Support Hub

At Chesterfield Foodbank our Support Hub combines a welcoming environment with compassionate and practical on-site early intervention support to help address the underlying causes of hardship.

Key Elements of our Support Hub

• A warm welcome – everyone is greeted with kindness, dignity and respect, along with a smile and hot drink.

• A friendly, non-judgemental environment – informal, non-clinical and supportive

• Friendly volunteers – approachable, compassionate and ready to listen

• Time for conversation – space for informal chats to understand each person’s situation

• Unpicking the root causes of crisis – looking beyond immediate need

• Trained Signposting Volunteers – offering tailored guidance and support

• Signposting Toolkit – structured resources to connect people with the right help via leaflets, vouchers and referrals

• 20+ Guest Agencies on-site – providing face-to-face support

• Wide-ranging support available – financial, physical, mental health & wellbeing

• Citizens Advice presence – specialist support for housing, debt, and benefits at all our day-time foodbank sessions

 

 

Our Signposting Toolkit

Our Signposting Toolkit enables our volunteers to provide practical support by connecting people with the right help quickly and effectively, including:

• Information & Advice Resources – leaflets, handouts, and guides covering key issues such as mental health, wellbeing, and local support services

• 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.

• Referrals to Specialist Support – help accessing services such as dental care, energy bill support, and community programmes

• Financial & Practical Assistance – support with reducing costs, including veterinary care and essential items

• Health & Wellbeing Support – signposting to mental health groups and support networks

• Essential Items & Emergency Support – access to items such as infant formula and basic mobile phones*

• Onward Referral Pathways – clear processes for volunteers to connect clients with the right organisations quickly

• Client Voice & Feedback – opportunities for people to share their experiences to help improve services and inform funding

*funding dependent

Guest Agencies

Our Guest Agencies provide a wide range of on-site, face-to-face support on a rota style basis, including:

• Housing & Homelessness Support – advice on tenancy, housing options, and support for those at risk of or experiencing homelessness

• Debt, Money & Financial Support – affordable lending, budgeting advice, and help to improve financial stability

• Benefits & Practical Support – guidance on entitlements, applications, and accessing essential services such as Free School Meals

• Employment, Training & Skills – support into work, education, and skills development opportunities

• Health & Wellbeing Support – lifestyle advice, smoking cessation, and general health checks

• Mental Health Support – counselling, peer support, crisis support, and community wellbeing groups

• Substance Misuse Support – advice, recovery support, and counselling for alcohol and drug use

• Domestic Abuse Onward Support – specialist services for survivors of domestic abuse

• Carers Support – advice and support for unpaid carers

• Energy & Fuel Poverty Support – help to reduce bills, improve energy efficiency, and stay warm at home

• Community & Social Support – peer networks, group activities, and opportunities to build confidence and connection

• 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.

 

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