Bulletin Downtown Community Ministry  

What's Your Tipping Point?
4 February 2009 

Recent Downtown Community Ministry research into the use of its food bank has revealed a group of people with an increasing number of visits but who don’t receive support from other DCM services.

Director Stephanie McIntyre says, “When people come to the food bank it’s often just for a season but more regular visits show that something isn’t going right. We believe this group can benefit greatly from increased integration with our services.”

There is plenty that can be done for people who become reliant on food banks.

Social Worker Dougal Spier says, “We want to make sure that people are receiving a correct benefit entitlement. This is the first place we look because if they’re not getting enough money in, then it’s fair to expect that we’ll see more of them here”.

“Next we’ll assist the client with budgeting advice. This is usually because they are struggling on a low income or they have out-of-control debt or both. However, in most circumstances we can do something to make a real difference,” he says.

Training advice and support can also be offered.

Dougal says, “The important thing is for people to have a plan. We want to ensure everyone coming into DCM, showing signs of needing support, can get a plan in place. Then, we hope, they will find a positive way forward.”

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