We are open to all and provide an ‘immediate response to poverty and need’.
Most of our service users have mental health problems which are cause or consequence of crushing poverty, social disability, learning difficulties and societal marginalisation. We never turn anyone away. Many of those we help had desperate upbringings.
However, some come from affluent, middle class backgrounds and are astounded to find themselves in need of help. It can happen to any of us!
We provide food, emergency accommodation, clothing, advice, talking therapies (with a one week wait) and a hot meal.
We visit people at home or see them (we call them guests) in our own premises. We have a nurse who deals with anything that comes through the door. Much of our work involves helping people who have nowhere else to turn. Many of them are not registered with a GP or any other representative of society. Many of our people are off the radar.
We also spend much time insisting that statutory services fulfil their obligations and attend to the needs of those who come to us for help. Although we only employ six wte staff and 40 volunteers we punch far above our weight in terms of impact.
People often come to us because of our reputation. Others are referred by health and social care, local authorities, other councils and people in the community who care.
The number and complexity of referrals increases constantly. As the alternative sources of help diminish, so does the complexity of the lives of people we help increase.
We deal with very significant combinations of mental, physical and social dysfunction and often take on work that is deemed inappropriate or too difficult for other agencies, including statutory. We do this with a smile, a joke and generally good humour,. We are characterised by a drive to responsiveness and working around the needs of our service users. We are not fettered by bureaucracy, thresholds or criteria.
‘Need’ is defined by those who come to us for help. Underpinning our very approachable front of house is an experienced team of people from a range of backgrounds including the NHS and CAB.
We have a tight governance structure, have an electronic client record system and routinely measure outcomes. We provide placements for medical and social work students.
We are well known locally and have been on national TV on numerous occasions. Although we are very busy we enjoy having visitors (by arrangement).
https://www.justgiving.com/maundyrelief