Our services aren't just about the things on offer, they're also about the people who come in; people in real life situations, facing tragedies, difficulties, struggling to triumph over adversity. But we are fuelled by the good news stories of people who have been through a tough time, but who have overcome their difficulties and are in a better place now.
The Salvation Army has a long history of offering support to people who are vulnerable or in need. We don't judge or condemn. We just help.
We know that things are getting hard for people - especially with cost of living rising - and we are finding that more families, people experiencing homelessness, students and older people are coming to us for support. Our focus is on giving people a hand up, not a handout.
Working with other local agencies, we signpost appropriate services for assistance and advice; housing support, food parcels, drug and alcohol misuse, or any other issues. On a more basic level, we offer a provision of clothing to individuals in need and have a small amount of blankets that we can hand out when needed. We will provide goods to families or individuals referred by local agencies.
Clothing
We will happily assist those who need clothing, offering a reasonable amount of clothes from our shop stock to anyone in need. This includes people coming out of prison, those returning home from hospital, families in poverty, and the homeless. People are regularly referred to us by The Soup Kitchen, Southport Foodbank and the NHS.
Furniture
Thanks to the generosity of general public, we are able to provide a range of furniture to those in need, free of charge. However, there are occasions when we are unable to help due to insufficient stock - this includes, but is not limited to, white goods (e.g. washing machines, refrigerators) which are very rarely donated in working order. People are regularly referred to us by Social Services and other related agencies.
Fuel Grants
Our Community Fund allows us to offer emergency fuel grants. Many people live with a pre-pay meter for gas and electricity which is loaded by a key or card and in a crisis people often have to make a choice between food or fuel; this is where we are able to help. We will top-up a person's key and/or card upon receipt of a referral (we CANNOT give out cash). People are regularly referred to us by Southport Foodbank, Parenting 2000 and Social Services.
Referrals
We accept referrals from many different services across Sefton: it gives us peace of mind to know the person seeking help is in receipt of advice or support from other professionals.
To refer someone for fuel or clothing, please send them with a letter of referral (and their fuel card/key as necessary) to The Salvation Army.
To refer someone for furniture, please send a letter of referral to southport@salvationarmy.org.uk, FAO Peter Elliott, Community Services Manager, detailing:
client's name, address and telephone number;
furniture required (in order of necessity);
contact details of referee.
We will contact the client directly in order to arrange delivery of goods. If the client is moving into a new property, please give us an indication of the expected moving date.
