Littlehampton & District Foodbank and CAP, two charities helping local people in crisis living in the Littlehampton area are joining forces to bring sustained help to people in crisis.
LDF has been making greater links with other local community organisations to help people referred to the Foodbank find long-term solutions as well as emergency food. Now we have formally partnered with the local Christians Against Poverty centre at Arun Community Church which offers debt counselling.
Debt and low income are among the most common causes of hunger across the UK, according the Trussell Trust. Around 1 in 12 referrals are due to debt, but this does not take into account debts arising as a result of benefits issues, which continue to be the most likely reason a person is referred to a Trussell Trust Foodbank. Littlehampton & District Foodbank manager Hazel West said: “The Foodbank is a lifeline to local people struggling to feed their families in an emergency; however a crisis is always about more than food. It is vital people are supported to address the underlying causes – that’s why we offer support beyond emergency food, signposting to local agencies to help people tackle the roots of their crisis. This new agreement with CAP means it will be even easier for our Foodbank volunteers to help local people with debt, unemployment, or budgeting problems to find a more positive future.”
A national CAP survey of 1,200 debt clients showed 93% were able to feed their family following debt counselling advice from the charity, a fact that shows longterm support can make a lasting difference. Littlehampton CAP Centre Manager Carol Boreham said: “Every person crippled by grinding poverty deserves us to be working together to find solutions and that is why today marks a significant step forward for the most vulnerable people in the Littlehampton area. Life can be a real struggle for some of these people so we’re looking forward to working more closely with the Foodbank and helping to find solutions that will bring some relief.”
If you need debt help you can contact CAP direct on their free number: 0800 328 0006
To access the Foodbank you will need to obtain a voucher. See website section Get Help > How to get help