The Springboard Initiative
A partnership between Crediton Foodbank and Church Housing Action Team (CHAT)
The Springboard Initiative provides a full-time, dedicated Community Support Advisor based at the Crediton Foodbank. This new role supports households in our community to move out of poverty, prevent homelessness and unmanageable debt, improve health and wellbeing, and enable people to rebuild their lives and move on to a new beginning.
The Initiative has been running since June 2023, providing essential support to our community. Being able to provide immediate help in the form of food starts a relationship that serves as an excellent foundation for continued support. Many people who visit foodbanks face underlying issues that prevent them from moving towards independence.
Much of what we do isn’t rocket science, but it makes a significant difference. Our work focuses on breaking the cycle of debt through a combination of signposting, hand-holding, and advocacy. These simple yet effective actions have a profound impact on the lives of those we help.
The challenges faced by people in our community can often seem insurmountable. However, having someone who knows where to go and is prepared to walk the journey with you often makes the difference between resolving an issue and moving forward or letting the situation spiral out of control.
Springboard Project Achievements
30 Cases
The Advisor has worked on a total of 11 housing advice cases and 28 tenancy support/money advice cases, with 30 of these cases opened during the first year.
£20,800
These cases have resulted in financial gains totalling £20,800, including a £12,800 increase in monthly income (annualised figure). This includes benefit claims, grant awards, fuel vouchers, and practical items such as air fryers and bedding.
150 Referrals
Over 150 referrals/signposting clients have been made to agencies such as Citizens Advice, MDDC benefits, hardship funds, energy help (ECOE), Talk Works/mental health support, GPs, and South West Water.
In at least two recent cases, the increase in monthly income has allowed clients to stop using the foodbank. Additionally, we have strong reason to believe that one rough sleeper will soon be housed thanks to the Community Support Advisor’s dedicated work.
We are looking for businesses, organisations, and individuals to continue to sponsor this project and become a Springboard Project Partner.
If you are interested in becoming a Springboard Project Partner or would like more information, please contact Lee Bridger at [email protected].
Alternatively, if you simply wish to make a donation to the project, you can do so via the Donate button at the top of this page.
Thank you for your support!
This initiative is a partnership project between Crediton Foodbank and CHAT.