Become a referral partner
Referrals are an essential part of our foodbank, meaning that people who need help are able to talk to someone about their situation before they come to pick up food.
Could your organisation become a referral partner and issue foodbank vouchers?
Southend Foodbank works on a referral model, where organisations across the community are able to offer a foodbank voucher to their members or clients (alongside a self-referral pathway through contacting Citizens Advice, SAVS or SECH directly). This is important for reaching people who might need help but aren’t sure how to get support or are reluctant to ask.
Schools, GPs and health centres, mental health services, police, social work teams, churches, HAF providers, housing associations and other community organisations are voucher holders. Referral agencies receive training in how to offer a referral and are connected to the foodbank through a designated contact who provides ongoing support and information. If you work in a community setting with people who might be struggling with food poverty, and would like to consider becoming a referral agency, please get in touch for more information via info@southend.foodbank.org.uk