Help others in your community find support

Every family’s experience in Croydon is different.

You might want to share:

• What support you received
• How quickly help arrived
• What worked well
• Challenges you faced
• Advice for other families

Why Sharing Matters

Your experience can:

• Help other families act sooner
• Improve awareness of local services
• Reduce stigma around asking for help
• Strengthen community support

👉 Share your experience and support another Croydon family

Step 1 – Speak to a Local Service

Start with:

• A Family Hub or children’s centre
• Your midwife or health visitor
• Your GP or school support team

👉 They can refer you directly and speed up access

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Step 2 – Apply Through Croydon Council

• Visit Croydon Council website
• Apply for crisis or financial support
• Contact housing services if needed

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Step 3 – Ask for Urgent Support

• Be clear if your situation is urgent
• Emergency help can often be prioritised

👉 You will not be judged for asking for help

⏱ How Quickly Can You Get Help?

Type of Support Timeline Emergency financial support Within days Food bank support Same day / 24–48 hrs Housing support Days – weeks Cost of living grants Days – weeks Family Hub services Immediate / drop‑in

👉 Always ask about urgent or crisis support options if you need help quickly

💛 If You’re Feeling Overwhelmed

Financial pressure can affect:

• Mental health
• Family stability
• Confidence as a parent

👉 It’s important to remember:

Support exists locally in Croydon — and reaching out early can make a real difference

💷 1. Croydon Crisis Support Scheme (Emergency Financial Help)

Croydon Council offers emergency help through its Crisis Support Scheme.

You may receive:

• Emergency cash support
• Food or supermarket vouchers
• Help with essential household items (beds, appliances, baby items)
• Support with fuel or energy costs

💡 How quickly?

• Urgent applications can be assessed within a few days

👉 Apply online through Croydon Council or ask a professional (GP, Family Hub, support worker) to help

🏠 2. Housing Support & Rent Assistance

If you are struggling with rent or housing:

Support may include:

• Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP)
• Help with rent arrears
• Support if you are at risk of eviction or homelessness

💡 How quickly?

• Urgent housing issues are prioritised, with support sometimes provided within days

👉 Contact Croydon Housing Services or your housing officer

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🥫 3. Food Banks & Community Support

Croydon has a strong network of local support, including:

• Food banks and emergency food parcels
• Community kitchens and food hubs
• Cost‑of‑living support centres

💡 How quickly?

• Support is often available same day or within 24–48 hours

👉 Access via:

• Family Hubs
• GP or health visitor
• Schools or local charities

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👶 4. Family Hubs & Children’s Centres (Croydon)

Croydon’s Family Hubs offer:

• Pregnancy and early years support
• Parenting advice
• Help accessing benefits and financial support
• Emotional wellbeing support

👉 Many centres offer drop‑in services and direct referrals

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🧾 5. Cost of Living Payments & Support Funds

Croydon Council provides targeted support through:

• Cost‑of‑living hardship funds
• Help with energy bills and utilities
• Local grant schemes

💡 How quickly?

• Payments can be made within days to a few weeks, depending on urgency

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👩‍👧 6. Support for Single Parents

Croydon services recognise the additional pressure on single parents.

You may receive:

• Priority referrals
• Support with childcare guidance and options
• Help navigating benefits and financial support

👉 Early contact often leads to faster and more tailored help

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🏥 7. Health & Pregnancy Support

Local NHS services include:

• Midwives and maternity teams
• Health visitors
• Healthy Start referrals
• Free prescriptions and maternity care

👉 These services also help connect you to financial and local support options

If you live in Croydon, there is support available through the council, NHS services, and local organisations to help families manage the rising cost of living.

For single pregnant mothers and families, financial pressure can feel overwhelming — especially when preparing for a baby or raising young children.

At Basch Helps, we want to make sure you know:

👉 Support is available locally — and help can often be accessed more quickly than you think

❤️ How Basch Helps Supports Croydon Families

Alongside council and NHS services, Basch Helps provides:

• AngelBox emergency support (baby essentials)
• One‑to‑one befriending support
• Help understanding what support you can access
• A safe, supportive, non‑judgemental space

👉 We work alongside local services to support families holistically