Hi, my name is lisal! Neighbour has no food, what help is available?

lisal

I’m in Wilmslow and I’m concerned for my neighbor, she’s polished and always worked, she has recently been assigned universal credit, and for the last two weeks she’s had no food, by the time she’s paid her rent she has 20 pounds for the month, no one wants to help because she’s polish but she has lived here for 12 yrs, I’m trying to get her emergency help, ie food, but I’m struggling 
van anyone help me please, I would really appreciate it
lisa

Rosie_Scope

Hi @lisal, welcome to the community. Sorry to hear your neighbour is struggling. 

Have you been in contact with the Trussell Trust? There might be a food bank nearby she could access, and they also have a telephone helpline that might be worth a try.

You don't always need a referral to use a food bank, but the Trussell Trust should be able to advise you or her on how to go about getting one should you need it. Scope also have a page about accessing food, so that might be worth reading through too.

I hope she's able to find some support soon. 

poppy123456

Are you able to check that their UC claim is correct? If they have access to a journal then it will tell you on there what elements are included. If she has a liability to pay rent then her UC should include the housing element. Though if privately renting then there's often a shortfall of rent. 

 If there's a shortfall of rent they can apply for a Discretionary housing payment. (DHP) from her local authority. It's not guaranteed and if awarded it's only paid for a short period of time before you have to reapply. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/claiming-discretionary-housing-payments/claiming-discretionary-housing-payments

please check that they are also claiming council tax reduction, this isn't part of UC and needs to be claimed from their local authority. 

WhatThe

Hi lisal, your local authority can deliver one free emergency food parcel to your neighbour's doorstep upon request. They will check her UC claim and know she is on a low enough income to qualify.

Either her GP or jobcentre can issue a food voucher every three months, I believe, which allows a limited selection of food items plus household products from the council store, by appointment.   

Then there are independent community fridges/food banks which provide free food to take home but involve queuing to get in. Some churches provide free hot meals and refreshments once a week for anyone who turns up. Queuing again.  

Nationality isn't important since she's entitled to UC therefore entitled to help and support. Go with her if you can and ask people there about other places in the area.  

gogigi

Some local councils have a page on their website all about accessing food so it has links to food banks and other things such as free food boxes donated from supermarkets. 

lisal

Thank you so much for all your answers,I have it sorted now for food tomorrow morning at 10 am