Housing & Eviction Support in Newcastle

What is Food & Solidarity?

Food & Solidarity is a democratic membership organisation in Newcastle that fights poverty, evictions, and housing injustice through collective direct action. We're not a charity, we're a movement of members who organise together to provide food parcels, defend against evictions, challenge housing disrepair, and build community power. We rely on members, not donations.

How is Food & Solidarity different from a food bank?

Unlike traditional food banks, Food & Solidarity is a membership organisation built on mutual aid and collective action, not charity. We don't require referrals or means-testing. Members pay what they can afford (from £3/month based on income) and receive regular, ongoing support, not just emergency crisis intervention. Members also have a democratic vote in how the organisation runs, and we organise together to tackle the root causes of poverty: evictions, housing disrepair, and low wages. Members receive support as a right, not through acts of charity.

What is direct action, and what might I be asked to do?

Direct action means members taking collective steps together to solve problems: showing up in numbers to support a neighbour facing eviction, attending a landlord's office as a group, or organising a public campaign to hold a housing provider accountable. You are never obliged to take part in any action you're not comfortable with. Participation is always voluntary, and we will talk you through anything before it happens.

How is Food & Solidarity funded?

Food & Solidarity is sustained primarily by member fees, set on a sliding scale based on income. We are not a registered charity and do not rely on grant funding. This means our priorities are set by members, not funders. Some food stock comes from local partners and community food redistribution networks.

Do I need a referral to get help?

No. Unlike traditional food banks, you do not need a referral from a GP, social worker, or any other professional. Anyone in Newcastle facing food insecurity or housing issues can access our services directly by calling 07393 101018, visiting our space at 120-126 Buckingham St, or filling out our help request form.

Do I need to be a member to get help?

No. We provide emergency support to anyone in crisis, whether they're a member or not. However, membership (from £3/month based on income) provides ongoing access to regular food parcels, eviction defence, and community support, and it means you're part of a democratic movement working together to tackle the root causes of poverty and injustice.

Can I get help if I am undocumented or have no recourse to public funds?

Yes. We do not ask about your immigration status, and we do not share your information with the Home Office, the council, or any other authority. Food & Solidarity exists to support everyone in our community, regardless of immigration status. If you are unsure or worried, call us. Everything you tell us is confidential.

Can I get help if I can't afford membership fees?

Yes, absolutely. We will never turn anyone away due to inability to pay. If you need food support but cannot afford membership fees right now, contact us, we'll work it out together. Solidarity means no one gets left behind.

How quickly will someone respond if I request help?

A member of our team will contact you within 48 hours of your help request. If you're in an urgent crisis (such as imminent eviction or immediate food need), call us directly on 07393 101018 and we'll prioritise your case.

How do I request a food parcel?

You can request a food parcel by calling 07393 101018, visiting us at 120-126 Buckingham St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5QR, or filling out the help request form on our website. We aim to respond within 48 hours. Members receive regular twice-monthly food parcels, while we also provide emergency support to those in immediate need.

How often can I get food parcels?

Members receive 2 food parcels per month as a right, not charity. Food distribution happens every Saturday morning. If you're facing extreme hardship between distributions, contact us directly.

What's included in a food parcel?

Each food parcel contains a variety of essentials including fresh fruit & vegetables, tinned goods, pasta, rice, cereals, milk, and toiletries. We aim to make a significant contribution to each member's food budget.

Does Food & Solidarity provide eviction defence support?

Yes. We support members facing eviction by organising collective action, negotiating with landlords, and ensuring tenants are defended through democratic, member-led campaigns. If you are facing eviction, call us immediately on 07393 101018.

How do I stop a bailiff evicting me in Newcastle?

Call us immediately on 07393 101018. Bailiff evictions can sometimes be challenged or delayed, and our members have successfully defended homes through collective action. Do not wait. The sooner you contact us, the more options we have. We also have a dedicated Bailiff Rights & Community Defence guide on our website.

What kind of housing issues does Food & Solidarity work on?

We work on eviction defence, housing disrepair (damp, mould, broken heating), deposit disputes, bailiff defence, and holding landlords accountable for unsafe or unliveable conditions. Members take part in campaigns and direct actions to create lasting change. We also organise around child poverty, cost of living, and striker solidarity.

Who can access help with housing issues?

Anyone in Newcastle or surrounding areas can access support, regardless of immigration status, income, or whether you are a member. Membership is open to anyone who wants to take action to fight housing injustice.

How do I become a member?

You can become a member by calling us on 07393 101018, visiting our office at 120-126 Buckingham St, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5QR, or filling out the membership form on our Join page. Membership is open to anyone.

What does membership cost?

Membership fees are based on your income to ensure accessibility for everyone. Unwaged members pay £3/month, part-time or low-wage workers pay £4/month, and minimum-wage workers pay £10/month. Those earning above minimum wage contribute one hour's wage per month. All members receive the same benefits regardless of what they pay.

What does membership actually involve?

As a member, you receive 2 food parcels per month, can participate in eviction defence and housing campaigns, vote on organisational decisions at member meetings, access collective support when you face a crisis, and build skills in community organising. Participation is flexible: you can be as involved as your circumstances allow.

How does the democratic side of Food & Solidarity work?

Members make collective decisions at regular member meetings, covering campaigns, priorities, and how the organisation is run. Every member has an equal vote, regardless of how much they pay. This isn't a charity where decisions are made for you: it's a movement where you shape what we do together.

I'm not on benefits. Can I still join?

Yes. We welcome members from all income levels. Membership fees are tiered based on your ability to pay (from £3/month to one hour's wage per month). Whether you're unwaged, part-time, full-time, or on a higher income, there's a place for you in our movement.

What areas do you cover?

We're based in Newcastle upon Tyne, primarily serving the Inner West End: Benwell, Elswick, Scotswood, and Arthur's Hill. We're expanding across Newcastle and the wider North East. If you live in Gateshead, Sunderland, or elsewhere in the region, get in touch, as we're actively supporting members to build new branches in other areas.

How do I volunteer?

You can get involved by becoming a member and joining our weekly food distributions, eviction defence actions, housing campaigns, or community organising. Visit foodandsolidarity.org/volunteer or call 07393 101018 to find out about current opportunities.

Is my information kept confidential? Will my landlord or the council find out?

Yes. We take confidentiality seriously. Your personal information is never shared without your explicit consent. Not with landlords, not with the council, not with any other authority. We collect only what we need to support you, and it stays within our organisation.