More than the essentials
More than the essentials
- In 2023, approximately 1 in 15 people in Dudley interacted with a Black Country Foodbank (BCFB).
- BCFB experienced a 49% increase in the number of children accessing food banks in the 2023 summer holidays.
- In 2023/24 Healthwatch Dudley provided information to 1282 people to help them get much needed support or care.
- As the demand on foodbanks continues to be ever present, Healthwatch Dudley and Black Country Foodbank are joining forces to explore additional support for people experiencing food insecurity in Dudley.
Foodbank Use Continues to Rise
Foodbanks have evolved to become so much more than just a food parcel provider, with some offering a welcoming space for debt advisors, welfare rights, energy advice and assistance with clothing and furniture.
Learning what people need
“We want to help people access the right services at the right time avoiding the need for support from charities for food and toiletries. Collaborating with Healthwatch Dudley will help us to find out what underlying issues people are facing and particularly health related barriers.”
Healthwatch Dudley will be working with Black Country Foodbank to find out what support local people need in addition to food and toiletry items. Healthwatch Dudley will listen to the community and point people in the direction of information and services that can help improve their wellbeing.
Black Country Foodbank users will be given the opportunity to talk to someone about what has led them to access a foodbank and explore the local services that could help them achieve their health and wellbeing goals.
The voices of local people will be used to see what changes can be made to services to improve the wellbeing of people across the Dudley borough.
Healthwatch Dudley will be at some Dudley-based based foodbanks over the next 12 months, talking to people to find out what situations have led them to food insecurity and what support they want in other areas of their lives.
Whether it’s referrals to mental health services, carer support or information on financial help, training and adult education, Healthwatch Dudley want to find out what local people need and how services can be improved.
“We are pleased to be working with Black Country Foodbank to empower local people with vital information.”
Have you used a Black Country Foodbank in the past two years?
Get in contact with our team to share your experience and support you feel is needed.
03000 111 001 (local rate number)
You can also complete our survey to share your experience here.
Useful resources
Below are some useful links and resources that you might find helpful
Black Country Foodbank
Black Country Foodbank helps vulnerable individuals and families in crisis through the provision of emergency food and toiletry supplies while a longer-term solution is developed.
https://www.blackcountryfoodbank.org.uk/
Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council - Cost of living support
Information on local support for food, heating, childcare costs and more.
Citizens Advice Dudley & Wolverhampton - Cost of living information
Provides links to information on common questions surrounding the cost of living.