Support in the Coalfields area

Shiney Advice and Resource Project (ShARP) are the council's contracted advice provider for the Coalfields area. They offer free financial resilience checks, information, advice and guidance on welfare benefits, debt, employment, and housing matters. Please contact them on 0191 385 6687 or email: advice@shineyadvice.org.uk

Food support near you:

There are several crisis food providers in your area. Some of these such as Sunderland Foodbank can accept self -referrals, but others prefer organisations that are working with people to make the referrals on their behalf. These organisations can include social landlords such as Gentoo, welfare rights advice providers , some NHS services . The council may also be able to refer you if you are in financial crisis and have no food - please contact 0800 234 6084 or 0191 520 5551 for details of available support or for the council to make a referral on your behalf.

Please note providers and opening times may be subject to change so we would recommend also checking their web pages or social media accounts where available.

Have a look at Sunderland Foodbank venues (opens new window) to find out where the foodbanks are in and around Sunderland.