Southampton City Mission assistance for low income

The Basics Bank from Southampton City Mission can help fill the gap in the assistance that may not be provided by the central government and their welfare schemes. In addition to filling that need, the charity will also provide additional support, such as a food parcel or clothing, to the most vulnerable when they are facing a crisis.

A number of services are administered, however most of the aid is provided from the Basics Bank, and this is an option for families on a low income that are threatened by a crisis, such as lack of food. Some of the programmes from the bank are provided directly by the Southampton City Mission, and others are run in partnership with other charities or churches in the city.

Applicants need to have a referral to access the support and household goods at the Basics Bank. They can be provided by social workers, doctors, community workers, health visitors, shelters, charities, or local churches. Hundreds of residents use the centre each month. For those that are eligible, there can be food, household items, clothing and more, which is donated by schools, churches, and the general public.

Southampton City Mission relies heavily on these referral agents. These are key partners from the community who issue vouchers to low income families and individuals in need. If a person does not contact one of these agents for that referral, then City Mission will not be able to assist.

Hours and services from Southampton Basics Bank

The Basics Bank operates from different centres in the city, including churches in HAmpshire. The hours and locations are below.

• Monday from 10am-3pm clothes are provided from Central Hall, St Marys Street and food parcels are passed out from Above Bar Church, Ogle Road.
• Tuesday there is only food, and the location is St Mary’s Church, St Monica Road, Sholing.
• Wednesday from 10am-3pm groceries may be provided to the needy with a voucher from Old Chemist, Bitterne Triangle.
• Thursday the main location is open from 10am-3pm. Free food is passed out by Swaythling Methodist Church.
• Friday residents with a voucher can use the centre at Lordshill Ecumenical Church and the hours are 10am-3pm.

The Basic Bank also works with churches in the region. They can link families or individuals to them.  It provides more chances for assistance to the low income as well as needy in the community. Clothes, hot drinks, blankets, and more is given to the needy in Southampton. Find other ways how to get help from churches.

The food bank referenced above will provide enough non-perishable, fresh fruits and tinned goods to last up to 5 days. This service is only for people on a low income with a voucher, and they need to stop by a charity at the hours referenced above for their items.

The contents of a parcel will vary, and a keep partner to the programme are donations from local stores such as Sainsburys. Other items come from generous individual sponsors or even restaurants who buy fresh fruit and vegetables with the aim of helping the the low income.

Southampton City Mission will offer a mix of tinned meats, packets, fresh produce, and boxed food, and this will all depend on what they have available. The charity will also try to address special dietary requirements, such as for older people, and the food bank will try to meet those needs when possible. Another special service is the free Christmas meal service for the low income and homeless in the city. Also, clients will partner with volunteers and staff so they can be signposted to other programmes when needed.

Another programme is the Southampton City Mission clothes bank, and this also uses the voucher and referral system, with a limit of 4 items per person. It will provide free clothing to families or students on a low income and the vulnerable from the locations above. They also provide the low income and children in poverty with free school supplies as well as grants to get items. The way the items are presented is it will allow clients to shop for items at their own pace, selecting and trying on coats, clothes, shoes, and more. Or residents can also find other school supplies for free.

Southampton City Mission has an address of Second Avenue Business Park, Millbrook, Southampton,  SO15 0LP. The main phone number is 023 8055 0435.