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The vulnerable in Bristol can receive crisis support from the Wild Goose Cafe. The charity addresses both emergency needs, such as free food or shelter for women as part of the Spring of Hope scheme and they also provide longer term support from services such as the Life Skills and Initial Training for Employment workshops. Clients come all background in Bristol.

Food programmes from Wild Goose

Meals, including breakfast and lunch and an evening dinner 6 days per week, are also offered at the Wild Goose Cafe. During the meal session a volunteer will meet with the person to provide support and encouragement. If after going through an assessment, if the Crisis Centre can refer the person to a programme in Bristol, then this will be done.

Food assistance is provided by the charity. Not only is the Cafe part of the Trussell Trust foodbank network, but they also provide free meals in the evenings to families in poverty as well as the homeless. These two services depended on both volunteers as well as donations of food from churches, schools, and businesses in Bristol. Some of the partners include Bristol Children Playhouse, Wellspring NHS, and the Summerhill Junior School.

If a person is requesting groceries or tinned items from the Wild Goose Cafe food bank, they need a voucher. This can be given to them by care professionals across Bristol, such as nurses, social workers, or Gps. Then, if found eligible, the applicant will be given an emergency parcel of food that can last them up to 3 days, and it will have enough to feed their families too. When they drop in they will also be able to eat a hot meal or have a cup of tea.

Additional programmes for the low income

The crisis centre in Bristol also has a night shelter for women, and it is called Spring of Hope Women’s. This will provide the vulnerable with emergency, short term accommodations. The women will be given a bed to sleep in as well as other support. Whether someone is fleeing from violence or has other complex needs, the Wild Goose Cafe will assist them.

There is enough room for only 12 people at the shelter, and it is first come and served. While there, the client can access other programmes available at the centre. The women is given counseling as well as emotional support from the social workers. If they need accompaniment to court or help from a solicitor, this can be arranged. Other services at the shelter include medical appointments, signposting to benefits, and assistance in finding permanent housing.

Signposting is available to local agencies as well as government schemes, such as welfare. The sessions at the cafe address finance, budgeting, and health. There is also help for those abuse substances. There is also information on housing assistance in the region, ranging from deposit schemes to benefits in Bristol.

Many of the Wild Goose Cafe clients will be referred to job training and placement as part of LITE, or the Life Skills and Initial Training for Employment. This will help people become stability and reliant on their own ability. Many of the people that enroll are long term unemployed, homeless, or living in poverty. But all this who go to a class need to want to improve their financial condition.

LITE will last up to 6 weeks. There are multiple courses that will help the person build confidence and gain new skills. Or if they need to rebuild relationships, then this can be arranged too by the counsellors. Money management classes are also part of LITE.

Anyone can drop in for advice or a meal at Wild Goose. The address is 32 Stapleton Road, Easton, Bristol, BS5 0QY, telephone 0117 330 1230.