Tamworth Family Support Service partners with Tamworth Library to offer a community support hub

Tamworth Family Support Service (TFSS) has partnered with the Tamworth Library to offer a free, one-stop shop of services once a week.

TFSS community development officer Rebecca Butler said the library had identified a number of people coming to them for support, but that they didn't have the specific knowledge of where to refer them, or how to help.

"People were coming into the space for assistance for forms, housing and homelessness," Ms Butler said.

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"That's why we've brought our knowledge over the the library to offer this service to the community.

The weekly drop in hub will provide library visitors with access to services such as family support, legal aid, financial assistance, tax support and housing.

Ms Butler said she hoped the relaxed and informal environment would help break down the stigma and barriers associated with accessing support.

"Sometimes it's that stigma of actually walking into a centre and thinking 'who's going to see me' or 'what are people going to think'," she said.

"If we can break down those barriers we can offer that assistance."

Tamworth Library early childhood literacy officer Kelly Makepeace said the library was thrilled to partner with TFSS, complementing the services they already offer - like printing and photocopying.

"We seem to be a first place of access for people, especially new residents," Ms Makepeace said.

"We want to be able to provide the best service to them we can."

On the days where the hub isn't operating, library staff will be equipped with a services directory to point people in the right direction.

Ms Makepeace said the library was also looking into starting adult literacy classes to help the community be more self sufficient.

The hub will operate every Tuesday at the Tamworth Library from 10am until 12pm.

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