Cheltenham 1st Stop support services in Gloucestershire

Families on a low income that are facing some type of hardship can get assistance from Cheltenham 1st Stop. While many resources are available, the aim is to help clients overcome any barriers they have to gaining self-sufficiency. So they have an Advice and Inclusion Service, partner with the Cheltenham Borough Homes Housing Options Team on homeless prevention, and provide other programmes.

The main location is open five days per week, and will provide advice to anyone in Cheltenham. It does not matter the person’s age, income, or issue. However most of the clients tend to be on a low income or vulnerable. This may include the homeless, ex-offenders, and people with a substance issue.

There are several charities and even government agencies that are part of Cheltenham 1st Stop. There are specialists who are part of CAB, and staff from the council can also take part. Volunteers from Trussell Trust food banks in Gloucestershire will also normally take part and be on site a few days per week. The aim is to make all of their service accessible to the less fortunate. Another key partner is the Housing Team, and residents can get guidance on whatever their hardship is.

At this location, individuals can apply for different benefits or programmes, and do not need to travel to separate offices. Examples of the programmes are below.

• Food parcels are available to families. There are options such as Trussell Trust and Foodshare from CCP.
• Emergency shelter for the homeless, and they may also get a free meal too.
• Information maximiszing income and a review of benefits they may be eligible for.
• Housing Options Team will assist with rent deposit schemes and homeless prevention as well.
• The unemployed or those with a limited income can take part in education or job training.

Advice and Inclusion Service is focused on helping clients with their debts. Whether it is due to a rent arrears for a private landlord, or a credit card bill, the aim is to ensure people have the support they need in dealing with anyone they owe money too. There will be a full assessment done as part of Cheltenham 1st Stop services, and based on the results of that, support is given to the client.

The staff from the agencies will also advocate on behalf of the low income. This can be key as it brings more visibility to those that are less fortunate, as they often can’t get the assistance they need. If a family was denied help, then Benefit Appeals and Representation services will be a possible solution.

The 1st Stop centre encourages the agencies to share procedures as well, which reduces administrative burden when applying for help. This will help ensure people have all the information they need when they drop in. This also makes applying for benefits or welfare more efficient for clients.

The Cheltenham 1st Stop location is at 301 High Street, Cheltenham. For information on the process and applying, the main number to ring is 01242 228 999.