Falkirk Salvation Army drop in centre programmes

The drop in centre at the Salvation Army branch in Falkirk provides many services to the vulnerable, however one priority is on feeding the homeless and people in poverty. There may be resources for helping with other needs as well, and that can include housing assistance. Lastly, information on benefits and job training is provided. Many of the Salvation Army programmes are run in partnership with the Falkirk Council as well as Forth Valley Health Board.

The charity will help people from all religions, not just Christians. As long as the applicant meets low income limits and is facing an exceptional hardship then assistance may be provided to them. However a meal is given to anyone that wants one.

The key service from the drop-in centre is the soup kitchen. This Salvation Army programme has been feeding the hungry and people in food poverty for over 20 years. There are hot lunches available, tea, biscuits, and more. The location is open five days per week, including in the evening. A free hot meal is offered to anyone who needs it and there are no income requirements. The soup kitchen will also service special Christmas meals to Falkirk residents.

The Salvation Army drop in centre will also pass out a voucher to the low income in which they can use at a local food bank. This is provided in cooperation with other agencies that distribute parcels of groceries. Another key partner on the food programmes is the Falkirk Council, as the government also works to feed the hungry and poor.

Assistance for housing is also provided by the Salvation Army. The faith based charity has a reputation for helping the vulnerable and homeless, and they do what they can to meet this need. Numerous assistance programmes may be arranged for people struggling with their rent in Falkirk.

Help is available for anyone struggling with housing. This is not limited to rough sleepers or the homeless. Staff will help the person find a shelter or review financial assistance schemes available to them, such as for paying rent arrears or deposits. Even people coming out of a local hostel in Falkirk can use the Salvation Army services for advice on their next steps. For more information on some of the solutions, locate programmes for paying rent deposits.

Other services are available at the drop in centre. The Salvation Army offers this location for anyone from the community. They can stop by for access to a place of warmth and caring staff members. All of the advice from the charity is free, and given with a welcoming smile.

The practical support includes items for a home. There may be free clothing, sleeping bags, or blankets. People that need help with hygiene can use the washing facilities and get toiletries from the centre as well.

Education and job training is part of the Falkirk Salvation Army New Futures Initiative. This is a council supported scheme. There is support on IT skills, budgeting, and literacy. There is also Support with accessing benefits and other government services. This programme will always be approved by the Employment Development Officer who is located on site.

The Falkirk Salvation Army Debt Centre will help families that are struggling to pay their bills, in particular credit cards, loans, mortgages, and any expenses that are owed to any other creditor. The person seeking assistance will be assigned to a specialist from the centre. They will then explore all of the services available, such as the following.

• Clients can enter into a no-fee debt management plan, in which a portion of the person’s income will go to paying their bills that are in arrears every month.
• The Salvation Army can contact lenders to negotiate payment plans, interest rate reductions, and ensure legal rights are met when it comes to people that have payday loans.
• Budgeting classes are held in Falkirk.

Many other money management services are run. All of the debt advice and support is provided for free. The aim of the services at this centre is to help the client to get back on track with their finances.

The main Salvation Army drop in centre is at 1 Woodside Court, Falkirk, FK1 5AN. As noted, anyone can use the location, and no questions are asked. Residents can ring 01324 627425.