Citizens Advice
If you do not have a voucher from a referral agency, please contact one of our partner organisations to obtain one before visiting Okehampton Food Bank. As we are located in the same building as Citizens Advice, they are often the most convenient first point of contact.
If Citizens Advice is unable to see you immediately and you are in urgent need of food support, you are welcome to come directly to the food bank, and we will do our best to assist you while you await your appointment.
For those who have been using our services for two months or more, we kindly ask that you complete a full financial assessment—covering income, expenses, and any relevant financial matters—with Citizens Advice. Their trained staff are available to support you and ensure you receive all the help and guidance you need.
If Citizens Advice advisers aren’t available when you call
You might have to wait a while for an adviser to be available. Be patient. Their advisers are helping many more people than before because of the cost-of-living crisis. They are still there to support you. It just might take them a little longer than usual.
If no-one’s available, you can:
To connect you to the right adviser, we’ll ask you for a few details, including:
- the kind of advice you need, for example ‘Benefits’
- your postcode
It might take a few minutes to connect you to the right adviser. They will let you know if the right kind of adviser isn’t available. If the right adviser isn’t available, they will try to take a message from you so they can get back to you by email. Unfortunately they can’t always do this when it’s especially busy.
- Citizens Advice, FREE Advice Line on 08082 787999
- If you have children in either of the two Primary Schools contact Greta Button the family liaison.
- You can also make an appointment to speak to an advisor in Okehampton; see below for contact information.
Referrals can also be made on your behalf by Social Workers, Health Visitors, Doctors, Job coaches, Teachers, Job Centres and any registered charity.
Citizens Advice
If you have used the Food Bank for more than two months, we will refer you back to Citizens Advice. They may be able to connect you with other agencies that can provide additional support. Citizens Advice can then re-refer you to the Food Bank for another month if needed. We are not able to support families for more than two months unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Citizens Advice are open 10.00 to 3.00 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Wednesday is specifically with matters arising from debt
Self-Help
Citizens Advice provides an online portal providing accessible information 24/7.
To access this service click on the link below and search through their advice
topics using either the a-z search or type in a keyword to find your answer.
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
0808 27 87 999 (Open 9 – 5 Mon – Fri)
Email Advice
Visit their Email Advice Page
They aim to respond within 2 working days.
Webchat
Webchat advice is available on their national website. Chat with an adviser
online – Citizens Advice weekdays 9 – 5
FAQ’s
See Frequently Asked Questions section for useful self-help resources at Citizens Advice
Webchat advice is available on their national website. Chat with an adviser
online – Citizens Advice weekdays 9 – 5
Citizens Advice has a limited number of same-day appointments available for their drop-in services. These appointments are prioritized based on need. While they strive to assist as many people as possible, they cannot guarantee you will be seen the same day. You may be asked to call their Adviceline or be directed to other relevant services. We kindly request that you treat the staff and volunteers with respect as they work to help you. If you are not able to get in touch with Citizens Advice still come in on Thursday as it it more important to receive help.
You can find the Citizens Advice at
The Ockment Centre
Okehampton
EX20 1AR
Drop-In details:
Tuesdays 10.00am – 3.00pm
Wednesdays 10.00am – 3.00pm Specialising on debt and debt relief
Thursdays 10.00am – 3.00pm…The Food Bank is open the same day in the same building
Access details
- Wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair toilet access
- Induction loop