Cost of living support

Food and hygiene

If you are a Southend resident and are finding it difficult to access food or hygiene products, there is support available to help you.

Southend has a strong local offer, supported by the Food Poverty Partnership, a group of local voluntary and community organisations that meet monthly to coordinate support and respond to local needs. As part of this work, a Food Provision Map has been created, showing where you can access food and hygiene items. To request a copy of the map, please email StrategicCommissioning@southend.gov.uk.

Places that can help you with food and toiletries

You can also get in touch with local community groups yourself. Here is a short list of groups that might be able to help you:

Storehouse

  • referrals: no referral needed except for the Wednesday family session
  • tel: 01702 612900 (Vineyard Centre) / 01702 617348 (Direct).

The One Love Project

  • referrals: no referral necessary
  • address: Hollybrook, Carnarvon Road (Behind Police Station), SS2 6LR

St Vincent's Centre Southend

  • referrals: no referrals
  • free food parcel delivery for people that have mobility or medical exemptions, call: 01702 592980 (deliveries on Tuesday)
  • address: Unit 9 Victoria Business Park, Short Street - Southend SS2 5BY

Southend Foodbank: Free, three-day food parcels

  • referral: referral needed
  • access referrals from: SAVS 01702 356000, Early Help 01702 215783, South Essex Community Hub Tel: 01702 611199 Email: info@sech-uk.com, Citizens Advice Southend: 01702 456352 or 01702 456354, Welcome to the UK: 01702808579

Southend FOOD Club - Family Action (Food On Our Doorstep)

  • they provide good-quality food at a low cost, while also reducing food waste. It costs just £1 a year for a family to become a member. Members can then purchase a bag of tasty food items every week worth approx. £10-12 for just £4.00. To become a member you must live or work within 15 minutes of the club.
  • referral: Email SouthendFoodClubs@family-action.org.uk or phone Karen on 07812496015 / Natasha on 07971951636 who will help you join as a member and book you a timed slot to attend a club.

Southend Care Bank (Toiletry Care bank): Free toiletry/essentials bag, period/baby bag,

  • referrals: no referrals
  • address: Westcliff Library 649 London Road, Westcliff-On-Sea SS0 9PD
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