Love in action -

Lives transformed!

Ashington has a desperate need for a facility like the Ashington Life Centre....

According to recent statistics Wansbeck is the 46th most deprived local authority of the 354 in England. New figures show that one in five children under the age of four in the county are living in poverty – and it is almost one in three in the worst-affected area, Wansbeck.

Northumberland is now the second-worst bankruptcy black spot in England, and 13% of its working-age population are receiving unemployment benefit.

Increasing numbers of people are living in financial and/or fuel poverty, having to choose whether to eat or keep warm. Many of these are elderly, single, bereaved or struggling after a relationship breakdown - often suffering from loneliness.

What we provide

Our drop-in provides a warm environment where people are able to come and have a hot drink, something to eat and some friendly company. All drinks and food at the drop in is FREE and available 10.30-4pm. (Donations are welcomed) and our Friday Meal Days provide a very low cost (£3.00) healthy meal for those on a tight budget.

Our Community Café is open throughout the day Mon-Sat and we aim to extend our ‘hot soup’ provision to include some evenings.

Help and advice is also available on a variety of subjects from relationship issues to debt counselling, drug and alcohol abuse to life skills training. We also currently have the services of an NHS Health Trainer every Monday for support and advice on healthy living and cooking on a budget.

Gardening & Furniture Projects

Our gardening project is now well established and the furniture restoration and supply project is also up and running. The garden helps provide volunteering opportunities and produce which is used to make our soups and meals but can also be sold to raise funds which help maintain the Centre. The furniture project enables us to provide furniture and other items for those desperately in need.

Teen Bar & Youth Programme

Our Youth Programme has begun and our Teen Bar is now open. This provides a safe place for young people to come - an alternative to hanging around on the streets. Snacks and hot drinks are available as well as a selection of activities, games, DVDs and music. Help and advice are always on hand we plan to invite guest speakers to talk about subject relevant to today’s young people. Recent funding will enable us to appoint dedicated youth workers to develop the programme.

Art Therapy & Craft Clubs

We hold Art Classes every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and our Craft Club runs on Wednesdays. Activities include card making, jewellery making, clay work, pin flair, cross stitch, decoupage and many more! All welcome.

Emergency Food and Clothing Bank

The Food Bank bridges the gap when local Food Banks are closed and supplies food parcels on a referral basis. Referrals are accepted from Social Services, Jobcentre, Citizen’s Advice and local Doctor’s surgeries. Our Community Shop also doubles as a Clothing Bank to supply clothing for those living on the streets.

Community Shop

Our Community Shop sells very low cost, nearly new clothing, toys and household items at a fraction of the High Street Charity Shop Prices. For many people living on benefits, even the Charity Shop prices are beyond their reach and our Community Shop helps to provide much needed clothing and other items to families struggling in today’s current financial climate.

Please consider whether you are able to support us either financially or by donating goods or your time. To donate Click Here

Community Café & Meal Days