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More Than Food
Find out more about additional services and support.
As a foodbank we are committed to providing welcoming, hospitality and support to all those who visit foodbank centres.
But we know that an emergency parcel is not the answer to poverty – and does not address the underlying issues that many who are forced to turn to us for help are facing.
That is why we ask referrers to also explore other options available in Southwark particularly:
- Cash first options: The “Worrying About Money?” leaflet is a simple and straightforward resource for people facing financial crisis (particularly those who are digitally marginalised), as well as the staff and volunteers who may be supporting them. It offers a quick way to see what advice is available and which local agencies are best placed to help.
The aim of these referral leaflets is to provide a “cash first” response to food insecurity – reducing the need for emergency food aid by helping people access any existing financial entitlements and advice on income maximisation.
- Southwark Local Welfare Support Scheme: Southwark Emergency Support Scheme (SESS). This scheme can help if you’re a Southwark resident who is facing a crisis, emergency or disaster and needs help.
- Emergency Support
We normally provide goods or services rather than cash. For example, you might qualify for a food gift card or help with your energy bills. You can receive help if you visit: www.southwark.gov.uk/benefits-and-support/emergency-support - Hardship Fund
This scheme is designed to help people in debt with household bills including: gas, electricity and water, rent and Council Tax arrears. www.southwark.gov.uk/benefits-and-support/hardship-fund
- Benefit Calculator: Use the free and confidential Benefits Calculator to find out what benefits you are entitled to claim.
benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk
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Southwark Foodbank provides support beyond a food parcel.
Our food bank does provide additional support alongside emergency food, to help address the underlying issues that drive people to need to use the food bank.
Southwark Foodbank currently has partnerships with Thames Reach and Citizens Advice. Advisors from these organisations attend food bank sessions to ensure that those that are referred to the food bank have access to good quality financial advice if they are not already receiving such support. These advisors are able to identify ways in which people’s incomes can be maximised – for example by unlocking benefits that people are unaware they are entitled to.