GEAR Projects services for the low income in Gloucester

Help is available for both families in poverty and the homeless, and the GEAR Projects provides many assistance programmes for their needs. Most of the support is coordinated from the Vaughan Day Centre, and this is where people can turn to for advice as well as practical support.

The Day Centre can not only provide emergency assistance, such as a meal or article of clothing, but the staff also refer applicants to the other GEAR Projects services, such as Healthcare from the local clinic. There is also assistance for rough sleepers and those that need a place to sleep. Not only will the not-for-profit offer individuals its own assistance programmes, but they also manage homeless outreach for the Gloucestershire County council.

The Day Centre provides many other services for the vulnerable. It relies heavily on volunteers from the region, and the programmes are supported by staff as well. Some of what is provided to clients are below.

• Housing – Advice and support is available to the homeless.
• Job – People can gain skills, as well as help in locating employment.
• Help with budgeting and free debt advice.
• Vouchers to free food banks are also given out by GEAR Projects to eligible families on a low income.

The homeless and rough sleepers are always a key priority of the charity. Works from GEAR Projects not only assist those that drop in at The Vaughan Day Centre, but they will also pro-actively find people in the city of Gloucester. Clients will receive everything from a meal from the food bank to clothing or a blanket.

Outreach will also involve GEAR signposting clients to additional services. They have information on organisations local to Gloucestershire, or workers can assist with applications to benefits or other government support. Often times emergency aid may be offered by GEAR, and government aid such as welfare is a longer term solution. So resources are combined together to help people in poverty. For more information on this, call 07500 383591.

Health care is offered for the homeless. There is a permanent registration service, and care set up for others from the region, such as individuals on the PVP Scheme, or Potentially Violent Patient Scheme. People in poverty can also get support from a nurse at the clinic.

Not only is medical care offered from the clinic, but the programmes from GEAR Projects will serve as the applicant’s primary provider. There is also walk in care and other aid support offered to those that need it. Examples of services are advice on registering with a GP, first aid, care for infections, vaccinations, and more.

This service will also address nutrition. Those with an illness or that are not eating healthy, or that even lack food for their home, may be given a voucher to a local food bank by a nurse. Or hot meals may be served to the very low income. Other hygiene items may also be provided from the centre.

Additional support services are also available from GEAR Projects, such as Dry Houses and short term housing. For more information, drop in at 159 Southgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 1XE, telephone: 01452 521898.