To help those most at risk in the Hastings area during the current coronavirus pandemic, Hastings Foodbank and Citizens Advice 1066 are working together to help get food and fuel vouchers to the people who need it most.
This means Citizens Advice 1066 will now be issuing fuel vouchers to those who need them and meet the eligibility criteria of the 'Your Energy Sussex' funded scheme in Hastings and St Leonards.
From now on, Hastings Foodbank will no longer be issuing fuel vouchers, and will be focusing solely on providing food for those who are in crisis.
Natalie Williams, Community Engagement Manager at King’s Church, which operates the foodbank, said: “We have had a great working relationship with Citizens Advice 1066 for a long time. What we are experiencing at the moment is unprecedented, so it’s more important than ever that we work together.
"By handing over responsibility for getting fuel to the most vulnerable, we will be able to place all of our attention on making sure those in significant need get food at this time.”
Tracy Dighton CEO at Citizens Advice 1066 said: “We are open by phone in working hours and online to advise people on keeping their homes warm and can issue fuel vouchers to eligible clients. It is so important to support our Food Bank at this time. We are lucky to have a great time of volunteers and staff who are working from home to keep our phone lines going.
"You can email us through our website www.citizensadvice1066.co.uk or call us on our local callback message service 01424 869352. Fuel vouchers can also be applied for using the form on www.warmeastsussex.org.uk as part of the Warm Home Check Service.”
To contact Hastings Foodbank: https://hastings.foodbank.org.uk/contact-us/