General support
The Food Bank is keen to help families who are struggling. On Tuesdays support is available between 10.30 and 12.00 at the Food Bank for anyone who would like some help and advice with benefits, form-filling, debt and other issues. This help is offered by Citizens Advice officers who will be available during the drop in sessions run by the Salvation Army. You are also invited to stay for a cuppa and a friendly chat.
The following members of Sidmouth Community are happy for you to call them for advice, and make a referral to the Food Bank if appropriate.
Tracey Tipton – Sidmouth Primary School – 07540 668 525
Fiona Pyle – Sidmouth College – 07495 540 415
Jen Taylor – Salvation Army – 07889 755 777
Kirsty Hammond – Sid Valley Mission Community – 07966 060 350
Childrens Centre – 01395 226 789
Regular support
A food crisis is usually a symptom of a larger problem. These agencies may be able to help.
East Devon District Council Benefits & Support
Includes Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support for people in rented accommodation while on low incomes.
Devon County Council Social Care & Health
Includes help for infirm and disabled people in their own homes and in care homes.
Sid Valley Help is a local charity that provides information on health and social care support services in the Sid Valley – Phone: 01395 892 011 Text: 07378 964 521 Email: sidvalleyhelp@gmail.com
Central Government Benefits
Includes Universal Credit, Job Seekers Allowance, Working Tax Credit, Warm Home Scheme, Maternity Grant, Child Tax Credit, Pension Credit and a range of other benefits. It has a benefits calculator.
Citizens Advice
Provides on-line and face-to-face advice on a wide range of subjects including benefits (has an online benefits calculator), social care, debt reduction and legal issues.
Christians Against Poverty
A charity that gives advice and runs courses for people struggling with debt.
Turn2us
A charity that provides advice on benefits and support, including payments available from other charities, for example benevolent funds for ex-armed services personnel. Has an on-line benefits calculator.
Sidmouth Neighbourhood Police Support
Not a social care or advice organisation, obviously, but the site provides contact points for reporting incidents such as anti-social behaviour, etc.
The Mustard Seed Cafe is also a Christian bookshop, situated on the corner of All Saints Road, opposite the Unitarian church. There are joint initiatives between it and the Food Bank.
Gateway was set up following a death in 2015 of a homeless person, and a second incident in November 2015 shows that help is needed, even in prosperous areas like ours.