CIRDIC services for the low income in Reading

Families on a low income in Reading, as well as the homeless, can contact CIRDIC. The drop in centre is the location that can refer clients to a number of services offered by both churches as well as other agencies. The assistance is provided for free and regardless of the person’s income or faith, so anyone who stops by can get help or advice.

The main programmes from the Churches in Reading Drop-in Centre are aimed at practical support and then providing additional links to specialist services so the client can gain long term stability. Some of the short term needs addressed can include a hot meal, clothing, and a food bank voucher. Residents of Reading can also use the phone or computer to search for job or apply for welfare benefits. Many other forms of aid are administered as well.

Staff from CIRDIC will also advocate on behalf of the working poor to increase awareness of their needs and struggles. The charity will to to ensure government funding continues to go to the disadvantaged, and that their basic needs are met.

Homeless assistance from CIRDIC

The drop in centre will offer people sleeping rough with short term support. This may be free meals and a hot drink. Other items offered to them will be clothing and personal hygiene items, ranging from a blanket to a winter coat and like items. They can even use the drop-in-centre as a postal address.

Volunteers from a church will also try to place the homeless in Reading into a shelter or hostel. This will eventually then lead to long term housing, whether in the social or private sector. Some of the churches that are part of the organisation operate their own shelters as well.

Low income help Churches in Reading Drop-in Centre

Reading residents in poverty can also benefit from the charity programmes. They can not only get assistance from the services above, but they will have other solutions as well. All advice is free, and staff will listen closely to their challenges.

Social workers offer referrals to housing and other services, such as health care or job training. Or tenants can explore moving-on schemes from CIRDIC. There are classes on budgeting as well as life skills such as cooking and counselling.

The charity has information on local Reading welfare schemes as well, and these can often help the low income that are in some type of exceptional financial hardship. Staff can assist clients with completing applications for rent deposit schemes that are run by the council’s in the county, and explore many other services that operate in Reading. Specialists can help with completing forms to benefits, and offer other advice, such as details on welfare schemes.

One key aim is on helping people find employment, and this is available across all of Berkshire. Or if someone is working then they can get advice on increasing their income so they have more funds for food and other bills. The volunteers at the drop-in-centre will help individuals create a CV, and allow use of the computer to find meaningful employment.

Clients of the charity include substance abusers, the homeless and unemployed. Really, anyone on a low income or facing a crisis can stop by. The CIRDIC drop in centre has a post of St. Saviour’s Church Hall, which is on Berkeley Avenue, Reading, RG1 6JT. The location is open Monday to Friday, and call (0118) 950 2536.