Our vision is of a UK without the need for foodbanks, but we can’t do this alone. We partner with local and national organisations who refer people to our service so that they can attend one of our 9 outlets across Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
Our referral agency partners include a range of local charities, churches, local authority teams and services, health organisations and many more. They play a crucial and ongoing role in assessing circumstances and working out whether emergency food is appropriate for their clients or service users.
To receive emergency food at our outlets, clients need a unique voucher each time they visit us. The role of our referral agency partners is critical in assessing whether an individual or family needs emergency food on each and every occasion that they request a food bank voucher.
The referral agency partner needs to be able to provide ongoing support and/or advice to help their clients get to the root of the problem which has led them to being unable to afford to buy food.
Criteria
Detailed knowledge and understanding of the client’s circumstances
You know the client's circumstances first-hand and are skilled at assessing their needs. You are satisfied that they are facing a crisis and need an emergency food parcel.
Support and signposting
Your organisation or team can provide direct advice, ongoing support, casework for clients or you can link them to debt, housing, benefits or other advice/support that will help to tackle their underlying issues.
Administrative Diligence
Accurately record client data and track voucher status through systems like our e-referrals portal.
If your organisation or team can meet these criteria and you would like to join as a referral agency partner, please nominate a lead contact to complete our application form. Our team will then assess your application and contact you about the next steps. Please only submit one application per organisation or team.
We have a small staff team and get a lot of requests but we will work hard to review applications within 7 working days.
Thank you for considering partnering with us.
Sign up as a referrer
If you are ready to sign up as a Referral partner and are the nominated lead for you agency please complete our sign up form.
Need to provide help immediately?
If you have a client in desperate need, and can't wait till your application is processed, please take a look at our Get Help page and signpost them to one of the organisations listed there.
Already a referral agency partner?
If you're already signed up as a referral agency partner then log in to see the information you need to make a referral to one of our Foodbank outlets.