Get Help
How to get help
If you need help from our foodbank there are a few simple steps to follow.
The most important step is to get a foodbank voucher.
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For information on how to obtain a food voucher, please click here.
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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 by phone or email.
There are a few ways you can obtain a voucher.
If you email or call our foodbank we can talk through your situation and put you in touch with a relevant local agency. Email is the best way to get in touch as it is more easily monitored than the phone.
Alternatively, call the Help for Hardship helpline on 0808 2082138 – details of the service provided can be found at https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/help-through-hardship-helpline/ The phone lines are open Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm.
2. Arrange a visit to the referral agency.
They will discuss your situation and supply you with a foodbank voucher where appropriate.
We have set up a process for issuing Foodbank vouchers remotely.
If you need a voucher, are based in or around Dereham, and cannot obtain one otherwise, please contact Citizens’ Advice, on 0800 1448848, or Breckland District Council on 01362 656870 (menu option 5, then menu option 7).
If you need a voucher, are based in or around Fakenham, and cannot obtain one otherwise, please contact Fakenham Connect (North Norfolk District Council), on 01263 513811.
In Swaffham, please visit us when we’re open.
3. 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, our trained volunteers will chat with you about your situation. We’ll 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.