Please tell me about foodbanks

[NAME3CHANGE]

Hi this is really embarrassing please be kind.

Please could you tell me how to access a food bank ?

I have never had to use one before, and I am just going round in circles on line.

I dont understand how to get a referal ? It seems that you need one ? It suggests that school can do it , but this would be an absolutely last resort as i am a part time ta in my school and i couldn't imagine the shame of having to ask my boss.

We were on a tight budget anyway but coasting though , and a £200 cock up has just left me with nothing.

I have struggled though the last week but 19 days till next pay day and I know i cant do it.

I am on a top up meter as well and i really am worried.

On line suggets a doctor can refer you - would i just ring up and try and get an appointment at the doctors on Monday in the hope they will give me a voucher ? It sounds such a strange set up and waste of an appointment !
I dont have a social worker to ask

If anyone has used one before and could talk me through the process i would be very grateful.

Thank you.

As others have said Citizens Advice are a great place to go for a referral as they can also ensure you are getting everything you are entitled to.
Community Fridges are great because they are open to everyone and are aimed at reducing food waste so you're helping the environment too. A map of Community Fridges can be found on this link, but it won't show all Community Fridges because they might not be part of the Community Fridge network.
www.hubbub.org.uk/the-community-fridge
If you have a local community Facebook page it might be worthwhile doing a keyword search for food banks because chances are someone else has asked the same question.
Good luck OP.

If you are in receipt of universal credit, work coaches can issue them too

@Savingpeoplehuntingthings

If you're anywhere near Harrogate there is a community grocery shop. You can get 15 items for £3. I use the one in Bolton, its great, don't be embarrassed x

St peters has a food mission Details on their website but you can also get in touch

Thank you everyone. My husband is going to ring the energy company this morning and ask about the £50 hardship

We have a local food hub near us which is different from a food bank, you don't need a referral. It is £4 for a full shop, if you don't have the £4 you can have a quiet chat with one of the volunteers.
It would be worth posting a message on your local Facebook groups for initiatives near you. I realise you want to remain anonymous but there are more people than you think in very similar situations.

Check out about if you have a local pantry- at the one I help run it’s £4 for a shop abs you get about 15-20 worth of items. www.yourlocalpantry.co.uk/find-a-pantry/