Help others in your community find support

Every family’s experience is different.

You might want to share:

• What support you accessed
• How quickly help was provided
• What made the biggest difference
• Challenges you faced
• Advice for other parents

Why Sharing Matters

Your experience can:

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

👉 Support is available locally — and taking that first step can make a real difference

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 Hounslow Council

• Visit Hounslow Council website
• Apply for welfare assistance or cost‑of‑living support
• Contact housing services if needed

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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?

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 — there is support available locally in Hounslow

💷 1. Hounslow Local Welfare Support (Emergency Help)

Hounslow Council offers emergency assistance through its Local Welfare Support Scheme.

You may be able to receive:

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

💡 How quickly?

• Urgent applications can often be assessed within a few days

👉 Apply online via Hounslow 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 and support if you are at risk of homelessness

💡 How quickly?

• Urgent housing cases are prioritised and may be supported within days

👉 Contact Hounslow Housing Services or speak to a housing officer

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🥫 3. Food Banks & Community Support

Hounslow has a range of community support services, including:

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

💡 How quickly?

• Often available same day or within 24–48 hours

👉 You can access this through:

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

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

Hounslow 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 sessions or quick referrals

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🧾 5. Cost of Living Support & Household Support Fund

Hounslow Council provides additional support through:

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

💡 How quickly?

• Payments may be made within a few days to a few weeks, depending on the situation

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👩‍👧 6. Support for Single Parents

Hounslow recognises the extra pressures faced by single parents.

You may access:

• Priority referrals to support services
• Family Hub guidance
• Help with childcare, budgeting, and financial support

👉 Reaching out early can help you get support faster

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

Local NHS services include:

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

👉 These professionals can also help you access local financial and practical support

If you live in Hounslow, there is a range of support available through the council, NHS services, and community 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 new baby or trying to manage increasing costs.

At Basch Helps, we want to make one thing clear:

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

❤️ How Basch Helps Supports Hounslow 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