Increasingly GPs are being faced with patients whose primary problem is financial difficulties. Please find below details of local organisations who would be able to provide signposting and help to patients in such situations.
Stockport FLAG (For Local Advice and Guidance)
Often the most appropriate place to direct patients to in the first instance would be Stockport FLAG (For Local Advice and Guidance). They are an independent service that puts people in need of practical or emotional help and guidance in touch with those local organisations best able to provide it. Although they are not able to provide advice, they are able to spend the time to speak to the patient and direct them to the most appropriate organisation for their needs. They have a large database of local organisations such as:
- Local foodbanks
- Stockport Credit Union
- Age UK
- Christians against Poverty
- Citizens Advice Bureau
FLAG can be contacted on or visit their website at www.stockportflag.org.uk
Stockport Local Assistance Scheme (SLAS)
The SLAS is a locally administered scheme, effective from April 2013, that aims to provide a safety net in an emergency when:
- There is an immediate threat to health or safety; and
- To enable independent living or continued independent living, preventing the need for institutional or statutory intervention
For more information go to www.stockport.gov.uk/slas or call . Patients can be assisted with applications at Fred Perry House Mon, Wed or Fri between 9.30 and 3.30pm.
FLAG can also signpost patients to this service.
- Stockport Local Assistance Scheme Leaflet
Local Foodbanks
Stockport Foodbanks
Stockport Foodbank is closed on Christmas day, Boxing Day and New Year’s day.
Hazel Grove Baptist Church, SK7 4EX (opposite the railway station)
- Mondays 12.30pm – 2.30pm
- Wednesdays 11.00am – 1.00pm
- Fridays 11.30am – 2.30pm
The Junction, 17 Didsbury Road, SK4 2BD (near to Pets at Home)
- Mondays 1.00pm – 3.00pm
- Thursdays 1.00pm – 3.00pm
St. Mark’s,Redhouse Lane, Bredbury, SK6 1BX
- Tuesdays 12.30pm – 2.30pm
Other times by appointment.
Practices can refer patients to the Stockport Foodbanks but need to register to receive a pack of vouchers. To register email and they will send the vouchers through.
Chelwood Foodbanks
Chelwood Foodbank Plus will be open on Christmas Eve Tuesday 24th December 10-12, and closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day 25th/26th. It will be open on Friday 27th December at Chelwood only between 10-12 (not open at St Petersgate in the afternoon). On Tuesday 31st December , New Year’s Eve, Chelwood will be open 10-12, and closed on New Year’s Day (Wednesday) closed (Thursday), January 2nd and open 3rd January at 22 St Petersgate 2pm – 4.30pm.
Chelwood Baptist Church, Adswood Road, SK8 5QA (Just past Adswood Recycling Centre)
- Tuesdays 10.00am – 12.00pm
- Wednesdays 10.00am – 12.00pm
- Thursdays 10.00am – 2.00pm
- Fridays 10.00am – 12.00pm
Rev320 Charity Shop, 22 St. Petersgate, Stockport (opposite Vernon Building Society)
- Fridays 2.00pm – 4.30pm
Brinnington Community Church, Northumberland Road
- Wednesdays 1.30pm – 3.30pm
Practices can also refer patients to Chelwood Foodbanks. To register either call or email
- Food Bank Opening Times
