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 a local Referral Agency or our free national helpline, Help Through Hardship
PLEASE NOTE WE CANNOT OFFER DELIVERIES-COLLECTION ONLY-If you cannot collect the food parcel yourself, a friend, neighbour, family member etc can collect on your behalf. They will need your permission, name on the voucher and voucher number to be able to collect. Or try a local community organisation or your local authority as these sometimes have volunteers available to assist in one off/emergency situations.
If you are in the South Normanton or Alfreton Area you can contact a local referral agency as detailed below,
Bolsover District Council – located in the Hub in South Normanton or via phone 01246 242424
Amber Valley – Amber Valley Borough Council 01773 570222
Or If you are in financial crisis and live in England or Wales, please call our free national helpline, Help through Hardship, on 0808 2082138 for free (open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm, closed on public holidays) 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.
Translators and Relay UK
Please ask the adviser if you need a translator, 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 →
2. Arrange a visit to the referral agency.
They will discuss your situation and supply you with a foodbank voucher where appropriate.
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.