How to get help

We operate a voucher referral system, therefore the most important step is to get a food bank 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 food bank 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. 

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 note DWP and Job Centres have chosen not to be referrers so cannot issue vouchers

Organisations who are not registered and interested in becoming a referrer should read our referral handbook https://www.hope-nottingham.org.uk/becomeafoodbankreferrer and then get in touch with us at [email protected]

2. If you are unable to get a voucher issued by a local agency, 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.

Please do not attend a food bank without a voucher.

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 food bank centres offer a café style environment and our aim is to provide non-judgemental support at the point of crisis. Many food banks also have welfare and benefits advisors on site, so please do use this service. Our aim is to assist you with your crisis so you don’t need to the food bank on an ongoing basis.

If you have any other questions our FAQ’s page may help, or feel free to give us a call on 0303 040 1110 Mon-Thurs 9.30 – 4.00 pm, Fri 9.00 am-12.00 noon.

 

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