St Judes Community Project services in Northamptonshire

The two main services from St Judes Community Project include free food to people facing hunger as well as support to families threatened by homelessness. Many of their services involve signposting to faith based groups in the county. They operate as a registered charity in Kettering and can be a resource for people to learn about agencies in Northamptonshire.

Residents that are struggling should drop in at the St Judes Community Project Lounge. This is where the support services are run from. The lounge is also located near the food bank, which is one of the most demanded services from the charity.

Housing needs are addressed. St Judes serves as a gateway centre for anyone in poverty and that is local to Northamptonshire. The goal is to address the crisis being faced by the tenant, and then signpost them to ongoing support. Clients of the housing services range from the currently homeless to people impacted by redundancies as well as families impacted by difficult financial circumstances.

Staff have information on service providers in the county. So while St Judes Community Project may not be able to address all needs of the individual, they will signpost the person to other agencies that can offer relief. As one example, the charity has referred people to the Kettering Council deposit scheme in the past. All of the advice offered for dealing with housing issues is free.

St Judes Community Project food bank is for both Kettering and others in Northamptonshire. Families on a low income can use the centre, if they are facing a crisis. Not only will a free parcel of food be given to them, but the staff will signpost the client to get help for the cause of the crisis. They partner with many local not-for-profit organisations in the area on the food bank programmes.

While most people will be given enough groceries, such as tinned meats or vegetables, to last for 3 days, in some cases the food bank will over a one week parcel. The seven day parcel is for long term needs. It gives the family time to resolve the crisis. This will contain enough items for breakfast, dinner and even snacks. There may even be toiletries too.

Advice for overcoming the crisis is provided too. The process will involve staff trying the discover the cause of the hardship. Once that has been done, then solutions will be explored. The Project can signpost people to support services or even churches in the region.

Anyone can use the centre. They they have a mental health issue or are living in poverty, if they are threatened by an emergency then food may be offered. The Project will provide more than that as well, such as a free hot meal.

St Judes Community Project Drop in Centre provides other support as well. This can be hot drinks or access to laundry. Some people are even given clothing. Individuals on a low income can drop in at 5 Judes Court, Kettering, NN15 7JH. Rung the charity at 01536 415495 for more information.