Help others in your community find support

Every family’s experience in Hillingdon is different.

You might want to share:

• What support you accessed
• How quickly help arrived
• What made a difference
• 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 Hillingdon 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

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Step 2 – Apply Through Hillingdon Council

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

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Step 3 – Ask for Urgent Help

• Let services know 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?

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 support Immediate / drop‑in

👉 If your situation is urgent, say so — faster support is often available

💛 If You’re Feeling Overwhelmed

Financial pressure can affect:

• Mental health
• Family wellbeing
• Confidence as a parent

👉 It’s important to remember:

You are not alone — and there is support available locally in Hillingdon

💷 1. Hillingdon Local Welfare Support (Emergency Help)

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

You may receive:

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

💡 How quickly?

• Urgent cases may be assessed within a few days

👉 Apply online via Hillingdon Council or ask a Family Hub, GP, or support worker for help

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🏠 2. Housing Support & Rent Assistance

If you are struggling with rent or housing:

Support may include:

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

💡 How quickly?

• Urgent housing situations may be supported within days

👉 Contact Hillingdon Housing Services or your housing officer

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🥫 3. Food Banks & Community Support

Hillingdon offers access to:

• 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 via:

• Family Hubs
• GP or health visitor
• Schools or local community groups

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

Hillingdon Family Hubs and children’s centres provide:

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

👉 Many services offer drop‑in sessions or quick referrals

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🧾 5. Household Support Fund & Cost of Living Help

Hillingdon Council provides additional help through:

• Household Support Fund payments
• Cost‑of‑living grants
• Help with energy bills and essential costs

💡 How quickly?

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

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👩‍👧 6. Support for Single Parents

Hillingdon services recognise the added pressure on single parents.

You may be able to access:

• Priority referrals
• Family Hub support
• Help with childcare, budgeting, and benefits

👉 Early contact can help ensure faster access to support

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

Local NHS services include:

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

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

If you live in Hillingdon, there is a range of support available through the council, NHS services, and community organisations to help families facing financial hardship due to the rising cost of living.

For single pregnant mothers and families, everyday pressures can feel overwhelming — especially when preparing for a baby or managing household expenses.

At Basch Helps, we want you to know:

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

❤️ How Basch Helps Supports Hillingdon 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