Help is here - that’s the message from Vineyard Compassion

Vineyard Compassion is sharing a simple message with people across Causeway Coast and Glens: Help is Here. Hope is Here.

The local charity is using the month to raise awareness of the practical and relational support available through the Hope Centre and to ensure that people experiencing financial hardship know where they can turn.

Rising household costs, redundancy, poor health, unexpected bills or a change in family circumstances can quickly place individuals and families under significant financial pressure.

Poverty is not always visible, and many people continue to struggle quietly behind closed doors.

Vineyard Compassion wants to reassure local people that there is no shame in asking for help and that they do not need to wait until their circumstances reach crisis point before getting in touch.

Ricky Wright, CEO of Vineyard Compassion, said: “Poverty can happen to anyone, and it does not always look the way we might expect. Someone may be working, have a mortgage or appear to be managing well, while privately facing debt, food insecurity or difficult choices about essential household costs.

“Throughout October, we want to make sure that people across Causeway Coast and Glens know that practical support is available locally. Asking for help can feel difficult, but everyone who comes to the Hope Centre will receive a warm welcome, a listening ear and support without judgement.

“Our message is simple: you do not have to face hardship alone. Help is Here. Hope is Here.”

Support available at the Hope Centre

The Hope Centre provides a range of services for individuals and families experiencing financial pressure or other difficult circumstances, including:

Foodbank: Emergency food packages for people facing financial crisis.

Reset Social Supermarket: A six-month programme offering access to reduced-cost food alongside ongoing support.

Compassion Counselling: Donation-based counselling provided in a safe and supportive environment.

Budgeting and money management classes: Practical help to build confidence, manage household finances and plan for the future.

Clothing Bank: Access to good-quality clothing for individuals and families who need it.

The team offers more than immediate assistance. Staff and volunteers take time to listen, understand each person’s circumstances and explore the support or next steps that may be helpful.

Where appropriate, Vineyard Compassion can also help people connect with other local services and organisations.

Look out for Help is Here

Throughout October, people may see Vineyard Compassion’s Help is Here. Hope is Here. posters and leaflets in GP waiting rooms, community spaces, churches and other locations across the borough.

If you see a leaflet, please take one if the information could help you. You can also pass it on to a friend, family member, neighbour or colleague who may be facing financial pressure or difficult circumstances.

Ricky Wright said: “You may see our posters or leaflets in waiting rooms and community spaces across the borough throughout October. Please take one if you need it or pass it on to someone who may benefit. A simple conversation or a leaflet shared at the right time could help someone realise they do not have to face hardship alone.”

Who can ask for help?

The support available through the Hope Centre is for people facing financial hardship or difficult circumstances across Causeway Coast and Glens.

This may include:

Working individuals and families struggling with household costs

Parents experiencing food insecurity

People affected by redundancy or reduced income

Individuals facing unexpected bills or growing debt

People whose finances have been affected by poor physical or mental health

Those experiencing relationship or family breakdown

Older people affected by fuel poverty

People living in rural communities where support may be less visible

People do not need to know exactly which service they require before making contact. The first step can simply be a conversation with a member of the Vineyard

Compassion team.

Friends, relatives, employers, churches, schools, healthcare professionals and community organisations are also encouraged to share the Hope Centre’s information with anyone who may benefit.

How to get help

Anyone who is struggling, or who is concerned about someone they know, can contact Vineyard Compassion to find out more about the support available.

Telephone: 028 7022 0005

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.vineyardcompassion.co.uk

Address: The Hope Centre, 10 Hillman’s Way, Coleraine

Open Door times: Tuesdays and Wednesdays 11.30am-1pm and Thursdays 7-8pm

Alternatively, visit www.vineyardcompassion.co.uk for further information.