How to get help

How we operate and how to get help

To ensure everyone is receiving as much help and support as possible we encourage – and prefer – all our clients to obtain a foodbank voucher from an appropriate Referral Agency* who has been able to assess your current circumstances.

Each voucher has a unique reference number and can only be used once.  If you require additional support, you will need a new voucher each time you visit the Foodbank.

*Referral Agencies we work with include Churches, Citizens Advice, Housing Support Teams, Schools / Children’s Centres, Health Visitors, Social Services and Support Workers, and some local charities.

If you cannot afford to buy food for yourself and/or your family:

1. Get in touch with us.

If you have not been able to get a foodbank voucher from an appropriate referral agency we will always provide you with food on your first visit to one of our Foodbank Centres in Darby Green, Fleet, Hook or Odiham.  Alternatively, you can email us; we can talk through your situation and/or put you in touch with a local Partner Referral Agency who will assess your situation and refer you to receive a parcel of food and toiletries, which will cover at least three days of meals.

2. Arrange a visit to, or a telephone call with the Referral Agency.

They will discuss your situation with you and supply you with a foodbank voucher where appropriate.

If you can’t afford food, you can call 0808 278 7864  (freephone) to speak to a trained and independent Citizens Advice agent (Monday to Thursday, 9.30am to 3.30pm). 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 voucher to your nearest foodbank centre. 

You can find a list of our local centres and opening times here. When you arrive, you will be welcomed with the offer of 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 voucher for a parcel of three days of emergency food and toiletries. We’ll also help to support you in any other ways that we can, with a non-judgemental listing ear.

4. We’re here to help.  Are you struggling…?

Following the first visit, if you do not have a referral from an appropriate Referral Agency, we can continue to support you with up to four food parcels, at which time we will invite you to meet and chat with one of our Community Connector Team members who will explore what more we may be able to do to help and support you in your current situation; this may include signposting you or referring you to other agencies Client Contact Community Connector.pdf

If you are willing to, and continue to engage and communicate with our Community Connector Team or agencies / organisations to whom we signpost, or you agree for us to refer you to, and you continue to work with them, then there is no limit to the number of food parcels you may receive from us until your situation has improved.

continue to engage and communicate with = continue to receive support with food parcels

If you choose not to engage or communicate, either with our Community Connector Team, or other agencies and organisations, we will be unable to provide you with a full food parcel, should you visit the Foodbank Centre

choose not to engage and communicate with = we will be unable to provide you with a full food parcel

If you have any further questions our FAQ’s page may help, or feel free to give us a call.

 

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