Help others in your community understand and access support

Every family’s journey in Havering is different.

You might want to share:

• What support you found helpful
• How easy (or difficult) it was to access services
• What made a difference
• Advice for other parents

Why Sharing Matters

Your experience can:

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

👉 Support is available locally — and reaching out could make a real difference

Food support is available across Havering through a range of services:

• Local food banks (may require referral vouchers)
• Community food distribution programmes
• Faith-based and charity-led food support
• Low-cost food clubs and community kitchens

Support may include:

• Emergency food parcels
• Regular food provision
• Access to free or low-cost meals

👉 Always check opening times and referral requirements before attending.

👶 Family & Early Years Support

Families with young children and expectant parents can access additional support:

• Children’s centres and family hubs
• Health visitor and maternity services
• Parenting support programmes
• Early help and family intervention services

You may also be eligible for:

• Healthy Start scheme (for food and essentials for young children)
• Free school meals and holiday food programmes
• Additional wellbeing and family support services

If you are struggling with household bills or energy costs:

• Contact your energy provider to:

  • Arrange affordable payment plans
  • Access hardship funds and grants
  • Explore social tariffs and reduced rates

• Access support schemes including:

  • Government cost of living payments
  • Local support programmes through the council

• Get advice on:

  • Reducing energy usage
  • Managing debts and arrears
  • Improving energy efficiency at home

👉 Local advice services can help you apply for support and ensure you are receiving everything you are

Residents in Havering may be able to access a wide range of support depending on their circumstances:

💸 Financial Support

• Household Support Fund payments for essential costs such as food and utilities
• Emergency financial assistance for residents in crisis
• Council Tax Reduction schemes for low-income households
• Discretionary support payments for unexpected expenses

🏠 Housing & Rent Support

• Housing Benefit and Universal Credit housing support
• Help with rent arrears and managing housing costs
• Homelessness prevention services
• Advice and support for private tenants and social housing residents

📊 Money & Debt Advice

• Budgeting and financial planning support
• Debt advice and repayment options
• Help checking benefit entitlements
• Support to maximise income and access additional support

You can access support in Havering through several routes depending on your needs:

• Visit Havering Council’s cost of living and support pages
  (search: Havering Council cost of living support)

• Contact Citizens Advice for independent help with:

  • Benefits
  • Debt
  • Housing
  • Financial support

• Speak to local community organisations and charities

• Visit community hubs, libraries, or family centres

Some services may require:

• Proof of residency in Havering
• Evidence of financial hardship
• Referral from a professional (e.g. GP, social worker, housing officer)

👉 If you are unsure where to start, advice services can help you identify the most appropriate support.

If you are living in Havering and experiencing financial hardship, there are a range of local services available to help you manage the cost of living and access essential support.

Support is provided through Havering Council, local charities, and community organisations delivering assistance with food, finances, housing, and family wellbeing.

💙 How Basch Helps Can Help

Basch Helps provides targeted, practical support for families experiencing financial hardship — particularly during pregnancy and early childhood.

We support families in Havering by providing:

• AngelBox support for eligible families

• Essential baby items including:

  • Clothing
  • Equipment
  • Care essentials

• Support during pregnancy and the early years

• Help for families who may not fully meet criteria for statutory services

We focus on:

• Families in urgent need
• Households struggling with rising living costs
• Supporting children during the most critical early stages

👉 Our goal is to ensure no child goes without essential items due to financial hardship.