Information

Improving access to food banks for people affected by dementia

Alzheimer’s Society has embarked on a number of local partnerships with Trussell Trust in response to the rising cost of living. 

Increased food prices put extra pressure on people living on a pension and anyone with care costs. 

We’re working hard to help people affected by dementia access food banks if they need them.

This helps them to access groceries as well as being signposted to further support. 

Carrie Holmes, Regional Manager, leads this work in south-east England.

She says the pilot project was set up after reports of people with no food in their cupboards. 

We were receiving reports from dementia advisers that there was no food in the person’s home.

‘They had no support to get food but equally, because of the cost of living crisis, they actually couldn’t afford it. 

‘We’ve heard stories of some older people sharing one cup of soup between them and getting into bed at four in the afternoon because they couldn’t afford to heat their home.’

Building relationships

The pilot programme with Trussell Trust began in Bristol last autumn.

Since then, Society staff have been building relationships with local food banks. 

Local services manager Lucie Debenham has been working with food banks in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. 

‘I’ve approached three main points in my area,’ says Lucie, ‘There are many food banks, and each branch has then got five or six different places where they distribute the food.

'As you can imagine, they’re extremely busy.’ 

Thanks to these new relationships, Society staff in selected areas can issue food bank vouchers to people.

Vouchers are mostly digital, so we also help to print them for people without easy access to the internet. 

Warm welcome 

Carrie says that people who need to access a food bank should not be embarrassed. 

You’ll only receive a very warm welcome from Trussell Trust volunteers, who are passionate about making sure that food poverty doesn’t exist.

There can often be a stigma surrounding food bank use among over-65s and Carrie is keen to overcome this. 

‘Over-65s are often under-represented among food bank users,’ she says. ‘There’s a stiff upper lip and a sense that “this is my responsibility” and “I don’t need a handout”. 

‘Why should somebody receiving their pension — that they’ve paid into their whole life — feel like they’re not entitled to help? Because they absolutely are.’ 

Lucie says she has also seen over-65s, who are more likely to be affected by dementia, reluctant to ask for help. 

Even when they need help with things like care assessments, they don’t like to ask for it.

More than food 

A referral from a professional like a doctor, health visitor, social worker, or Citizens Advice is needed to use a food bank.

Some food banks have limits on the number of times you can use them. But anyone can still approach one if they need food urgently. 

Importantly, by accessing a food bank a person may be able to get further help and advice to improve their situation. 

‘The support is limited, but it’s there when it’s needed,’ says Lucie. ‘Some food banks give extra support. For example, some offer clothing and gas and electric top-ups. 

Most volunteers can help signpost you to relevant agencies and give you a nice hot cup of tea while you wait.

First small step 

It can often be difficult to know where to go for help.

But Carrie encourages anyone who needs help to take the first step and speak to their dementia adviser or call our dementia support line. 

If you feel you can’t face going to your foodbank, just call us at Alzheimer’s Society.

‘Even if you’re not in a pilot area, we’ll help you find who to go to.

‘And if you are in a pilot area, just take that first small step and then we’ll hold your hand through the rest.’ 

Help and advice

• Call our dementia support line on 0333 150 3456 for personalised information, support and advice. 
• If you’re struggling to afford essentials, contact Help through Hardship in England and Wales or Advice NI in Northern Ireland.