Ella has been receiving disability allowance for several years due to ill health, including epilepsy, which was thought to be under control. When changes in the Benefits system were recently introduced, the Benefits Office booked a medical check on Ella to reassess her current disability. 

Meanwhile pressure at home, including her partner being out of work, lead to Ella's home life becoming stressful, eventually leading to what appears to have been a relapse in her epilepsy. On the day of the Benefits health check Ella was actually at the hospital, having what was initially thought to be a seizure, which meant she missed the appointment. 

Despite supplying proof of the circumstances the Benefits Office stopped all but the very basic benefits because of the missed appointment. Ella and her partner were left really struggling financially to provide for themselves and their three children. 

Ella received professional advice, and the case was taken to court. When the case was finally brought before a judge - after nine months - the judge was outraged that the family had been left in such circumstances when it was clear there was a genuine reason for Ella not making the medical appointment. All benefits were reinstated - but this will take a further four weeks to be put in place. 

Swindon Foodbank has  been able to provide regular foodboxes to the family throughout this time. 

Nineteen year old Jack is a bright and independent young man, working for a self-employed painter and decorator. However, no-one advised him he needed a contract of employment. When his employer lost his contract with a housing association he terminated Jack's employment immediately, with no notice and no pay - in fact, he still owed him two months salary. 

Jack tried to deal with his new situation as best he could. He went to see Swindon Borough Council about his council rent, and to the Job Centre to sign on. However, he was told it would be three weeks before he would receive any money. Suddenly Jack had no money and no way to feed himself with no prospect of that changing for weeks. 

He found his way to Swindon Foodbank, who were able to contact SBC Housing who carry our food vouchers, and get them to issue Jack with vouchers until his money comes through. Jack is now able to continue dealing with this abrupt change in his circumstances with dignity and maintaining his independence, without the stress and fear of going without food. 

Paul, a young man in his 20s, has been unemployed for the past 6 months. While actively seeking for work, his benefits were delayed, leaving him without an income. When his application for a crisis loan was refused it looked like he had nowhere else to turn. But instead of facing crisis, Paul was directed to Foodbank where he twice received foodboxes, keeping him from going without. In addition, contact with Swindon Foodbank has also lead to him being in touch with another organisation who are helping to furnish his flat.