Everyone who uses Trussell Trust food banks in South Normanton and Alfreton will now also have access to benefits advice and support from Derbyshire Unemployed Workers’ Centres (DUWC).

A new partnership between DUWC and South Normanton Area Food Bank will allow outreach workers to support people accessing emergency food.

The partnership launches today (Wednesday, February 1) and will see a DUWC outreach worker be permanently based at food bank sessions.

DUWC will have an advisor present at St Michaels’ Church, on Church Street in South Normanton, on Tuesdays and Fridays between 1.30pm and 2.30pm.

An advisor will also be based at Alfreton House, on Alfreton’s High Street, on Wednesdays between 2pm and 3pm.

The new partnership will increase DUWC’s presence in Alfreton and will run alongside existing drop-in sessions held at Alfreton House.

Matt Hunt, assistant co-ordinator at DUWC, said: “This innovative partnership will enable hundreds of residents in the South Normanton and Alfreton area to access DUWC’s expert advice, support and representation.

“The use of food banks is skyrocketing and we want to make sure that those who need the support of the food bank are fully informed of what benefits they may be entitled to, and have the confidence to challenge the DWP on decisions where relevant.”

DUWC offer free independent and confidential advice on benefit and credit entitlements. Advisors can check that you are receiving everything you are entitled to, help you complete claim forms, and, unlike any organisation operating in the area, will provide support and representation challenging decisions made by the Department of Work and Pensions, all the way to tribunal if necessary.

If you would like to find out more information about DUWC, where its outreach offices are based or seek advice from them, call 01246 231 441 Monday to Friday between 8am and 4pm.

You can also find out more information online here.