Help us support your local foodbank

We at Burley Geach Solicitors could not ignore a recent statement on the Haslemere Food Bank Facebook page that “so many of our shelves are empty again” which has prompted us to take action.

During the month of August we will donate the proceeds raised from all affirmations, statutory declarations (swears) and certifications to the three local Food Banks supporting our communities of Petersfield, Liphook and Haslemere.

But we need your help and support and here’s why….

Although the exact number of food banks is tricky to pin down, it is estimated that there are currently around over 2,500 food banks operating in the UK. According to the Department of Work and Pensions data published in March 2023,

“about 3% of the UK population had accessed a food bank at least once in the previous 12 months during 2021-22, though this rose to 16% of households claiming universal credit”.

Since then it appears that the number of users has grown to approximately 4.25% of the population.

Food Banks operate through a referral system, usually via an organisation such as Citizen’s Advice, a charity, a school or the doctor. It seems food poverty is not a standalone issue and is a symptom of other, deeper problems. The food bank network tries to help people break free from poverty by providing additional support to address any serious issues they are facing with the hope being they don’t need to use a food bank again in the future. This may involve options such as obtaining advice on debt, mental health support, or guidance on accessing benefits.

So if you have been thinking about getting a document certified or are needing to make a statutory declaration or affirmation then August is the month to do this and helping a critical cause to boot!.

Of course, if you simply want to make a donation instead or an additional donation (financial or food related) then please show your support directly to your local foodbank.

Burley Geach Solicitors are proud to support the community we serve and wish to thank you for any support you can give to this worthy cause.

Our pricing policy for swears and certified copies is as follows:

Certifying copies of original documents (unless it is an extremely long document and then cost at partner’s/fee earner’s discretion). £5 plus VAT per document

Swears/Statutory Declarations (acting as solicitor for clients who need to swear to the truth of a document/affidavit or to declare the truth i.e. a Statutory Declaration) £5 (including VAT) plus £2 for each exhibit/document attached or referred to in the main document.

Certifying a photo as a likeness of a person £10 plus VAT

Proof of Address certification £10.00 plus VAT

Proof of Life (used for persons receiving foreign pensions who need certifications that they are still living in order to receive the pension) £10 plus VAT

Contact details for Local Food Banks

Haslemere and District Food Bank
c/o Haslemere Methodist Church
Lion Green
Haslemere, Surrey GU27 1LD
Email: [email protected]

Petersfield Food Bank
Methodist Church,
Station Road,
Petersfield, GU32 3EB
Email: [email protected]

Liphook Food Bank
Liphook Junior School
Avenue Close, GU30 7QE
Email: [email protected]