If You Need Food Support

We’re Here for You

Life can change quickly. Anyone can find themselves struggling to afford food — and asking for help is a positive, responsible step. At Carpenters Food & Support, you will be welcomed with dignity, compassion, and understanding.

We offer emergency food support and practical guidance to help you through a difficult time and move toward greater stability.

We know that asking for help can feel daunting. Our aim is to make the process as straightforward and respectful as possible. This page explains what happens before, during, and after your appointments so you always know what to expect.

You are not alone.

Who Can Get Help

You are eligible for support if:

Food support is essential to prevent your household from going without, and
You live in one of our postcode areas: BS13, BS39, BS40, BS41 and BS14

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, please ask — we’re here to help.

Step 1

Getting a Referral

To receive food support, you will need a referral from: A support worker, GP or healthcare professional, School, Church or community agency.

Your referrer must send your voucher to us by 2pm on Tuesday. Once we receive it, we will contact you with your appointment time for Wednesday.

If you miss the deadline

If your referrer is unable to submit your voucher in time, you can still get help. You may request a same‑day referral from:

South Bristol Advice Services
Located in the Withywood Centre
Available from 10am onwards on Wednesday

Step 2

Your First Appointment

Your first visit helps us understand your situation so we can support you properly. A trained registrar will talk with you briefly to understand what has changed and what support you may need. You will be asked to:

Bring photo ID
Bring financial evidence (benefit letters, bank statements, or similar — digital copies are fine)
Tell us about any dietary needs or foods you won’t use
Sign the Client Agreement

CLIENT AGREEMENT

Step 3

What Happens at Each Visit

Every time you attend:

You check in and hand your shopping bags to our team
You have a short conversation with a registrar
You collect your food, including fresh, ambient, and bakery items
All items are weighed and packed before you leave

These conversations help us understand how things are going and whether anything has changed.

Step 4

How Long Support Lasts

Most cases remain open for up to 4 weeks from your first appointment, including any missed appointments. During this time:

You will receive weekly support
Your case will be reviewed by the management team
You may be asked to bring additional information
We will work with you toward stability and closing your case as soon as you feel able

If your situation becomes more difficult during this period, please tell us — we may be able to adjust your support or help you access additional guidance.

If your case closes and you need help again in the future, preferably not before at least a 6 week period — you will simply need a new referral.

Step 5

If You Cannot Attend

Please let us know as soon as possible if you need to change or cancel your appointment.

If you arrive late, we will try to fit you in
You may send someone else to collect your food — just tell us their name
If you miss two appointments in a row, your case will be closed

We understand that life can be unpredictable. Communication helps us support you better.

Step 6

Your Information and Privacy

Your information is stored securely and will not be shared without your permission unless required by law.

You can request to see your file at any time by contacting the Food Bank Manager.

Step 7

What Happens When Your Case Closes

When your case closes, it simply means:

You no longer need weekly support, or
We haven’t see you for two weeks

If your situation changes again, you are always welcome to return with a new referral.

Emergency Food Parcels

In extreme circumstances, if you have absolutely no food available and cannot manage until the next Wednesday collection, an emergency food parcel may be available.

This service is for genuine food emergencies only. We kindly ask clients not to misuse this facility, as emergency parcels are limited and we need to ensure support remains available for those with the most urgent need.

To request an emergency parcel, please ask your referrer to email us with the subject line URGENT - FOOD CRISIS, or contact South Bristol Advice. We will do our best to arrange an emergency food pack as quickly as possible.

Thank you for helping us use our resources fairly so we can continue to support everyone who needs our help.