Gingerbread Centre assistance and support

The homeless and housing vulnerable, with a priority on women, are the main clients of the Gingerbread Centre. The not-for-profit charity provides a few assistance programmes in the greater Staffordshire County area, including housing from Rothesay Court as well as vouchers for local food banks.

Most of the assistance is offered in partnership with other agencies, such as North Staffs YMCA, Citizens Advice Bureau, and the Staffordshire. The vouchers provided to the low income can also be used at another partner organisation, which is the Trussell Trust.

Clients will first go through the Smartmoves services. This will assist the Gingerbread Centre client be providing with free advice and support to address the problem, whether it is housing, debt, or something else. This programme is open to people in private accommodations, social housing, shelters, or residents that are threatened by homelessness.

Smartmoves is available across both Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. Applicants need to be age 16 or over, need assistance with debt arrears or bills, or be homeless. Or they can be on a low income and threatened with evictions. So applications are needed from the resident.

An assessment will be done by the Gingerbread Centre, and then based on the results, an action will be created. Goals will be set and followed up on. This will address any challenges facing the family. It can help with the following.

• Practical support, including free or used furniture.
• Free budgeting advice, which can help free up income for expenses such as rent or electric bills.
• Home or repairs to flat.
• Hunger prevention, such as free food parcels or vouchers.
• Health issues, including information on Dentist and GPS in Staffordshire.
• Assistance for substance mis-users and ex-offenders.
• Placement into shelters and short term supportive housing or hostels, and advice on rent deposit schemes.

Much more can be provided too from Smartmoves, including sign posting. The aim is to help the client overcome the challenge which lead to poverty or homelessness, and if a referral to another charity or scheme is needed, then that will be done.

Supported accommodation is part of Rothesay Court, and this is for both families as well as women. The resident will be provided their own room in a flat, which will have a bed, access to kitchen, and supplies. This centre will also accept children, and provide them support such as food or clothing, as well as the ability to socialize.

Rothesay Court will offer the person information as well to address the reason for the homelessness. Once the client is stable and have a budget and employment, staff will assist with completing forms for a deposit from the Staffordshire Council and also applications for housing benefits for their rent. All of this should help the individual increase their confidence and be set on the path to independence.

Another housing programme is Catherine Court, and this is for young and lone parents. Clients gain support accommodations in a flat or local home in Staffordshire. Parents under the age of 18 can also have housing for their children. Free food and hot meals will be served, as well as articles of clothing and other practical support.

There will also be advice and support workers for the parents that are in Catherine Court. They will be assigned a person to work with to set a budget and learn how to apply for schemes and benefits. Once they have their own home, Gingerbread Centre staff will work with the family on how to maintain that tenancy, and all throughout this process life skills will be taught to the parent.

More information on any services, including homeless prevention, are at the Gingerbread Centre. Reige 01782 683016, or stop by the address of Unit 28 Dudson Centre, Hanley, Stoke on Trent, Staffs, ST1 5DD. Or call Smartmoves at 0808 801 0555.