Financial assistance and basic needs Barnabus

There are several main services offered by Barnabus for low income families with a connection to Manchester. The charity and its staff, as well as volunteers, provide basic needs and household items from the Beacon Drop-In Centre. The homeless or people living in poverty can receive medical care, and a shop sells gently used goods and clothing as well. The organisation is focused on the needs of the homeless and vulnerable in the city.

Free services from Barnabus

Basic medical care is arranged at a health suite. Sometimes the homeless are turned away from clinics in Manchester, or they do not get the follow up care they need. In these cases, the health care volunteers from Barnabus will assist people with accessing the care and attention they need, or they may offer basic check ups themselves.

Volunteer nurses and paramedics that are trained by NHS offer free advice and make referrals to specialist substance and alcohol agencies if needed. They also offer basic care as well when needed, and this may include flu vaccinations, physicals, Chlamydia testing and the like.

Second-hand goods are also available at the Shop. This may include clothing as well as furniture or white goods. These items will be sold at affordable prices by Barnabus, but anyone across Manchester can use the facility for household goods they need. This can help free up incomes for other daily bills and living expenses faced by the low income.

Hot food and meals, including from a food bank, can be arranged by Barnabus. The charity helps feed the disadvantaged, families in food poverty, and lonely. Both a soup kitchen and free food bank are used, and find more details on free food banks in Manchester.

Advice in Manchester

Information and free advice is provided from the Beacon Drop-in Centre as well. Support workers from Barnabus help people obtain ID or secure shelter in Manchester. There is also guidance on obtaining ID, completing forms for benefits, or referrals to a food bank. The aim is to rehouse the homeless, or help families in poverty with food and other bills they have. So many services are offered to families on a low income.

Outreach is coordinated by Barnabus for people sleeping rough in Manchester. The charity and its staff and volunteers will go onto the streets of Manchester to find the homeless or hungry, and try to help them get the support and basic needs they require. They also offer referrals to shelters and other programmes.

Some of what is provided will be free food, clothing, a hot meal, blankets and basic first aid. Also, the staff will have a kind ear for the person, and try to partner with the individual on addressing the hardship they are facing. Hundreds of people will usually be supported each week as part of Outreach or the drop in centre services.

Barnabus is located at the Beacon, 45 Bloom Street, Manchester, M1 3LY. The charity can be reached at 0161 237 3223, and volunteers will offer support when possible.