GROUPS in Beverley are being urged to join forces to help vulnerable people hit by public spending cuts.
More than 30 organisations, including Age UK and community groups, are set to meet tomorrow.
Church leaders have organised the day-long event to look at ways of helping those most at need in the community.
Ali Crompton, of Beverley Baptist Church, said: "The event will look at how churches can work more closely with civic authorities to help plug the gap created by local authority budget cuts and greater social demand.
"Although a focus will be on churches, we are inviting all faith groups, voluntary and community groups and public sector members to join together to see how we can work together in partnership, to meet the needs of those in our locality."
The event, which takes place from 10am to 3pm at the town's Memorial Hall, has been organised by Beverley Baptist Church and national organisation The Cinnamon Network.
Groups will look at ways of supporting those in need, including debt management, financial advice, launching a food bank, helping the homeless and the elderly.
A local and national overview will be given at the event and groups will get the chance to take part in workshops on specific areas of interest.
Mr Crompton said: "The event will look at what the church is doing, what the council is doing and what the voluntary and community sectors are doing.
"We will be looking at what the needs are in Beverley and the surrounding villages and what the gaps in provision are.
"We need to look at what the barriers are in working together and how we can overcome them to help people."
Plans are already under way to launch a food bank in the town to help people with basic food needs.
Mr Crompton said: "We expect to see more need. Beverley is perceived as an affluent town, but there will be more people needing accommodation, food and other types of help as income continues to get squeezed."
Ways of supporting young people will also be explored by church leaders and town groups.
Mr Crompton, who is a youth worker in the town, said: "As my job is a youth worker, I am very keen on youth provision.
"A central facility, for young people to come along to somewhere they feel safe and have a sense of community, is a really important thing.
"Alternative learning provision for young people who are disengaged with education or struggling with education is also important to help people get back into education."
To book a place at tomorrow's event, visit www.civicbeverley. eventbrite.co.uk, email Alistair Crompton at alic@beverley communitychurch.org or call 01482 868124.
