Get Help
How to get help
If you need help from our foodbank there are a few simple steps to follow.
The most important step is to get a foodbank referral.
In order to provide the most appropriate help for the circumstances of your situation we work with local agencies. If they feel you are struggling to put food on the table, they will issue you with a foodbank referral. The local agency can also provide long term support if needed to help address some of the issues behind the reasons for your crisis. Agencies we work with include: Citizens Advice, CAP (Christians Against Poverty), local schools, housing support officers, children’s centres, health visitors, social services and some local charities.
1. Get in touch with us.
If you call or email our foodbank we can talk through your situation and put you in touch with a relevant local agency.
2. Arrange a visit to the referral agency.
They will discuss your situation and supply you with a foodbank referral where appropriate.
If you can’t afford food, you can call 0808 2082138 for free (open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm). You’ll confidentially talk to a trained Citizens Advice agent and, if needed, they’ll issue you with a food bank referral.
Please note this number is for people who do not have enough money for food – if you are a local organisation or charity that works with people who might need the food bank, please contact us directly.
3. Bring your foodbank referral to your nearest foodbank centre.
You can find a list of our local centres and opening times here. When you arrive, we’ll welcome you with a warm drink and our trained volunteers will chat with you about your situation. We’ll also discuss any dietary needs you may have and exchange your foodbank referral for a parcel of three days of emergency food. We’ll also help to support you in any other ways that we can. Most of our foodbank centres offer a cafe style environment and our aim is to provide non-judgemental support at the point of crisis.
Appointments are available at our Foodbanks with Citizens Advice and Christians Against Poverty (CAP – who offer free debt advice and support).
If you have any further questions our FAQ’s page may help, or feel free to give us a call.