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What has changed from May?

From May, Citizens Advice will be delivering advice sessions directly from Gloucester Foodbank, and we have updated how we provide foodbank vouchers as part of our ongoing partnership with both these organisations.

Who can receive a foodbank voucher from us?

In partnership with the Foodbank, we will continue to issue food vouchers to our clients, making sure vouchers are linked to ongoing support.

Why have we made this change?

This change supports our wraparound approach, where we focus on addressing the root causes of food crisis, helping people build their resilience, skills and resources through difficult times.

What is wraparound support?

Our Advisors wrap support around each person, building on their strengths and ensuring practical and responsive help as their needs change.

Rather than dealing with issues one by one, we join things up (like benefits, debt, housing, education, employability, digital skills or family support) so they don’t have to manage it alone.

What happens if I ask for a foodbank voucher?

• We will offer relevant support through your existing GL Communities Advice Worker.
• If you are not linked up to our Advisors and would like to be, we complete a referral while you are on the call.
• We issue food vouchers once the referral is complete.

Do I need to accept support to receive a voucher?

• We understand that during a food crisis you may simply want a food voucher.
• However, we provide a range of support vouchers as part of Advice Workers working alongside you.
• This makes sure people can access lasting support, information and advice.

What support can you offer?

We can provide or refer to support including debt advice, family support, general money advice, housing advice, education or employability programmes, and digital skills building. We can also put you in touch with other sources of help or local community connections.

What if someone does not want or need GL Communities’ support?

If someone does not require our support, they will be directed to Citizens Advice Foodbank on 0808 189 6280.

How does this approach benefit the community?

Linking food or fuel vouchers to wraparound Advice supports long-term solutions, improves financial stability, builds resilience and reduces repeat food crisis situations.

All of our services are free.  Our concern is to help you deal with the debts you face or claim the benefits you are entitled to, and charging you for advice isn’t going to ease the burden.

So our counselling is free and confidential.

Yes.  You can do your bit for your community by helping on any of our projects at GL Communities.  We are looking for people to help at our Community Growing Project, at Gloucester Motorway Services on the northbound carriageway of the M5.  We have a community shed at the Advice & Resource Centre, where we particularly need people with woodworking skills.  There are other opportunities too, if you have something to offer.  Call us on 01452 505544