We are asked a variety of questions every day. Here are a selection of some of the questions we are asked on a regular basis
How are you funded - Funding from organisations and businesses, donations from the public, fund raising events.
Rough Sleepers / Beggars - If you come across what you believe to be a person rough sleeping, please report at the StreetLink website.
Do you provide housing - We don't have housing that we can offer however we will help you search for accommodation that is affordable for you and which meets your needs. We have good working relationships with landlords, B+B's, supported housing providers and the Council housing department so we should be able to help you find somewhere.
Do you have the landlords list - The landlord's list of available housing is provided by the Council at Town Hall and is updated every Thursday. Ask at their reception for a copy. Alternatively use the Letslet website for the same information.
Do I need an appointment - You DO NOT need an appointment. We are a drop in service. We will do our best to assist you as soon as possible but you may have to wait if all of our staff are already occupied with someone.
Do you fund people - When we have sufficient funds from donations, we are able to provide limited funding. Contributing to this fund can be done at this LINK, thank you.
Are you another benefit or Council housing department - Even though we work closely with the DWP, Job centre and Council departments so that your problems can hopefully be solved with our help, we are not a part of the Government. First Stop is an independently funded Charity providing information, advice and guidance to the residents of Darlington.
Why don't you open on weekends - The majority of issues can only be helped during opening times of the relevant agencies. However if it is a homeless emergency you can use the Darlington Borough Council out of hours phone number on 01642 524552.
Do you help with CV's - We can help with CV's and job searches during our Job Clubs which are held every Tuesday 2pm - 4pm and Thursday 10am - 12pm
Do you charge for your services - We do not charge for our services. Contributions are appreciated, we also accept donations of personal hygiene items and certain types of clothing, please ask staff for more details if unsure.
Do you help with benefit claims and issues - We offer help, advice and guidance on most benefits. If we are unable to help with your enquiry we will try to gain assistance from the relevant source or signpost to someone who can.
Can I use your phone - Phones are provided to make calls to agencies while a staff member is available to monitor. Personal calls are not permitted.
Do you have disabled access - Ground floor is wheelchair accessible.
Can I use your computers - We have a number of laptops and ipads available to use while monitored by staff. Not for the use social media.
Do you have wi-fi I can use - Unfortunately we don't have a Wi-Fi service
Can I bring children into the centre - Children can come into the centre whilst under supervision from their parent/guardian.
Do you help with filling in forms - If you have trouble reading and/or writing we can assist in completing some types of forms. We can't answer the questions for you though. Help with PIP forms is dealt with by Citizen's Advice.
Any other questions can be asked to staff during our opening times or sent to [email protected]