LOCAL people are now able to access the whole range of services at the Crosspoint centre again.
“Although we have been able to continue to offer most of our services by email, phone or in person by appointment, we are very pleased that we are now able to resume our popular drop-in sessions for people needing information, help or support,” says Kevin Fairman, Chair of the Trustees of the local charity.
“The trained volunteers at the centre in Westbury Market Place have been busy over the past few months helping with the completion of benefit forms, writing CVs, job applications and contacting government agencies. Now they will also be able to offer this help during the drop-in sessions at the Welcome Centre, initially on Saturday mornings and Wednesday afternoons.”
Hilary Fairfield, the charity’s treasurer states, “We have been fortunate in receiving a grant from the Wiltshire Community Foundation to update our computers and we have worked in partnership with the Wiltshire Digital Drive to enhance our IT provision. Our volunteers are able to help local people who may not be confident in using a computer or printer in a safe and welcoming environment. Just drop into the centre and we will aim to help you”.
Kevin adds, “The centre also offers scanning facilities and access to a phone for people who wish to contact government agencies or utility companies. The counselling service is still available for adults and for young people who have challenges to their mental health. This service is provided by trained counsellors and is free, although donations are requested according to means.
“Although we will only be open for two drop-in sessions a week initially, we hope to open up even more sessions once we have assessed demand and ensured that we have sufficient volunteers to cover the sessions. We would be pleased to hear from anyone who would like to join our friendly team as a volunteer to help us within the centre.
“We have been delighted to have been able to offer the use of our premises over the past fifteen months to the Town Council for the sorting and distribution of food to those most in need”, added Kevin.
Now, after agreement with the Westbury Area Network, Crosspoint will also be able to continue to accept donations of food for the Food Bank during the drop-in sessions, and discussions are underway about how local people may be able to access food there, in the same way as before the pandemic.
To contact Crosspoint, please phone 01373 824330 and leave a message or email info@crosspoint-westbury.co.uk
