Southbourne Community
Food Bank (“SCFB”)
Welcome to our food bank
A dedicated community resource committed to supporting those facing food insecurity. Our volunteers have over a decade of experience serving our local community, so we understand the growing challenges you may face securing basic essentials, and how you can struggle to put food on the table.
In recent years the need for food assistance in England has surged dramatically – government statistics show a 60% increase in food bank use since 2019, with reports indicating a 25% increase over the past year alone. This reflects the widespread impact of rising living costs, delayed benefits, divorce, homelessness, debt and unexpected financial crises.
How to get support
Before you can receive support from SCFB you will need a referral to use our services.
Who can give you a referral?
There are three routes: Agencies, charities or other organisations and referral partners.
Agencies include the Crisis Team at BCP and advisors at your Citizens advice. The advisor will ask some questions to assess whether you are eligible for help from the food bank.
Charities include organisations such as St Mungo’s and Help & Care. As above, the advisor there will assess your needs.
Other organisations and referral partners include your GP, social worker, local school or church, mental health worker and housing association. Your contacts there will probably be aware of your situation, can assess your needs with you in a meeting and make the appropriate referral.
Process
When it is clear that you are eligible to receive support from SCFB, the advisor will give you a referral number. They will also send a referral form to us by e-mail, including the reference number, and give you a printed copy or send it to your smart phone if you have one. You can then collect food from us, bringing with you the referral number plus proof of identity.
Where to find us
Southbourne Community Food Bank
Immanuel United Reformed Church,
120 Southbourne Road, Bournemouth, BH6 3QJ
Email: southbournecommunityfoodbank@gmail.com
Telephone: 07550 009941 (opening hours only)
Opening times:
| MONDAY | 2.30 pm – 4.00 pm |
| TUESDAY | CLOSED |
| WEDNESDAY | 10.30 am – 12.00 noon |
| THURSDAY | CLOSED |
| FRIDAY | 10.30 am – 12.00 noon |
Closed on Bank Holidays.
