Money Matters - help our community live better

Aim

Support our community and help them get back on track financially and live better lives

Money Matters - help our community live better

Over 100 years of working with the community

The Sedbergh Youth & Community Centre has been working with people since 1906. Now based at Odsal, in a purpose built centre, we are a focal point of the local community, serving a footfall of 21,465 per year. We serve many people from disadvantaged areas and pockets of deprivation and see first-hand the devastation the covid pandemic has created. 

The Covid pandemic has caused devastation to our community

Since the covid pandemic we’ve seen a significant increase in the number of people struggling to pay bills or put food on the table. Targeting our most disadvantaged areas, we’d like to reach out to these people by offering a more focused and all-round support resource. Through this we want to enable a better functioning community through financial independence and well-being by giving them support and a better foundation to build on. 

" SIR - The T&A article on February 8 highlighted just what excellent community provision is available at the Sedbergh Community Centre. At a time when folk are emerging from two years of being reclusive, the number of activities I noted on the website is marvellous, something for everyone. Considering a visit and a cuppa in the near future. I urge people to give them call on (01274) 679843 or visit the website at Sedberghcommunitycentre.co.uk. Its a local community asset that is striving to support the local community. Give it a go. Could be just what’s needed." - Richard

The Crisis 

With energy and food prices set to rocket - we want to  be able to lead a project that concentrates on helping people who are struggling by offering help and support, but this is not where it stops. Money does matter, and it is a good starting point if we can offer some relief in the form of food parcels and food vouchers for those in times of crisis, but we also want to offer more sustainability in terms of advising what benefits and utility deals people are eligible for and support them with simple budgeting and form-filling.

How we will combat poverty & create a resilient community

Now more than ever, we need to reach out to support those who really need our help and give people the tools to become more financially resilient. To do this we will offer a consultation process on a 1-2-1 basis via a three-pronged approach. Our clients can come to us at any stage of the approach, be it for Crisis Support, Information or Assistance.

Crisis Support 

Crisis support is the initial stage that most people will approach us. They will have found themselves in a situation where they are struggling to put food on the table .  We can help by offering food parcels or food vouchers.

Information

For people struggling with money we can sit down and work out where we can help. We will talk to people to see if there are any benefits or utility deals that they can apply for to make their lives easier.  

Assistance

Here we can assist with form-filling, develop simple budget plans or signpost people to further resources, in-house activities or support.

Our Team

We are an experienced team of 4 staff led by a team of dedicated trustees and management committee. Community focused, we always have people's best interests at heart and offer a more holistic approach than most. We have been working with our community for many years so understand what support or help is needed in the local area.

What the funding will pay for 

The money we raise will pay for  an advice worker based at our centre to give hands-on support for those who need help for as long as they need it.

Client journeys will vary - some may need a one-off session and others may need more support over a number of weeks. Either way, we will be there to help people get back on track and become more financially independent.

We truly believe that this will be the foundation of building a more financially resilient and sustainable community and look forward to seeing it prosper.

Some of our happy clients say:

"The Sedbergh Centre has helped me with confidence and advice." - Jill 

"Fantastic staff, really nice people." – Christine 

"Always a happy, welcoming atmosphere. Love the chit chats; lovely community spirit; don't know what I'd do without it. I just get so much pleasure out of that place and always friendly. " - Jill 

"Lovely staff; feel very welcome. "- Jaine 

"The Sedbergh Centre has been absolutely invaluable to me. While I was there, I was asked to fill in a questionnaire about my needs and how I felt the centre could help me. However, the biggest thing that Lucy and the Sedbergh Centre have done for me is to help me regain my confidence, by supporting and encouraging me to go forwards." - Alex

"It is really great to have somewhere to go to catch up and talk to people face to face." - Glenda 

"Caring people and out to help in any way they can." - Betty 

"I'm a long way from when we first met in the days when I was scared, confidence knocked and skint. Thanks for your help and support." - Anon

This project successfully funded on 21st April 2022