Exmouth Food Bank is hosting a free drop-in event with South West Water’s Community Liaison team who’ll be on hand to answer queries and offer bespoke billing support to local customers.
The drop-in will be held from 1.30pm to 3pm on Tuesday 2 December at Exmouth Food Bank – which supports those facing hunger and economic hardship by providing parcels of nutritionally balanced foods.
Exmouth Food Bank was set up to make sure that anyone in food crisis, who lives in Exmouth and its surrounding areas, receives free emergency food and is guided to access appropriate, professional support and advice.
They are able to refer clients to South West Water’s billing team who can provide support over the phone and by attending planned, face- to-face sessions at the Food Bank.
The water company boasts a team of seven Community Engagement Officers who meet customers at community hubs, food banks, job centres, work clubs, NHS groups and wards, community cafes – and even carry out home visits where needed.
Support on offer from South West Water includes:
- Support tariffs to help reduce customer bills including caps on charges for large families or customers who need extra water for medical treatments, like patients on dialysis
- Flexible payment plans to help support customers when they need it most
- Financial support for unexpected hardships or life-changing events, like bereavement or job loss
- Tailored assistance for customers struggling with debt
Lorraine Whiting, Partnership and Customer Support Coordinator at South West Water, said: “It’s a real privilege to work with the Exmouth Food Bank as they do such fantastic work keeping the local community well fed and supporting anyone struggling financially.
“Food emergencies tend to have an underlying cause which the team at the food bank understand and is the reason they work so closely with other agencies able to provide financial advice or assistance.
“Our customer engagement team are out and about every day in local communities across the region talking to customers face-to-face and putting them at the forefront of everything we do.”
Sue Owen-Evans, Exmouth Food Bank Manager and volunteer, said: “As the winter months descend people on low incomes become increasingly concerned about making their finances stretch to buy food and pay their bills. Unfortunately, this is when many begin to fall into debt.
“We offer a vital breathing space in the short term by providing those in need with food. However, the longer term difference we make is by supporting our clients to address the issues that have led them to us.
“By providing access to specialist advisers such as those from South West Water’s Community Engagement team, individuals can ask questions, understand payment options and plan a way forward to manage their finances.”
The charity also works closely with other agencies who can offer help to clients struggling financially, including East Devon District Council, Citizens Advice and Open Door.
To find out more about the support South West Water can offer, visit Financial support | South West Water.