✅ What Support Is Available in Hammersmith & Fulham

💷 1. H&F Local Support Fund (Emergency Help)

Hammersmith & Fulham Council offers emergency help through its Local Support Fund / Resident Support Scheme.

You may receive:

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

💡 How quickly?

• Urgent applications may be processed within a few days

👉 Apply online via Hammersmith & Fulham Council or ask a support worker, GP, or Family Hub for 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 cases are prioritised — support may be arranged within days

👉 Contact H&F Housing Services or speak to your housing officer

🥫 3. Food Banks & Community Support

There is strong local community support in Hammersmith & Fulham, including:

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

💡 How quickly?

• Often available same day or within 24–48 hours

👉 Access through:

• Family Hubs
• GP or health visitor
• Schools or community organisations

👶 4. Family Hubs & Children’s Centres

Hammersmith & Fulham Family Hubs provide:

• Pregnancy and early years support
• Parenting advice and guidance
• Help applying for benefits and accessing local support
• Emotional wellbeing services

👉 Many offer drop‑in support or quick referrals

🧾 5. Cost of Living Support & Household Support Fund

H&F Council provides additional help through:

• Cost‑of‑living payments
• Household Support Fund grants
• Help with utility bills

💡 How quickly?

• Payments may be made within a few days to a few weeks, depending on urgency and scheme

👩‍👧 6. Support for Single Parents

Hammersmith & Fulham services recognise the additional pressures faced by single parents.

You may access:

• Priority referrals to financial and family support
• Family Hub guidance
• Help with childcare, benefits, and local services

👉 Early support can lead to faster and more personalised help

🏥 7. Health & Pregnancy Support (NHS + H&F)

Local NHS services include:

• Midwives and maternity care
• Health visitors
• Healthy Start support
• Free prescriptions and dental care during pregnancy

👉 These services often help connect you to financial and community support