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.

1. Get in touch with us.

If you are unsure of which referral agency will be best for you please call or email our foodbank. We can talk through your situation and put you in touch with a relevant local agency.

2. Contact the Referral Agency.

They will discuss your situation and may supply you with a foodbank voucher if it is appropriate.

Advice services, open to all:

• Age UK – 0191 514 1131
• Citizens Advice (Sunderland East) – 0300 330 1194
• FISCUS Community Advice – 0191 5111391
• Gentoo Money Matters – 0300 123 2004
• Pennywell Probation Office – 0191 933 3780
• SHARP (Shiney Advice and Resource Project), (Washington and Coalfields) – 0191 385 6687
• Sunderland City Council – 0800 234 6084
• SWAP, Pallion Action Group (Sunderland North and West)- 0191 514 2930
• Together for Children – 0191 520 5560
• Wear Recovery – 0800 234 6798
• Wearside Women in Need – 0191 416 3550

3. Bring  your foodbank voucher code to your nearest foodbank centre. 

You can find a list of our local centres and opening times below. When you arrive, we’ll welcome you with a warm drink and our 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. Most of our foodbank centres offer a café style environment and our aim is to provide non-judgemental support at the point of crisis.

We also offer help beyond a food parcel, if you would like to find out more on the additional services and support we provide, visit our More Than Food page.

If you have any further questions our FAQ’s page may help, or feel free to contact us.