Food banks have seen more demand now than ever before - with new ones always opening up. Thanks to the cost of living crisis, the need for support has never been greater.
With soaring energy costs, the surge in inflation or the increase in food prices at the supermarket, families across the UK are starting to feel the pinch. Thankfully, food banks are there to give emergency support and advice at critical times.
If you have fallen on tough times and are considering visiting a food bank, here is a map of the food banks across the Co Durham region. For most, you need a referral from an agency such as Citizens Advice, your GP, local school, social worker or job centre.
Read more: Morrisons 'Ask for Henry' free meal initiative for those in need
What food banks are available in Co Durham and Darlington?
County Durham
- Annfield Plain Community Centre
- Barnard Castle Influence Church
- Bishop Auckland Angel Trust
- Bishop Auckland Woodhouse Church and Community Centre
- Bishop Auckland Baptist Church
- Blackhall Community Centre
- Bowburn Christ the King Church
- Brandon Community Centre
- Chester-le-Street Evangel Church
- Chilton St Aidan's Church Hall
- Consett Methodist Church
- Crook Salvation Army
- Dawdon St Hild & St Helen Christian Fellowship
- Durham Waddington Street United Reformed Church
- Durham Elvet Methodist Church
- Durham Gilesgate City Baptist Church
- Ferryhill St Luke's Church Hall
- Murton Holy Trinity Church
- Newton Aycliffe St Clare's Church
- Peterlee Hopewood Sixth Form Academy
- Sedgefield Town Council
- Shildon Alive
- Shildon Salvation Army
- Spennymoor St Paul's Centre
- Spennymoor Trinity Methodist Church
- Stanley The Venue
- Trimdon Station Community Centre
- Trimdon Village Hall
- Tow Law Community Centre
- Weardale Food Bank
- West Auckland The Well
- Willington Open Door Methodist Church
- Wingate Holy Trinity Church
Darlington
- The Basement at Darlington Baptist Church
- Firthmoor & District Community Association
- King's Church Food Bank
- St Andrew's Food Bank
- St Columba's Church
- St Mary's Community Centre
- Salvation Army Citadel
- Word of Life Church
Where are the food banks in County Durham?
Below is a map of the food banks listed above in County Durham. Each pin highlights an individual food bank provider, and many will have their own terms and conditions for support that might include a requirement for a referral.
Each pin also includes the opening times of each food bank and, where necessary, any contact information. If you would like to visit one of these support services and are unsure of the requirements, do not hesitate to reach out by phone or email.
What does a food bank referral mean and where can you get one?
In order to make sure that people have access to the right support, many food banks operate on a referral system. Many different frontline professionals are able to provide vouchers to those in need.
Those could be your GP or doctor, health visitors, social workers, schools, nurseries, job centres, probation services or Citizen's Advice. The voucher will ensure that you can access emergency food packages.
There's nothing to worry about when getting a referral, the voucher simply tells providers some basic information about you and your situation. This way, they'll be able to offer the right amount and types of emergency food as well as provide practical support and advice.
Vouchers will usually cover three days' emergency food, though some providers will offer as many as five or even seven days' worth of emergency supplies. There will always be friendly staff on hand to help and as always, everything is private and confidential.
Read next:
-
Martin Lewis causes Government website to crash after issuing state pension advice
-
Martin Lewis issues pension warning with millions at risk of missing out on £5,000 boost
-
Tyne Tunnel hardship fund: What is it, who qualifies and how to apply
-
British Gas and E.on send urgent emails to energy customers as bills freeze is scaled back
