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 voucher.

In order to provide the most appropriate help for your circumstances, we work with a wide range of local agencies and partners. They will assess your situation and issue you with a foodbank voucher, where they feel this is necessary. Our partners can also provide long term support where needed to help address some of the issues behind the reasons for your crisis. Agencies we work with include: housing support officers, children’s centres, health visitors, social services and some local charities. Citizens Advice Richmond can also issue e-vouchers. You can contact them by phone or email: 0808 278 7873 / [email protected]

Please note that without a foodbank voucher, we are unable to provide you with a food parcel.

1. Find the relevant referral agency for your circumstances.

We have created this handy guide to help you find the right referral agency to support your specific circumstances.

If you require additional support, please call or email our foodbank and we can talk through your situation and put you in touch with a relevant local agency.

2. Arrange a visit or chat to the referral agency.

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

If you are in financial crisis and live in England or Wales, you can obtain an e-voucher and advice from ‘Help Through Hardship’ 0808 2082138 for free (open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) to talk confidentially with a trained Citizens Advice adviser. They can help address your crises 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.

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’ll be welcomed by our friendly team 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. 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.

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

 

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