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.
National network of food banks
Foodbank 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:
- Melrose Centre, Bletchley – 9:00am – 11:00am (Mon-Fri)
- Milton Keynes Christian Centre, Oldbrook – 11:00am – 1:00pm (Mon-Fri)
- King's Community Centre, Wolverton – 1:00pm – 3:00pm (Mon-Fri)
- 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.
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
Money Advice
Homelessness
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.
Mental Health - Mind
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/
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)
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.
The links above were collated by members of the Trust Chaplaincy Team.