many people using the food bank that are also struggling with paying their winter heating bills or employment. Between the volunteers at the church, and partner organisations, they can offer referrals to programmes for paying energy bills or even suggestions on heating cost payment plans.

The services from St. Mary’s Church would not be possible without the help of volunteers. They also rely on the public in Tameside and other churches to donate food as well to keep the cupboards full. For more information, speak to a social worker or drop in at the church at Meadow Lane, Haughton Green, Denton, Manchester, M34 7GD. Enquires can be made at 0796 499 4008.