Maybe you are still waiting for benefits? Unable to work? Only feeding the family and going without yourself? There are many reasons why people are unable to afford to eat every day. We understand that it's a big step to ask for that help.
If you find yourself in the situation where you are struggling, please do not worry or hesitate about getting in touch - many of us have been there. There are many people you can go to (see our referral list below), who will talk through your current situation, giving you the best guidance for the way forward.
Swindon Food Collective give out the food from our distribution centres, but we do not issue vouchers or make referrals, so you need to go to an external agency first to get your referral. Once you have a voucher, or a text referral has been sent through to the distribution centre of your choice, you can come along to the distribution centre and collect your food parcel. Please note that you cannot self refer and you must be referred by one of the below agencies.
Please see below for where you can get a referral.
You can get a referral several ways:-
Located at either Sanford House in the town centre, Cavendish Square, Park North or at Pinetrees Community Centre, Pinehurst. You can also between 10 am and 4 pm, Monday to Friday on 0808 2787813 or via email at advice@swindon.cabnet.org.uk
You can contact your children's school welfare/safeguarding officer or head teacher as often schools can refer
Get in touch with your church or vicar
Some voluntary organisations that you might be aligned to or know of e.g. Turning Point, Nelson Trust, SSAFA, Threshold, Salvation Army, Women’s Refuge, counselling and other support services etc.
You can call the Probation Service on 01793 536612 or the Youth Offending Team on 01793 464662.
Contact the Swindon Borough Council Emergency Assistance Fund by phone on 01793 445500. This is open to anyone who has lived in the Borough of Swindon for over 6 months – you do not have to be a tenant of Swindon Borough Council. You can be a home owner or in rented accommodation. The Swindon Borough Council Emergency Assistance Fund provides emergency assistance to Swindon residents who need it:
You can speak to your social worker. You can contact Social Services at Swindon Borough Council on 01793 445500.
You can call the Community Midwives on 01793 604020 or the Health Visitors on 01793 465050 or 01793 465030.
People are allowed 3 boxes in any 6 month rolling period. However, if there are extenuating circumstances that can be verified by the referring agency this can be extended in liaison between the referring officer and the Swindon Food Collective Manager.
No. Anyone, even if they are working, who is facing a crisis or emergency situation that means they do not have enough money to feed themselves or their family can apply but they must be referred by one of the referring agencies, schools or statutory services that partner with Swindon Food Collective.
During school holidays families whose children receive free lunches can be referred by the school. Parents or Guardians should request vouchers/referrals for food during holiday breaks prior to the school closing or if the administration office is open during holidays, contact the school via email as discussed with the Welfare Officer before the holiday period
Crisis, predicaments or emergencies can be issues such as waiting for benefits to be awarded, bereavement, unemployment, illness, sudden changes to family income, housing or family circumstances, accidents , divorce and separation etc., this list is not exhaustive.
