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The Manna is an assistance programme available in partnership with St. Stephen’s Church as well as other agencies. The scheme aims to provide a weekly meal to individuals on a low income and a key work service will help them address the cause of their hardship.

The drop in centre is open 3 days per week, and the services provided vary by day. For example, on Tuesday and Wednesday meals are served at the same time advice can be provided. So the services vary.

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The assistance is run in partnership with CASA Family Service as well as IMAX (Islington Income Maximisation Team) among other charities. This allows the social worker to give clients advice on their challenges. There is information on government schemes (such as welfare or deposits), food banks in London, and other support.

The benefit advice is given one day per week. Everything provided is free and confidential. Anyone that is vulnerable can learn about resources available for them in their hardship. The team at the charity can help Islington families access welfare schemes or apply for housing. They also partner with the Islington credit union so that residents can learn about low interest loans or proper budgeting. Many forms of advice are provided, and the St. Stephen’s Church helps facilitate this process.

Manna also has a key work service. Clients of this scheme can not only get information on what may be able to assist them, but there is also help in making phone calls or filling out forms. If the best option is provided by other charities in London, then signposting may be given as well. The Manna programme can also help people apply for grants.

Not only can the key worker help people apply for benefits or welfare, but they also motivate clients. They will help them develop a plan for long term stability. This support can be the difference in an individual to make it out of poverty.

Two days per week there will be a free lunch or a breakfast served. The person stopping by can be given a sandwich for a meal or a hot drink. The clients will be able to eat together so they have companionship.

For those that need other support, the key work process can signpost a client to one of the food banks local to London. The volunteers at St. Stephen’s Church can both prepare the meal and try to get a parcel of food the the vulnerable using those other centres.

The Manna provides other help as well. Families from across the Islington area and other London boroughs donate clothes, and these are then given to families on a low income. The homeless or people sleeping rough can use the showers or laundry at St. Stephen’s Church. There is also other support too, and these programmes are for both women and men in the community.

The church, which is where Manna is located at, has a post of 17 Canonbury Road, London N1 2DF. Call the location at 020 7226 5369. The aim is on helping families in both Islington and other local boroughs.