Help others in your community find support

Every family’s experience in Harrow is different.

You might want to share:

• What support you accessed
• How quickly help arrived
• What worked well
• Challenges you faced
• Advice for other parents

Why Sharing Matters

Your experience can:

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

👉 Share your experience and support another Harrow 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 help speed up access

Step 2 – Apply Through Harrow Council

• Visit Harrow Council website
• Apply for emergency or cost‑of‑living support
• Contact housing services if needed

Step 3 – Ask for Urgent Help

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

👉 You will not be judged for asking for help

⏱ How Quickly Can You Get Help?

👉 If you need help urgently, say so — faster support is often available

💛 If You’re Feeling Overwhelmed

Financial pressure can affect:

• Your mental health
• Your family wellbeing
• Your confidence as a parent

👉 It’s important to remember:

You are not alone — there is support available in Harrow

💷 1. Harrow Local Welfare Support Scheme (Emergency Help)

Harrow Council provides emergency support through its Local Welfare Support Scheme.

You may receive:

• Emergency financial support
• Supermarket or food vouchers
• Help with essential items (beds, appliances, baby essentials)
• Support with heating or energy costs

💡 How quickly?

• Urgent applications may be reviewed within a few days

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

🏠 2. Housing Support & Rent Assistance

If you are struggling with rent or facing housing difficulty:

Support may include:

• Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP)
• Rent arrears assistance
• Advice if you are at risk of eviction or homelessness

💡 How quickly?

• Urgent cases may be prioritised and supported within days

👉 Contact Harrow Housing Services or your housing officer

🥫 3. Food Banks & Community Support

Harrow has local support options including:

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

💡 How quickly?

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

👉 Access via:

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

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

Harrow Family Hubs provide:

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

👉 Many services offer drop‑in support and quick referrals

🧾 5. Cost of Living Support & Household Support Funding

Harrow Council offers additional support such as:

• Cost‑of‑living payments
• Household Support Fund grants
• Assistance with energy bills

💡 How quickly?

• Payments may be processed within a few days to a few weeks, depending on urgency

👩‍👧 6. Support for Single Parents

Harrow services recognise the added pressure on single parents.

You may be able to access:

• Priority referrals to support services
• Guidance through Family Hubs
• Help with childcare options and financial support

👉 Early contact helps ensure faster and more tailored support

🏥 7. Health & Pregnancy Support (NHS + Harrow)

Local NHS services include:

• Midwives and maternity teams
• Health visitors
• Healthy Start scheme access
• Free prescriptions and dental care during pregnancy

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

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

For single pregnant mothers and families, financial pressure can feel overwhelming — especially when preparing for a baby or trying to balance everyday costs.

At Basch Helps, we want you to know:

👉 Support is available locally in Harrow — and help can often be accessed quickly when you reach out

❤️ How Basch Helps Supports Harrow Families

Alongside local services, Basch Helps provides:

• AngelBox emergency support (baby essentials)
• One‑to‑one befriending support
• Help navigating council and NHS services
• A safe, non‑judgemental space

👉 We work alongside borough services to make support easier to access