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. During the COVID-19 outbreak, some local agencies are still open, or Birmingham Settlement can be reached by telephone. Details are below.
2. Arrange a visit to the referral agency.
They will discuss your situation and supply you with a foodbank voucher where appropriate.
During the COVID-19 outbreak, if you need help to obtain a food parcel the best point of contact is to call Birmingham Settlement telephone money advice service on 0121 250 0765.
Leave your name and contact details on their voicemail. They will ring you back. They can give advice on a wide range of monetary problems. Over the phone they can issue you with a code that can be redeemed as a voucher at any of the Trussell Trussell Foodbank distribution centres in Birmingham. Details of the Aston and Nechells distribtion centres are below.
If you are in financial crisis and live in England or Wales, please call 0808 208 2138 for free (open Monday to Friday, 9am-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.
3. Bring your foodbank voucher to your nearest foodbank centre.
Aston and Nechells Foodbank is available once a week only at each of the following locations: St Matthews, Nechells (Monday); The Hubb, Ward End (Wednesday); The Salvation Army, Aston (Friday). If you need to access the Foodbank please ensure you come to the right place for that day. You can find a list of our local centres and opening times here. Everyone who comes to the foodbank for emergency food needs to have a valid foodbank voucher. When you arrive, we’ll welcome you with a warm drink 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. 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.