General support
The Food Bank is keen to help families who are struggling.We have a support session for former and current food bank clients on Tuesdays between 10.00 and 12.00 at the Youth Centre. This is hosted by Angie Carney, with the generosity of the Salvation Army. In time we will be providing access to Citizen’s Advice advisors at this session. We will also share information about other sources of help. If you feel you need support and would like to discuss your situation in confidence, just drop in. All Covid rules and guidelines are being followed.
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 – 07540668525
Carol Clark – Sidmouth College – 07495540415
Angie Carney – Salvation Army – 07889755777
Kirsty Hammond – Sid Valley Mission Community – 07966060350
Childrens Centre – 01395 226789
Also, the East Devon District Council Coronavirus Community Support Hub Hotline has been set up to help local residents, communities and organisations to access information and support, or to volunteer their time to help their local community. Call the Hotline on 01395 571500 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)
Some of the many organisations offering help are listed in this Sidmouth Herald article.
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 892011 Text: 07378964521 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. Closed during the Coronavirus emergency.
Gateway was set up following a death in 2015 of a homeless person, and the second incident in November 2015 shows that help is needed, even in prosperous areas like ours.