What brought you in today?
Find the sentence that sounds like you. Every answer says where to go, when, and what to bring. Everything here is free.
- Advice desk
- Tue 10:00–16:00, and weekends
- Library
- Mon–Fri 9:00–20:00, and weekends
Money, letters and forms
Anything that came in an envelope.
A letter came and I don’t understand it.
The advice desk, at the back of the library. Tuesday and Thursday 10:00–16:00, Saturday 10:00–13:00. The letter or the form, and any letters that came before it.
: Letters, forms and benefits, at The advice deskI have to fill in a form and I’m stuck.
The advice desk, at the back of the library. Tuesday and Thursday 10:00–16:00, Saturday 10:00–13:00. The letter or the form, and any letters that came before it.
: Letters, forms and benefits, at The advice deskMy rent went up and I can’t pay it.
The advice desk, at the back of the library. Thursday 10:00–16:00, no appointment. Your tenancy agreement if you have it, the latest bills, and a bank statement.
: Housing and debt, at The advice deskI’m behind on the bills and the letters keep coming.
The advice desk, at the back of the library. Thursday 10:00–16:00, no appointment. Your tenancy agreement if you have it, the latest bills, and a bank statement.
: Housing and debt, at The advice desk
Somewhere to be
Warm, quiet, or with people.
It’s cold at home and I’d rather not sit there.
The library, ground floor, by the back window. Every day, 10:00–16:00, from November to March. Nothing.
: The warm room, at Northbank LibraryI’d like to meet people, but not at a bar.
Canal Hall, the main hall. Wednesday 12:00–14:00. A friend, if you like.
: Soup lunch, at Canal HallI could do with a hot meal.
Canal Hall, the main hall. Wednesday 12:00–14:00. A friend, if you like.
: Soup lunch, at Canal HallI need a computer, a printer or a quiet room.
The study room, first floor of the library. Every day the library is open; digital help Wednesday 14:00–16:00. A library card, or any ID to get one on the day.
: Computers, printing and a quiet room, at Northbank LibraryI can’t get into my online account.
The study room, first floor of the library. Every day the library is open; digital help Wednesday 14:00–16:00. A library card, or any ID to get one on the day.
: Computers, printing and a quiet room, at Northbank Library
Learning, and the children
For any age and any level.
I want to practise my English with people.
The reading room, ground floor of the library. Monday 18:00–19:30 and Saturday 10:30–12:00. Nothing; a notebook if you like.
: English conversation, at Northbank LibraryMy child needs a quiet place to do homework.
The children’s corner, ground floor of the library. Monday to Thursday, 15:30–17:30, in term time. The homework. A parent signs in the first time.
: Homework club, at Northbank Library
Doing something
With your hands, or for your street.
I’d like to be outside and do something useful.
Lock Gardens, through the gate behind Canal Hall. Saturday 9:30–12:30, all year. Shoes that can get muddy. We have gloves and boots in most sizes.
: The Saturday work morning, at Lock GardensSomething broke and I can’t afford a new one.
Canal Hall, the small hall. Third Saturday of the month, 13:00–16:00. The broken thing, and anything that came with it.
: Repair café, at Canal HallWe have an idea for the street and no money.
The grants surgery in Canal Hall, or online. Next round closes 15 January 2027. The idea, on one page. We help you write it.
: Neighbour grants, at Canal Hall
If it can’t wait.
The advice desk is closed in the evenings and on Sundays. These lines are not.
In danger, or someone is hurt
999Police, ambulance or fire, any time.
Nowhere to sleep tonight
020 555 0190The city’s emergency housing team, 24 hours a day.
You need to talk to someone now
020 555 0100The night line: free, private and open until 7:00.
Tomasz WróbelWelfare rights adviser, at the advice desk since 2015Bring the letter, even the one you put in a drawer. Most of what frightens people in an envelope can be answered in a week.