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Support Hub
What is the Support Hub?
At Chesterfield Foodbank our Support Hub combines a welcoming environment with compassionate and practical on-site support to help address the underlying causes of hardship.
Key Elements of our Support Hub
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A warm welcome – everyone is greeted with kindness, dignity and respect, along with a smile and hot drink.
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A friendly, non-judgemental environment – informal, non-clinical and supportive
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Friendly volunteers – approachable, compassionate and ready to listen
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Time for conversation – space for informal chats to understand each person’s situation
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Unpicking the root causes of crisis – looking beyond immediate need
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Trained Signposting Volunteers – offering tailored guidance and support
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Signposting Toolkit – structured resources to connect people with the right help via leaflets, vouchers and referrals
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20+ Guest Agencies on-site – providing face-to-face support
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Wide-ranging support available – financial, physical, mental health & wellbeing
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Citizens Advice presence – specialist support for housing, debt, and benefits at all our day-time foodbank sessions
Our Signposting Toolkit enables our volunteers to provide practical support by connecting people with the right help quickly and effectively, including:
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Information & Advice Resources – leaflets, handouts, and guides covering key issues such as mental health, wellbeing, and local support services
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Access to Local Support – up-to-date information on available food provision and community services to reduce isolation including church coffee mornings and community meals.
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Referrals to Specialist Support – help accessing services such as dental care, energy bill support, and community programmes
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Financial & Practical Assistance – support with reducing costs, including veterinary care and essential items
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Health & Wellbeing Support – signposting to mental health groups and support networks
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Essential Items & Emergency Support – access to items such as infant formula and basic mobile phones*
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Onward Referral Pathways – clear processes for volunteers to connect clients with the right organisations quickly
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Client Voice & Feedback – opportunities for people to share their experiences to help improve services and inform funding
*funding dependent
Our Guest Agencies provide a wide range of on-site, face-to-face support on a rota style basis, including:
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Housing & Homelessness Support – advice on tenancy, housing options, and support for those at risk of or experiencing homelessness
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Debt, Money & Financial Support – affordable lending, budgeting advice, and help to improve financial stability
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Benefits & Practical Support – guidance on entitlements, applications, and accessing essential services such as Free School Meals
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Employment, Training & Skills – support into work, education, and skills development opportunities
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Health & Wellbeing Support – lifestyle advice, smoking cessation, and general health checks
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Mental Health Support – counselling, peer support, crisis support, and community wellbeing groups
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Substance Misuse Support – advice, recovery support, and counselling for alcohol and drug use
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Domestic Abuse Onward Support – specialist services for survivors of domestic abuse
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Carers Support – advice and support for unpaid carers
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Energy & Fuel Poverty Support – help to reduce bills, improve energy efficiency, and stay warm at home
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Community & Social Support – peer networks, group activities, and opportunities to build confidence and connection
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End of Life & Bereavement Support – compassionate care, companionship, and practical help
Who can access the Support Hub?
Foodbank clients can access our Support Hub when they come to collect their emergency food parcel.
For people who are not in need of emergency food, but wish to access Early Intervention and Prevention support, the Support Hub can be accessed via a Support Hub Voucher or by calling/texting 07529 224995