Get Help

How to get help

Just a few steps to follow!

We collaborate with local agencies to ensure that we provide the best support tailored to the specific circumstances of each individual’s situation. If a family struggles to provide food for their household, the agency may provide them with a foodbank voucher.

Furthermore, our partnered agencies can offer ongoing support for families in need, addressing the underlying issues behind the crisis. These agencies include Citizens Advice, housing support officers, children’s centres, health visitors, social services, and selected local charities.

 

These are the steps to follow if you are experiencing need:

1. Find a referral agency

You may find that you are already in touch with one of our referral agencies in Bournemouth.  These include many BCP Council departments, Citizens Advice, Healthcare providers, Children’s centres, Schools, Churches and other local charities.

Our most used referral agencies are:

BCP Crisis Advice 01202 096622
BCP Adult Social Care 01202 123654
Help Through Hardship 0808 208 2138
Citizens Advice Bureau 0808 2787 939
Access Wellbeing 0800 870 8222
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Street Outreach service (BCPSOS) 01202 315 962
We are with you 01202 558855
YMCA 01202 290451
Help and Care 0300 111 3303

➡️Please call the foodbank on 01202 394505 if you need help finding a referral agency

2. Arrange a visit to or a call with 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, please call 0808 2082138 for free (open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm) 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 a voucher to get an emergency food parcel from your local food bank.

➡️ What’s a Foodbank Voucher

 

3. Bring your e-voucher to the Foodbank

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.
➡️ Foodbank Centres opening times / ➡️ What’s in a parcel

 

We’ll also help support you in any other way we can. Most of our foodbank centres offer a café-style environment and our aim is to provide non-judgmental support at the point of crisis.

If you have any further questions our FAQ page may help, or feel free to get in touch via our contact page.

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