We had an update from the Trussell Trust recently regarding the Help Through Hardship helpline. You may have seen us talking about this helpline on social media and in our blogs but if you’re not clear what it’s for, how it works – or even if it really works, here’s some more info.
What is Help Through Hardship?
Help through Hardship is the free helpline for people struggling to afford the basics across England and Wales. The helpline is run by the Trussell Trust in partnership with Citizens Advice.
Callers to the helpline receive income maximisation and benefits advice, signposting to other specialist advice (e.g. debt, housing, immigration), and a referral to a food bank, if needed.
How does it work?
If you’re struggling to afford the basics, ring the helpline on 08082 082138. It’s open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday and you can talk to one of their trained advisors in the privacy of your own home. If needed, they can issue you with an e-referral voucher for one of our emergency food parcels which you can then come along and collect during one of our sessions – or phone us if collection is not an option for you.
Does the Helpline work?
Yes!
The stats from the Trussell Trust show how successful the helpline is in ensuring callers are getting the help they are entitled to. Systems such as the benefits system, housing and immigration can be complex and confusing to navigate. Talking to a specially trained advisor can really help.
Since September 2020, advisers on the line have identified over 13 million pounds of expected financial gains for callers. For those where a financial gain has been identified, the expected average amount per person is approximately £3,424. In June 2021 alone, Help Through Hardship advisers answered nearly five thousand calls.
To date, foodbanks in the Trussell Trust network have provided over 79,000 food parcels to people who have been referred by the helpline, including nearly 28,500 food parcels for children.
The best way to access a wide range of help and, if needed, to get a foodbank voucher, is to ring the helpline on 08082 082138.
Thank you!
