One section of our Resource Centre is
taken up with shelves of tinned and packeted food. This is part of our debt
advice project. People in debt receive £10 worth of food each week as long as
they provide proof that they have spent the same amount on bills. Over 150
people are referred to us by other projects around the city to qualify for a
monthly emergency food parcel. Thousands of donated cans of food have to be
sorted and dated.
"We often
struggle for wisdom and patience in dealing with some very complex problems but
we are thankful for those who go on to overcome them."
The Basics Bank Project was set up to
help people in the debt trap. People with severe financial problems are referred
by Social Services. Many of our clients are young single mums with anything up
to six children and without any family support network. They are at the mercy of
loan-sharks, credit companies, catalogues, etc. We hope that there is some light
at the end of the tunnel for them as our counsellors build relationships, lend a
listening ear, make practical suggestions and offer spiritual support too.
A unique service
We believe that Basics Bank is unique in
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One lady came in with a number of debts,
suffering from depression. As a single mother, she had been relying on
her son to sort out her financial affairs. Now he had gone off to
university and she was looking for someone to take his place. Amid the
tears and all the talk about her other problems , it was not difficult to
see that, with some direction and encouragement, she would be capable of
dealing with her own debt problems. Following a number of appointments
and telephone calls, it was great to see her gaining confidence and
handling her debts very competently. Not only so, she got herself a job
and was finding her feet again after two years of seemingly endless
problems and difficulties. |
Recently we have been spreading the word
about us by giving presentations to agencies and resettlement offices.
Consequently people are being referred to the Basics Bank for help.
Our food parcel service is extending. We have always given emergency parcels on
a one off basis but now we are able to offer a regular programme over 6 months.
This is in conjunction with agencies on a referral basis.