Are You Struggling?

Here at Stratford upon Avon Foodbank our partnership project with Coventry Independent Advice Service is here to help everyone who gets a food parcel from us. We have two dedicated caseworkers who work tirelessly for us, to help and support you with whatever challenges you may be facing.

If you need help with any aspect of your money or to talk through any challenges you re facing, we are here for you.

---

Here are some examples of the people we have helped and what has been achieved in financial outcomes for them:

Case study 1 

Chris has Crohn ‘s disease.  Aged 60 he became homeless after a relationship breakdown, due to being a victim of domestic violence. Subsequently his hours at work were cut back. He was referred to our Money Advice Project as the loss of income meant he lost control of his debts.

His UC payments did not start till the end of May as DWP had mistakenly paid his back payments into the joint bank account and his wife spent the money.

OUTCOMES

• A referral was made to Citizens Advice to obtain a Hardship Grant to carpet Chris’ new home as the dust from bare boards were inflaming his Crohn’s disease. Chris’ 18 year old daughter had also come to live with him
• We made a referral to a P3 Caseworker who assisted with grants for furniture and helped manage debts.
• Support provided to get him back into work.

Chris said:

“I now have two part-time jobs, and I have got my life back on track. I haven’t needed a food parcel since June and now I know who to turn to if I get into trouble again.”

Case study 2

Ben is 38.  He lives alone, has serious long term mental health issues and has lived on benefits for years. He was referred to our Money Advice Project after saying at a foodbank session he could not survive without his foodbank parcels. His Citizens Advice caseworker found Ben had been living for 2 years with only a sofa, a throw and a cooker.  He also struggled to read, could not manage his money or understand his UC account. As a result, he had lost control of his debts and had unknown deductions from UC.

OUTCOMES

• Referred to Citizens Advice Debt Advice Team who are negotiating all his debts with creditors.
• Referred to P3 Caseworker who now accompanies him to all face-to-face appointments and supervises money management and UC.
• Hardship grants have provided flooring in bedroom and living room, bed, bedding, tall fridge freezer, plates, dishes & cutlery.
• We referred to Act on Energy, who are obtaining a grant to write off energy debts

Ben said:

“Having people to talk to all in one place has made everything easier. There is too much information.  It’s overwhelming.

I had so many debts but now have a plan, thanks to the Foodbank.

 

This project is able to run because of the support of Stratford Town Trust and Trussell.

   

Back to Get Help