Real Deal Plus Within Ashington Life Centre

General information

REAL DEAL PLUS is an independent charity set up to help those who are most vulnerable in our local area - the homeless, those suffering from fuel/food poverty and those who have struggled with mental health, isolation, long term unemployment or drug/alcohol addictions. We provide a comprehensive and accessible support programme to help with their day to day needs, We provide free digital access to job searches with 1:1 support if required, help with job applications, signposting and benefits advice, companionship and a listening ear, volunteering opportunities, access to affordable clothing and other items via our on-site Community shop and free hot soup/hot drinks which are available throughout the day. Our Community Café also offers very low cost home-cooked nutritious meal day specials every Fri/Sat and a choice of seasonal meals during the week.
The facility allows the team to bring people from the street into the building for a hot drink, something to eat and somewhere to receive help and advice.
Our Youth programme 'Teen Bar' similarly supports young people aged 10-16, giving them a warm, safe place to chill out instead of wandering the streets with hot drinks and snacks available every session.
We also have an on-site emergency food bank which is accessible when the regular foodbank is closed e.g evenings, weekends and bank holidays. Our Art group meet every Tuesday and Wednesday and we hold a Craft Club every Wednesday from 12-2pm.
We have just completed the installation of an on-site Community shower which provides access for street sleepers, those who are having problems with accessing hot water or cannot afford to top up their meter.
The Real Deal Furniture Scheme supplies very low cost furniture to those on benefits and referrals from statutory and social services.
All our team members work on a voluntary basis providing much needed help, friendship and support to vulnerable members of the community. Every week our team are engaging with an increasing number people on the street who need help and support with a wide range of needs.