At Chesterfield Foodbank, we provide emergency food and essentials to local people in financial crisis. Food and toiletries are donated to our foodbank warehouse, where there are sorted, picked and packed into emergency food parcels and distributed to local people in crisis who have been referred to us by front line health care professionals and support workers. 

When people visit our foodbank centres, they receive a warm welcome from our volunteers, a hot drink, a snack and a friendly listening ear. We are able to help identify the root cause of their crisis and signpost to help, support and advice.

As part of the Trussell national network of foodbanks, we have been able to set up our Financial Inclusion Project which means trained Citizens Advice advisors are with us in our foodbank centres, at Brimington, The Town Centre, New Whittington and Loundsley Green. Foodbank guests can receive personalised support through this service to maximise their income, navigate the benefits system, receive help with applications and ensure they are able to access their entitlements. They can get help to challenge unfair benefit decisions, and seek expert advice on managing debt and housing. Onward referrals to other services such as utilities and energy vouchers are also provided in this way.

Since April 2024, 124 foodbank clients are better off by a total of £116,344 as a result of using the Financial Inclusion Service. In addition, £139,881 of debt has been managed for 48 people and £49,234 of debt has been written off for 6 people.

We are seeking to raise £25,000 to help us continue to fund this invaluable service.

Testimonials include:

“Was able to get advice on claiming expenses. Very Useful”

“Citizens Advice are very helpful”

“I have had an appointment made for more help”

“ I now know Citizens Advice are in Doctors”

“Very helpful and friendly”

“Friendly, helpful, informative and efficient” 

“Very helpful, was able to get an appointment to support with British Gas”

“Very welcome and friendly advice, easy to talk to”

“Alex was lovely and very helpful”

“Was made aware of help I did not know was available. Very useful service”

“Friendly worker, helpful”

“All good”

“Thank you very much for your help and assistance”

“Alex from Citizens Advice has been very helpful and supportive while speaking with them. Always has been there when you need help and advice”

“The foodbank can be a very daunting place to be. Was made to feel very comfortable. Good service!”

“Useful service was able to get a phone and benefit advice”

“Assisted with fuel vouchers, very helpful”

“Friendly and helpful”

“I was not able to get a foodbank voucher as I don’t have a phone. I was supported to get a voucher and a phone. Great service, really helpful”

“Helped with fuel vouchers”

“Very good service. Staff very helpful and kind”

“Service was helpful and easy to access. Alex was helpful”

“I was given good advice assistance whilst at Compass food bank, used and satisfied”

“ My issue has been partly resolved and calmed my anger”

“Very helpful people”