Wirral Foodbank Plus Celebrates Milestone Achievement in Supporting Local Residents

Over the past four years, the Wirral Foodbank Plus team has worked tirelessly to secure financial gains by writing off debts, challenging incorrect bills, winning benefits appeals, and helping people access essential items like white goods. The team of four specialists works across multiple Foodbank locations in Wirral, either seeing clients in person or receiving referrals from Foodbank volunteers. This close-knit collaboration with Wirral Foodbank began as a pilot project in 2018, and its overwhelming success has grown it into the full-scale initiative that exists today.

The scope of the project is remarkable. In the last year alone, one in three people who accessed Wirral’s Foodbanks also engaged with the Foodbank Plus team—demonstrating the critical need for comprehensive, holistic support beyond food parcels.

Richard Roberts, Manager at Wirral Foodbank, said:
“This milestone is a true testament to the life-changing work that Foodbank Plus delivers. To know that over a million pounds has gone back into our community—into people’s pockets, helping them afford the essentials—is something we are immensely proud of. This has been made possible by the dedication and commitment of our volunteers and the professional support and advice of the Foodbank Plus team. Foodbank Plus isn’t just about providing food; it’s about helping people break free from the cycle of poverty and building long-term resilience.”

The challenges faced by many of those accessing the Foodbank are stark. The most common issues are access to disability benefits and managing priority debts like fuel and rent. Rising fuel costs, housing pressures, and the cost-of-living crisis have driven more people to the Foodbank, often with complex, urgent needs. With fuel debts growing, forced prepayment meter installations on the rise, and housing costs escalating, the Foodbank Plus team plays a critical role in providing tailored support to Wirral residents in crisis.

Carol Johnson-Eyre, Chief Officer at Citizens Advice Wirral, said:

“Our partnership with Wirral Foodbank has been vital in achieving better outcomes for local residents. By offering support at the foodbanks, we can address immediate crises while tackling the underlying causes of financial hardship. Together, we’ve helped return over £1 million to the community, empowering people to manage debts, access benefits, and improve their financial stability. This collaboration strengthens our ability to provide lasting, impactful support.”

The holistic nature of the Foodbank Plus project allows the team to address not only the immediate reasons why people need emergency food but also the underlying causes of financial insecurity. Whether through benefit advice, debt management, or employment support, the goal is to empower individuals and families with long-term solutions. Wrap-around support is provided by connecting clients to mental health services, employment services, and wider sector initiatives such as schemes for accessing essential goods.

As local people who have benefited from the project’s services have said:

• “You have no idea how much I needed your call today, I really can’t thank you enough.”
• “You have been a blessing over the last few months. Thank you and all your team for helping me back to life.”
• “Thank you so much for listening and helping me. You do your job very well indeed and you have an unteachable way about you that puts me at ease almost instantly. Thank you a million times.”

These heartfelt testimonials underscore the real-life impact of the project and the vital role it plays in improving the lives of people in need across the Wirral.

About Wirral Foodbank Plus
Wirral Foodbank Plus is a project run by Citizens Advice Wirral in collaboration with Wirral Foodbank. The initiative provides free, confidential, and expert advice on a range of financial and practical issues, helping residents regain control over their financial health and wellbeing. From securing essential benefits to tackling unmanageable debts, the team is there to support individuals and families every step of the way.