Salisbury charity's money worries service seeing rise in demand
Alabaré wants to help people before they reach crisis point
A service run by a Salisbury charity, to support people through money worries that could eventually lead to homelessness, say demand is high at the moment.
Alabaré's 'Somewhere to Go' drop-in sessions run six days a week from their Barnard Street base, for anyone concerned about debts, rent arrears, energy bills or benefit claims.
Naomi Webb from there says people are coming to them facing real hardship:
"Even finding money to feed themselves is proving to be quite a challenge at the moment. I would say that people (with money trouble) get into panic mode, so I think having that person to be on the other side there for you, to talk through things, can let you see the priority debts (to get sorted first)."
As we're expecting to hear details from the Government later about helping people with the rising cost of living - there's one thing Naomi would like to see:
"It's help with energy bills, it's a key areas, it really is. Luckily we're coming into summer months, but it's that decision between heating, lighting and food."
Anyone can drop-in to the service between 11.00am and 3.00pm each day.
People can also be referred there through their GPs, local foodbanks and other support services.
You can find out more on the Alabaré website.
Naomi Webb from there says it's a prevention service:
"The easiest option is to bury your head in the sand - but actually if you've got someone there that can help with budget planning, liaise with providers and give that extra bit of help to manage your bills, then that can prevent you reaching crisis point."