How to get help

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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: Local Advice Centres, housing support officers, children’s centres, health visitors, social services and some local charities.

1. If you need help today

You can try and apply for an Emergency Payment (Bristol) or Welfare Payment ( S Glos.) any weekday.

Bristol City Council hold vouchers for our Foodbank and can verify your circumstances and email us a voucher the same day even if you have already had an emergency payment within the last 12 months. You can call them on 0117 922 4500 Monday to Friday 9am to 12 Noon.

S Glos Welfare Grant can be called on 01454 868899 from 8.45am to 2pm and can directly refer to us for deliveries of food parcels to your home after they verify your situation.

Alternatively you can try the Citizens Advice Helpline

If you are in financial crisis, please call 0808 2082138 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.

2. Arrange a visit to the referral agency.

If you visit any other voucher holders 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, 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 code 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 code to your nearest foodbank centre. 

You can find a list of our local centres and opening times here. When you arrive, give your name and voucher code to the volunteer on the door who will sort your food parcel. 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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