How to get help

We operate a voucher referral system, therefore 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 referral agency

Please don’t worry about getting a voucher, this can usually be done very quickly. We have over 400 registered referrers through East and West Nottingham. These include:

• Citizens Advice or other Welfare / Debt Advice providers
• Council / Housing Association
• Support / Social Worker
• Health Visitor
• Your child’s school
• Children’s Centres
• Healthcare provider
• Charity Organisations providing financial or other support
• PCSO
• Mental Health Teams

PLEASE DO NOT APPROACH DWP OR YOUR JOB CENTRE FOR A REFERRAL

In the past we have accepted their signposting paper forms but with regret they are not registered with us as a referrer, therefore we now need to ask you to only seek a referral from a registered organisation. Organisations not registered can contact us to see if they are eligible to register via [email protected] or 0303 040 1110 Mon – Thurs 9.30am – 5.00pm and Fri 9.00am – 12noon.

Alternatively, anyone in need can call the Help through Hardship Line for free to talk confidentially to a trained Citizens Advice adviser on:

0808 208 2138 

(Open Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm. Closed on public holidays. Please be aware it can take time to get through and a financial check can take around 40 mins)

They can help address your crisis 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.

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

If for any reason you are struggling to get a voucher, please call or email us at Hope Nottingham and we can talk through your situation and put you in touch with a relevant local agency.

2. 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 usually 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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