Services for Disadvantaged People
If you need help, we've got your back! Horizon Radio is here to help signpost organisations in the local area who offer practical help and support to people in our local community when they are in need.
Please reach out to the following organisations when you need a helping hand.
Milton Keynes and Leighton Buzzard
Financial & Housing Support
- Household Support Fund:Milton Keynes Council provides support for essential living costs, including food, energy bills, and essential appliances, as reported by the council.
- UnityMK Welfare Centre:Offers practical help with food, clothing, showering, laundry, and administrative support for ID and benefits. They also provide housing advice and referrals, debt advice, and support for finding accommodation and employment.
- P3 Livelife Milton Keynes:Helps with financial difficulties, benefits, and debt, alongside other services.
Adult Social Care & Disability Services
- Community Social Work Team: Provides assessments and care for adults with long-term health conditions and disabilities who meet eligibility criteria.
- Community Occupational Therapy Services:Assists with equipment and adaptations in the home to promote independent living.
- REMAP (MK):Volunteers design and make custom-designed or adapted equipment for people with disabilities at no cost.
- Milton Keynes Centre for Integrated Living (MKCIL):Offers a comprehensive directory of disability services and resources.
Emotional & Practical Support
- The Mix:A drop-in service at Unity Park Station for mental health support, fostering friendships and providing access to other services.
- P3 Livelife Milton Keynes:Provides support for feelings of isolation, mental and physical health issues, and help with practical tasks.
- Citizens Advice Milton Keynes:Offers free, confidential advice on a range of issues.
How to Get Help
- For financial and immediate needs:Contact UnityMK via welfare@unitymk.org or visit the Welfare Centre at Unity Park Station.
- For Adult Social Care needs:Contact ASCAT on 01908 253772.
- For general advice:Visit the Citizens Advice Milton Keynes centre at Acorn House, or call their helpline on 01908 545191.
- For rough sleepers:Call the national 24-hour rough sleeping referral line 'StreetLink' on 0300 500 0914 or visit www.streetlink.org.uk
Northampton
A number of organisations in Northampton offer services for disadvantaged people, including support for homelessness, financial hardship, domestic abuse, mental health issues, and help for older residents.
Homelessness and housing
- : Provides a day centre with immediate aid such as food, showers, and clothing for those facing homelessness and hardship. It also helps with work placements, training, and support for addiction and mental health.
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West Northamptonshire Council
: The Housing Options team can assist if you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. They offer advice, emergency accommodation for those who are eligible, and help to find private rented housing. - : Offers support and accommodation for homeless individuals in Northamptonshire.
- : Provides warm spaces and works with other charities to offer support for housing, cost of living, and food aid.
- : Offers support services for those experiencing or facing homelessness.
Financial and poverty support
- : Operates Food Clubs to help people with the cost of food and household goods.
- : Its "Poverty Hurts Fund" provides grants to local organisations that help vulnerable residents in financial distress. Funded projects can include food parcels, advice services, and providing essential items like blankets and toiletries.
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West Northamptonshire Council
: Provides a Household Support Fund to help vulnerable households struggling with essentials like food and energy bills. It also offers advice and assistance with council tax reduction, discretionary housing payments, and other money management concerns. -
SCCYC Waterside Connect
: Supports people facing poverty and from minority ethnic communities with food aid, toiletries, clothing, and specialised advice. - : The Financial Health and Wellbeing Service provides advice on welfare benefits, debt, and money management for people facing fuel poverty, especially those with health problems or a disability.
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Citizens Advice
: Offers free, confidential advice on issues including benefits, debt, housing, and legal matters. Call their national AdviceLine at 0800 144 8848 or contact a local branch.
Domestic abuse
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Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Service (NDAS)
: Offers a 24/7 helpline and support for victims and survivors of domestic abuse, including refuge and outreach support. -
Eve
: Supports victims of domestic abuse. You can contact them directly or call the 24/7 National Domestic Abuse Helpline at 0808 2000 247. -
Sunflower Centre
: Provides support for high-risk victims of domestic abuse through independent domestic violence advocates.
Mental health and disability
- : Offers support for individuals dealing with mental health and addiction issues.
- : Provides assistance for those struggling with drug and alcohol problems.
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The Lowdown
: Offers confidential and free mental health support, counselling, and information for young people aged 11 to 25. - : Based in East Northampton, it offers wellbeing programmes and non-contact boxing sessions to help with mental health.
- : Supports vulnerable adults with learning disabilities, autism, and mild mental health issues.
Support for children, young people, and families
- Family Fund: The UK's largest charity providing grants for essential items and services for low-income families raising a disabled or seriously ill child or young person.
- Kids Aid: A Northampton-based charity providing therapeutic support for children and young people who have experienced trauma.
- Stand Out Northamptonshire (SON): Supports children in care and care leavers to improve their social, health, and economic outcomes.
- Home-Start Northampton: Works with families to build confidence and positive relationships.
- West Northamptonshire Council: Provides a local Family Hub service as a safe space for all families with children aged 0 to 19, bringing multiple services together.
- Youth Works: Offers counselling and support services for young people in Northamptonshire.
ood, Poverty, and Hardship Support
- Northampton Hope Centre:Offers food aid, support with homelessness, hunger, and addiction, and a social supermarket for those in financial hardship.
- SCCYC:Provides food and essential items, tailored advice and referrals to support organisations, and operates support surgeries at their Northampton centre.
Learning, Development, and Social Inclusion
- Spectrum:A charity offering personal development, education, and courses focused on independent living, well-being, employability, and social skills for vulnerable adults.
- Oasis House:A residential and day centre providing access to employment support, housing advice, substance misuse services, and arts and crafts.
Specific Needs
- Lifeways:Provides supported living services in Northampton for individuals with learning disabilities, autism, or mental health needs, focusing on independence and person-centred care.
- Northamptonshire Floating Support Service (Together for Mental Wellbeing):Offers time-limited support to adults experiencing mental distress to help them improve their well-being and remain in the community.
Council and Official Services
- West Northamptonshire Council:Can assist with adult social care, housing options, and support for vulnerable people. They also offer the Northampton Door-to-Door Service (NDDS) for people with mobility issues.
- Children with Disabilities Team:A statutory service for vulnerable disabled children with complex needs, part of the Northamptonshire Children's Trust.
How to get urgent help
- For immediate danger, always call 999.
- For adult safeguarding concerns, contact West Northamptonshire Council on 0300 126 7000.
- For mental health crises, call the confidential mental health number on 0800 448 0828, available 24/7.