Support with food, pets and living expenses
Help for the things you need and care about
Foodbanks are places in your local community that can help if you can’t afford to buy the food you need.
Getting help from a foodbank
You can’t usually just walk into a foodbank and get food. Instead, you need a referral from a local advice organisation, your doctor or health visitor, social services or your housing officer. This organisation will give you a voucher that you can swap for food at the foodbank
Staff at the foodbank will welcome you, offer you a warm drink and chat to you to see how they can help. They may have pet food and cleaning supplies as well as food and often know about other ways you can get help.
Help with pet expenses
Pets are a huge source of comfort, especially when you’re experiencing mental ill health. But pets cost money.
There are some organisations that may be able to help with pet expenses.
- PDSA provide free or low-cost pet treatment if you get certain benefits and live in their catchment area
- The Dog’s Trust can provide free healthcare for your dog if you’re homeless or living in temporary housing
- 7th Heaven Animal Rescue Trust gives emergency pet food packages to people in financial hardship
- The USPCA provides pet food packages to the Trussel Trust’s foodbanks – you can pick one up if you get a voucher from a referring charity
Help with essential items
There are charities like the Family Fund, Glasspool and Buttle UK who can help you pay for essential items like white goods and furniture.
Talk to your local advice agency if you need help with essential household items. They may be able to help you find what you need.