- Facilities -

Computers

The Centre provides the only computer access in the neigbourhood. The nearest computers other than at the Centre are at Moulsecoomb Library, whose hours are extremely restricted. We charge 50p an hour for the Internet but no charge for the computers themselves. Print outs cost 10p each.

We have been fortunate to obtain a Lottery Awards for All grant which has enabled us to completely revamp our computer systems. We also run courses from time to time in basic computer literacy.

Vegetable Shop/Co-operative

The premises we are based in were once a greengrocers! We therefore thought it opportune, when the Centre was first set up, to establish another such shop and we therefore at the front of the Centre we sell vegetables as well as give away free bread, courtesy of Fair Share. The aim of the shop is to sell a range of vegetables and fruit at low cost, which we have done for over 10 years.

Clothes & Bric-a-brac

We have a whole section of the front of the Centre with free clothes. If you or your children need clothes and cannot afford them come in and see if there’s something for you.

Baby Loan Equipment

We run a baby-loan equipment scheme whereby people can come in and loan things which they need. Our stock varies and depends on the generosity of our donors but we usually have fireguards, stairgates and buggies.

Books

We have a large number of books which people have donated. Indeed we are often swamped with books! So if you want something to read or have a favourite author come and see if we have anything in.

Toy Library

Lots of people come in and donate toys, board games etc. If you want toys for your child, even if it is only a cuddly toy, please do come in and see if there’s anything suitable to take away.

Drop-in and have a chat

People are welcome, whether or not they want to use our facilities, to come in and have a cup of tea or coffee and read a book or newspaper.

Free Phone to Benefit Office, Utility Firms, Solicitors etc.

We know that JSA/ESA does not include the cost of making telephone calls. Yet New Labour, in its wholesale culling of civil service staff (the Gershwin reforms) decided to end the citing of decision makers and assessors in local social security offices. Instead you have to make a claim over the phone. Although making a new claim is free, if you need to ring up subsequently or have a query etc. then you have to ring an 0845 number which costs 5p a minute.

Indeed originally, until a fierce reaction set in, all social security calls had to be paid for. The result was that people were left waiting for hours, couldn’t afford it, and therefore were effectively debarred from making a claim. The situation is still extremely unsatisfactory and we continue to argue that all calls should be free. Further that claims should be able to be made at JobCentrePlus/Social Security offices.

We therefore have a dedicated phone line for people who need to ring up the Social Security as well as the various privatised utilities, who are even more inefficient than government departments. If you are on benefit and cannot afford to make a phone call or don’t have a phone then you are welcome to come in and use the phone.

 

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