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.
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 with us.
If you call or email our foodbank we can talk through your situation and put you in touch with a relevant local agency.
2. Contact a referral agency
A good starting point may be the Citizens Advice Bureau. Other organisations can also refer to us, such as other local charities, local GPs and medical centres, primary and secondary schools, churches, and Social Services and Job Centres.
If you are in financial crisis and live in England or Wales, please call 0808 208 2138 for free (open Monday to Friday, 9am to 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.
Alternatively, please call 0808 278 7907 to speak to South Oxfordshire and Vale Citizens Advice who will be able to issue you with a food bank voucher if necessary.
They will discuss your situation and supply you with a foodbank voucher where appropriate. This may be in the form of an electronic referral; in which case you will be advised to come to the foodbank and give your name so this can be matched with the electronic referral
3. Visit your nearest foodbank centre with your referral (if a paper version).
Find out more about our local centres and opening times.
When you arrive, we’ll welcome you 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 – our aim is to provide non-judgemental support at the point of crisis.