Support Schemes Available to Help Local Residents

We understand that times are difficult for many, here are some of the community support schemes you can use to access food, support and advice. The following services are open to anyone locally who is in need…

FOOD SUPPORT 

Free fresh and ambient foods, donated by supermarkets. Available to all households, no referral necessary from 9.30am at: Monday – The Ewe Space, Matson 

Tuesday – Matson Baptist Church 

Wednesday – The Venture, White City 

Thursday – St Oswalds Church, Coney Hill 

Thursday – Big Local Hub, Podsmead

Friday – GL Communities, Trinity Centre Sat Matson Baptist Church

For more info tel 01452 505544 or email info@glcommunites.org.uk 

 

The foodbank works with a number of agencies, such as Citizens Advice, children’s centres and health visitors. When you visit a referral agency they will take your basic details to complete the voucher. Once you have been issued with a voucher, you can exchange this for a minimum of three days of emergency food at your nearest foodbank centre. For more info please visit www.gloucester.foodbank.org.uk

 

The Redwell Centre – Redwell Road, Matson, Gloucester GL4 6JG Available to all households across the city. Free fresh and ambient food available every Wednesday 8.30am-1pm. Homemade freezer meals available from Monday – Friday 10am – 3pm. Redwell Dinner Friday evening, £2 for an adult and £1 per child, for booking and menus email office@redwellcentre.co.uk 

 

Tuffley Court Community Association St Michael’s Hall, Tuffley FREE food available to collect, donated by local supermarkets, along with the option to buy £3 food parcels. Available to all households, Friday 10am-1pm. Email: charitytcca@outlook.com 

 

Poets Pantry – 86-89 Masefield Avenue, Podsmead, Gloucester, GL2 5BA FREE food is collected from local supermarkets – items removed from sale the previous evening. Food distribution club is membership based – £3 to join and then £1 per week. Thursday 9am-10am (FREE food distribution) 12pm-3pm (food distribution club only) Friday 9am-10am (FREE food distribution) Emergency food packages on request. Contact: Les Jevins 07545 966362, email les.jevins@podsmeadbiglocal.org.uk 

 

Gloucester Feed the Hungry A volunteer organisation to serve the homeless and vulnerable in our community, providing hot meals, free haircuts, clothing and emergency food parcels. Find Gloucester Feed The Hungry on Facebook or email hashgloucesterfeedthehungry@outlook.com 

 

Community Café – 15a Scott Avenue, GL2 5BD Open 9.30am-12pm Mon to Weds, reduced rates for residents. Community coffee morning 10am-12pm. 

 

Community Canteen – The Long Table Matson, St Hildas Hall, Redwell Road GL4 6HA Freshly cooked meals and home made frozen meals available Monday – Thursday 8am-2pm. Breakfast, tea, coffee, and homemade lunches as well as delicious homemade cake. Free Wi-Fi, printer, children’s area and sewing machine available to mend clothes plus clothes and books swaps. All on a pay-as-you-feel basis.

 

Healthy Start Vouchers A Government-funded scheme that provides £3.10 worth of vouchers every week to eligible families to get free milk, fruit and vegetables, pulses and instant formula milk. Available to pregnant women or families with children under 4 and receiving certain benefits. www.healthystart.nhs.uk/how-to-apply 

 

MONEY ADVICE AND SUPPORT

 

Don’t forget, all GCH customers can access support from our friendly Tenancy Sustainment Team 

 

GL Communities Free money advice, from paying off your credit card, to falling behind on rent or maybe you just need a hand with creating a monthly budget. The biggest step when dealing with debts is to get advice. Once you have an advisor on your team, creditors can be more co-operative. The money advice team also give general advice to help increase your income and reduce your outgoings. Appointments available by phone and in person. www.glcommunities.org.uk/advice

 

Household Support Fund The fund supports households in the most need with food, energy and water bills and other essential items. Apply here: www. gloucestershire.gov.uk/health-and-socialcare/gloucestershire-welfare-supportscheme/household-support-fund-find-outmore-and-apply/how-to-apply/#main