Argos Ashington

The Real Deal Plus Community Hub (Ashington Life Centre) is based in the former Old Police Station in Ashington, Northumberland. Our work deals with the problems, issues and barriers relating to individuals/ families at their point of need as early action & intervention helps to stabilise/resolve difficulties and prevent escalation. The majority of our clients are from the local and surrounding area but we can provide support to all residents of South East Northumberland. We offer the following support and services: Homelessness – rough sleepers/sofa surfers Immediate practical and emotional support – resources e.g sleeping bag, torches, food, clean, warm clothing, access to shower & laundry facilities, free food from our Community Café, telephone/internet access, referral as necessary to: Doctor/hospital, Social/specialist services, Benefit agencies, Citizen’s advice, Benefit & Welfare advice, Housing Offices (social/private landlords), Mediation with landlords to help resolve problems. We also provide an on-site Day Sleeping Room to provide a safe sleeping place for individuals who have had to sleep outdoors. Isolation/loneliness: We provide a Community Café with friendly staff, safe conversations and companionship encouraging healthy relationships. This is our first point of contact and provides the following services as well as easy access to a variety of on-site social clubs and groups for the following target groups: Older people: Warm welcome and free/low cost healthy food, Lunch clubs and activities/events, companionship. Young people: Encouragement, support and a warm welcome to disengaged young people. Non-judgemental groups and activities, advice/support/guidance, access to health advice/support including sexual health, contraception and relationship issues, encourage healthy relationships, build self-esteem and independence, school holiday meal provision and a safe place to be. Educational information sessions on drug/alcohol awareness, online safety and the dangers of the internet/grooming. Arts and other programmes of activities, day trips & excursions. Poverty & disadvantage: Low cost/discretionary free hot food/drinks, access to our onsite Food Bank & food parcels, affordable/free clothing, showering & laundry facilities, affordable furniture/household items, access to a crisis Day Bed-sitting room providing a safe place for a few hours sleep and private space, support to find employment, help with form filling & benefit advice. Job Club & Volunteering opportunities – help with Job search, job applications, CVs and on site volunteering opportunities to support return to work and work experience. We receive no government funded support and rely on fundraising, grants & donations to continue to provide our vital services to both the local community and beyond.

Wansbeck valley food bank is a registered charity set up to "prevent or relieve poverty or financial hardship in particular, but not exclusively by the provision of emergency food parcels to individuals in need"