Highbridge Area Foodbank has secured new funding that will allow its money advice service to continue supporting local people in the Burnham-On-Sea area facing severe financial hardship.
£20,000 has been provided by the Hinkley Point C Small Grants Fund, plus £5,000 from Comic Relief, and £5,000 from the Somerset Community Foundation.
The service was originally launched as a three‑year pilot funded by the Trussell Trust, with the aim of helping people in serious need access financial entitlements, manage debt, and improve budgeting.
Citizens Advice Somerset has supplied a trained advisor to work directly with those using the foodbank. As the initial funding ended earlier this month, the new grants will ensure the service can continue without interruption.
The free, confidential service runs face‑to‑face drop‑in sessions twice a week, at the same time as the foodbank is open. Sessions take place on Tuesdays from 10am to 12pm at the Methodist Church in College Street, Burnham-On-Sea, and on Thursdays from 10am to 12pm at Hope Baptist Church in Church Street, Highbridge.
“The foodbank now plans to extend its Financial Inclusion Project for a further three years. Based on previous results, the team expects to support more than 150 households annually, increase access to financial entitlements by around £150,000 each year, and help many people manage rent arrears, utility bills, and other debts.”
People can also make an appointment or speak to someone by calling 01278 558489 or emailing advice@casomerset.org.uk.
“The first three years proved so successful and busy that we wanted it to continue so this funding is very much welcome,” David Dick, chair of the Highbridge Area Foodbank, told Burnham-On-Sea.com.
“The long‑term hope is that improved financial stability will reduce the number of people needing emergency food support.”
The advisor can help with benefits, council tax arrears, rent or mortgage issues, debt management, budgeting, utility bills and Pension Credit. All support is guided by the individual’s needs, with no action taken without their consent.
Highbridge Area Foodbank has thanked all funding partners for enabling the service to continue, describing it as a “lifeline” for many households in Burnham and Highbridge.
