Hardship: Finding it hard to cope?
At the moment, we are aware that some individuals and families may be finding it hard to cope. You may be experiencing some kind of hardship, which is making day-to-day living hard.
You may be finding some of the following difficult:
- Having enough food for you and your family?
- Finding the money to pay your bills?
- Being unable to get to essential appointments? E.g. doctor or hospital?
- Not being able to collect vital medicine?
- Needing help with childcare?
- Struggling with domestic tasks in the home?
- Abuse?
- Feeling lonely and isolated?
Please do not struggle in silence.
Firstly, talk to someone that you trust. There are many agencies that exist locally to help people in need. Sometimes you may well find that by confiding in a friend or neighbour, help is at hand closer than you think. Remember, a trouble shared, is often a trouble halved.
Below, you will find some links to agencies that could be helpful. Also, do speak to a member of your school community that you trust. The school has links with a wide spectrum of local contacts.
As a community, we will of course, surround you in prayer at this difficult time.
FoodbanksFoodbank Xtra:
Please pass the information below onto anyone who might need it:
Milton Keynes Council and MK Food Bank have teamed up to offer more help to local people in crisis.
To Get Help:
Food Bank Xtra is specifically for people who receive benefits, free school meals for their children, who are in severe debt or crisis, are unemployed, homeless, or at risk of homelessness and other similar vulnerable situations.
• Call Food Bank Xtra on 01908 565852 between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday, to discuss your situation in confidence with experienced staff.
• Visit a Service Centre, where social distancing will be followed:
o Melrose Centre, Bletchley – 9:00am – 11:00am (Mon-Fri)
o Milton Keynes Christian Centre, Oldbrook – 11:00am – 1:00pm (Mon-Fri)
o King's Community Centre, Wolverton – 1:00pm – 3:00pm (Mon-Fri)
o More centres will be added shortly
You will need to bring ID to the Serving Centre for every family member. If someone is collecting on your behalf, they will need to bring your ID. You will also be required to provide evidence of eligibility.
National network of food banks
Find your local Food Bank: https://www.trusselltrust.org/
Bedford Food Bank
https://bedford.foodbank.org.uk/
Dine with us community larder – Bedford (Facebook page)
https://www.facebook.com/DineWithUsOnTheStreetsCherriesLegacy/
Corby Food Bank
https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank/ (9 Foodbanks in Corby)
Northampton Food Bank
https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank/ (8 Foodbanks in Northampton)
Citizen’s Advice Service
Citizen’s Advice Service
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
This offers advice with the following:
- Benefits
- Work
- Debt and money
- Consumer
- Family
- Housing
- Law and courts
- Immigration
- Health
Bedford – https://www.bedfordcab.org.uk/
Corby - https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/local/corby-kettering/contact-us/
Northampton - https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/local/central-east-northants/contact-us/
Financial Support
Money Advice
St Andrew’s Church, Bedford
http://www.standrewsbedford.org/st-andrews-groups/money-advice/
Financial support – Corby
https://www.corby.gov.uk/home/housing-and-neighbourhood-services/landlord-services/financial-inclusion-and-support/debt
Homelessness
Shelter – national charity for the homeless
https://www.shelter.org.uk/
Bedford - https://bedfordhomeless.org.uk/organisations/day-centre/
Corby Nightlight - Local charity to help with rough sleeping and hunger
https://www.corbynightlight.org.uk/#about
Northampton Hope Centre helping with poverty and homelessness. All are welcome
https://northamptonhopecentre.org.uk/
Northampton Night Shelter - https://www.northampton.gov.uk/info/200184/housing-advice/1280/rough-sleeping/2
Northampton emergency help and sustaining independent living – financial support
https://www.billhelp.uk/northamptonshire-emergency-help-and-sustaining-independent-living/
Medical
Contact your own doctor’s surgery – make them aware of your need / problem and they will be able to direct you to some help.
Bedford - https://www.nhs.uk/Services/Trusts/GPs/DefaultView.aspx?id=89678
Corby - https://www.nhs.uk/Services/Trusts/GPs/DefaultView.aspx?id=89602
Northampton - https://www.nhs.uk/Services/Trusts/GPs/DefaultView.aspx?id=89803
Maggie’s – Cancer support – Northampton
https://www.maggies.org/our-centres/maggies-northampton/
Mental Health
Mental Health - Mind
Bedford - https://www.mind-blmk.org.uk/how-we-can-help/bedford/
Corby - https://www.corbymind.org.uk/
Northampton - https://www.northamptonmind.org.uk/
Crisis Café – Bedford
https://www.elft.nhs.uk/service/461/Mental-Health-Crisis-Caf%C3%A9-%E2%80%93-Bedford
Crisis Café – Corby
https://www.corbymind.org.uk/our-services/the-sanctuary/
Crisis Café – Northampton
https://www.nhft.nhs.uk/crisis-cafe/venue/crisis-caf-northampton-410/
For local support and services in Northampton call anytime of the day or night: 0300 330 10 11 - Lines available 24 hours a day, seven days a week:
https://www.nhft.nhs.uk/mentalhealth
For a wide range of practical support: https://www.cirv-nsd.org.uk/Mental-Health-Support/Help-and-Advice/
https://www.nhft.nhs.uk/mentalhealth
Please also visit our Wellbeing area for support and advice for the whole family.
Faces: Family Support
This umbrella organisation can help you with:
- Domestic Abuse
- Support for young people and families experiencing issues with Child Sexual Exploitation
- Help with family finance
- Help with pregnancy and infants
- Support with parenting issues
- Signposting to our partner agencies - such as debt advice.
- Depression
- Isolation
- Victim Support
Sexual Assault Support (24 Hour)
Serenity – Northamptonshire
https://www.nhft.nhs.uk/serenity
https://www.nhft.nhs.uk/serenity
Call: 01604 601713
Churches, Mosques and Temples
Take a look at the website of some of your local churches, mosques and temples – many offer assistance to local people, e.g. the Saint Vincent de Paul Society is active in Catholic parishes.
Catholic Diocese of Northampton: https://northamptondiocese.org/
Churches Together in England: https://www.cte.org.uk/
St Vincent De Paul Society: https://www.svp.org.uk/
Muslim Council of Great Britain: https://mcb.org.uk/
Sikh: http://sikhcounciluk.org/
Jewish Leadership Council: https://www.thejlc.org/portal?splash=1