Just Drop-In helps plug young people’s financial gaps

Just Drop-In, the Macclesfield-based charity, has introduced a series of new ‘Benefits & Finance’ weeks to support young people work through their financial issues. This is one of many measures that has helped the charity exceed its annual targets and notch up an astonishing 76% increase in new visitors compared to the previous 12 months.

The ‘Benefits & Finance’ weeks have proven so successful, Just Drop-In is running a third session this year from 1^st – 6^th December 2014. Trained volunteers support Macclesfield’s disadvantaged youngsters work through issues such as debt, budgeting and finding out what benefits they’re entitled to.

Matthew (not his real name), aged 20, is typical of many of the young people accessing Just Drop-In’s free support, guidance, advocacy and counseling services. Desperate to train as a HGV driver, Matthew was in financial dire straits. His benefits were stopped without explanation and he couldn’t find a way to get the funding needed to cover his training costs. Anxious and frustrated, he wasn’t coping. Just Drop-In’s volunteers helped him secure a grant for his HGV training, got his benefits reinstated and taught him how to stay calm and clear-headed.

“Just Drop-In have been really helpful with loads of things…helping me with my benefits, to get into training and to feel healthier. You go to other places and you don’t get very far before people stop listening or tell you they can’t help you, sometimes they literally put their hand in your face to cut you off. It’s not like that at Just Drop-In they understand and do whatever they can to help,” explained Matthew.

David Rutley MP reiterated the sentiments. “Just Drop-In does an excellent job supporting the young people of Macclesfield and surrounding areas in times of need. It is good that specialist support is now also available to help managing money – budgeting is something people of all ages can struggle with.”

Last year, Just Drop-In’s base on Duke Street was visited 2600 times by Maxonians aged 12 – 25 years, seeking help or simply a safe and friendly place to go. Proving particular popular is MyPad, a kitchen diner, where young people learn new skills for independent living, ranging from better budgeting to baking.

For further information on donating, volunteering with or accessing Just Drop-In, please email hello@justdropin.co.uk or telephone 01625 665079.