Get Help
Foodbank Referrals
Our foodbank works using a referral system. Find out more about how we work.
PLEASE DO NOT COME TO OUR SESSIONS UNLESS YOU HAVE FIRST OBTAINED A REFERRAL CODE
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 referrers. If they feel you are struggling to put food on the table, they will issue you with a foodbank referral. The referrer can also help you to find long termer support if needed to help address some of the issues behind the reasons for your crisis -Foodbank support its intended to be short term only.
Our foodbank works with a number of different local referrers, such as Citizens Advice, children’s centres, health visitors and local Councillors.
please call HELP scheme for free to talk confidentially to a trained Citizens Advice adviser on:
0808 175 3599
(Open Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm. Closed on public holidays.)
They can help address your crisis and provide support to maximise your income, help you navigate the benefits system, and identify any additional grants you could be entitled to. If needed, they’ll issue you with a voucher so you can get an emergency food parcel from your local food bank.
PLEASE OBTAIN Â A REFERRAL CODE BEFORE ATTENDING A FOODBANK SESSION – WE CAN THEN MAKE SURE THERE IS FOOD FOR YOU WHEN YOU ARRIVE.
Once you have been issued with a referral, you can exchange this for a minimum of three days of emergency food by contacting a foodbank centre or community hub. Please if possible bring along your own carrier bags.
Current referrers may find up to date information here (password protected)
At the moment, we are not currently taking on new referrers as we are in the middle of reviewing our current list – we have plans to restart regular on-line refresher training in a few weeks to all current retained referrers to update on referral criteria, new voucher limits and signposting procedures.
In the meantime, if you are made aware of a family in need locally then you can also refer them to the national Help Through Hardship phone line run with CAB? The number is 0808 208 2138 (free) – they will undertake a thorough assessment and if necessary issue a Foodbank referral.