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Foodbank vouchers

Our foodbank works using a voucher referral system. Find out more about how we work.

We know that anyone can find themselves at crisis point for a number of different reasons.

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 voucher. The local agency can also provide long term support if needed to help address some of the issues behind the reasons for your crisis. 

Our foodbank works with Citizens Advice.  Call their National Helpline 0300 330 2112 (free phone), or call/text the local office at 07930 199 843.

They will take some basic details from you to complete the voucher. This will help them to identify the cause of your crisis and offer practical guidance. It also means we are able to prepare suitable emergency food for the right number of people.

Once you have been issued with a voucher number, you (or a friend or relative) can come to one of our centres for a minimum of three days of emergency food.

We are unable to deliver food parcels.

Help through Hardship helpline

If you’re worried about money and struggling to afford essentials, call our free helpline for personalised support.

Our friendly advisers can help you get the support you need if you’re struggling to afford essentials like food, heating and toiletries. We can advise which benefits you’re entitled to, guide you through any claims, and help you with emergency issues.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling to cope, we can also transfer you to Mind’s Infoline. Their advisers will provide support and information to help you take care of your wellbeing.

Call now: 0808 2082138

Lines open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Closed on public holidays.

What is the Help through Hardship helpline?

The Help through Hardship helpline is a free phone service delivered in partnership with Citizens Advice. Our friendly advisers have already helped thousands of people who are worried about money and are here to help you access the support you need.

How it works

We’ll ask about your circumstances so we can understand your situation and support your wellbeing. We can help you get the support you need if you’re struggling to afford essentials like food, heating and toiletries. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with money, we can help.

We can:

  • Assess which benefits you may be entitled to
  • Help you with benefits claims
  • Identify any grants you may be able to get
  • Help you access emergency support if you can’t afford the essentials
  • Transfer you to Mind’s Infoline for mental health information and support

If you’re experiencing hardship, you’re not alone. We’ll work with you to help you find a way forward.

Call our free, confidential helpline on 0808 2082138 to speak to a friendly adviser.

Open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. Closed on public holidays.

Christmas opening times: The helpline will be open until 5pm on Thursday 22 December. It will re-open on Tuesday 3 January 2023. Find out how to get help over Christmas.

If you live in England or Wales, you can access the service. If you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland, see other ways to get help.

Translators and Relay UK
Please ask the adviser if you need an interpreter, this will be provided via Language Line. If you can’t hear or speak on the phone you can use Relay UK. Find out how to use Relay UK

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