In the run up to Easter, Buckinghamshire Council wants to highlight where families and individuals can seek emergency help and support if they need it over the holiday period.

While most Buckinghamshire residents are looking forward to Easter, it can also present extra challenges for some households.

For anyone needing help with food and emergency support over Easter, please see the information below:

• If you need emergency support or help with food and/or energy, please contact the council’s Helping Hand service using the online form or by calling 01296 531 151. The service is available during usual office hours and is closed at weekends and on the public holiday days over Easter.
• If you or someone you know is in significant and immediate need of food and cannot wait until the next working day when the Helping Hand service is open, and has no other avenue to help, please contact the Emergency Social Work Team on 0800 999 77767.
• You can find out more information about the service and other support available on the council’s Help with the cost of living webpage.
• Many foodbanks will be operating different opening days and times over the Easter holidays – residents who need to access a foodbank will need a referral from the council’s Helping Hand service or another similar support service. So please contact the Helping Hand service in the first instance if you need to use a foodbank.
• Support from Citizens Advice Bucks is available on the Citizens Advice Bucks website, or you can call the national advice line on 0800 144 8848 if you need immediate advice.
• If you are feeling low, finding this time of year challenging or lonely or are experiencing difficulty with your mental health, you are not alone, so please reach out for support. You can find out the best ways to seek help and advice on the council’s Mental health webpage.

Steve Bowles, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, said:

“We know that while most of us are looking forward to Easter, for some Buckinghamshire households it can be challenging time of year, and some people may need to access some extra help or support. This is why we want to make sure everyone knows what help is available if they need it.

“Please can I ask that you pass on this information to friends, neighbours and within local networks too. Together, we can make sure everyone has the support they need during this time.”