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 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. Agencies we work with include: Citizens Advice, 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.Our main agencies are

 

  • Citizens Advice Bureau  0808 2787 999 – Mon to Fri 9am -5pm,(if unanswered leave a message with your name and phone number ) 
  • Citizen Advice Bureau  Drop in at Abbey Surgery – Monday and Friday 10am-3pm
  •  Money advice drop in only – Abbey surgery Tuesday 10am – 3pm 
  • Help through Hardship-Freephone 0808 2082 138 Mon – Fri 9am-5pm.
  • Tavistock Children’s Hub 01822 614210 -for families with children
  • Services you already get help from eg social care, mental health, NHS, TASS, child’s school
  • Debt counselling agencies

2. Arrange a visit to the referral agency.

They will discuss your situation and supply you with a foodbank voucher where appropriate.Please do not wait until Friday to contact your referral agency.

If you are in financial crisis and live in England or Wales, please call 0808 2787999 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.

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, 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 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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