Foodbank financial triage – an update
In August I blogged that I was going to fund a radical pilot scheme to get financial triage into foodbanks with the Trussell Trust.
The idea is that when people are asking for food, it’s a great time to try and help them manage their money and see what help is available – so hopefully the trip to a foodbank (to which people are often referred by a health or social agency) will be a one off.
For full details on the scheme and my involvement read my I’m excited to be involved in financial triage at foodbanks blog post.
The Trussell Trust has just sent its first progress report to me, so I thought I’d share it, as I know many of you were interested.
"Six food banks have been lined up to participate in the pilot. They are:
– Hammersmith and Fulham
– Stroud
– Coventry
– Cardiff
– Durham
– Dundee
Plus Tower Hamlets which we will wind into the pilot as they have already implemented a programme which is still running. No money will go to them directly, however we will include their results.
We have lined up and have spoken to all initial Partners: CAP, Turn2us, CMA, Money Advice Trust, CAB.
Following all press including Martin‘s interview, the Trussell Trust received 57 enquiries from potential partners wishing to participate in the pilot. Whilst the above listed have been chosen to participate, the others are being managed until such a time it is appropriate to proceed with them.
Computers have been organised for all trial Partners (at nil cost to the project, sourced through Avios air miles promotion by being their charity partner).
David has visited Northern Ireland where he has put the wheels in motion as follows:
– Set up and agree terms for NI ( Northern Ireland) using Advice NI.
– Advertised for a Project Coordinator. Interviews will be held on 13th October."
So we’re about to be up and running. It’s great to see so many people engaging with this.
