Bright future for the partnership of Stratford’s Foodbank and local Citizens Advice

Local charities Citizens Advice South Warwickshire and Stratford-upon-Avon Foodbank have joined forces to help people access the help they need.

This project was developed between the two partner charities in response to the current pandemic, each bringing unique and specialist support to the people they help.  Following a positive start before Christmas the project saw 65 people in its first 6 weeks.

left, Marion Homer, Manager at Stratford-upon-Avon Foodbank and right, Julie Newton Caseworker at Citizens Advice South Warwickshire.

Julie Newton is the dedicated caseworker for this project on behalf of Citizens Advice South Warwickshire and has been working alongside Stratford-upon-Avon Foodbank since October 2020.

“I was excited to be involved from the start of this project and offer help and advice, whether it’s a benefit issue, employment or any other crisis.  It has been inspiring to contact people and make a difference to their lives because otherwise they would not have known where to turn to for help So far, the difficulties people have faced include high energy bills, hospital travel costs and homelessness.”

Anyone needing support from Stratford-upon-Avon Foodbank is able to access support from Julie at Citizens Advice South Warwickshire and all foodbank staff and volunteers are able to make a referral directly to the project for Julie’s support.

Among a handful of funders backing the project are Asda and the Misses Barrie Charitable Trust. The project is currently running for 12 months until October 2021, during which time it aims to help around 200 people build a more financially sustainable future for themselves and their families.

Marion Homer, Manager at Stratford-upon-Avon Foodbank said: “It is sad that so many people need our help at the Foodbank so our aim is to work out their needs. Together with Citizens Advice South Warwickshire providing longer term advice and solutions, we believe we are edging closer to solving the problems that cause people to be without food.”