Help others in your community find support

Every family’s experience in Islington 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 Islington 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 speed up access

---

Step 2 – Apply Through Islington Council

• Visit Islington Council website
• Apply for the Resident Support Scheme
• 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?

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
• Your confidence as a parent

👉 It’s important to remember:

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

💷 1. Islington Resident Support Scheme (Emergency Help)

Islington Council offers emergency financial help through its Resident 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 processed within a few days

👉 Apply online via Islington Council or ask a GP, Family Hub, or support worker to help with your application

---

🏠 2. Housing Support & Rent Assistance

If you are struggling with rent or at risk of homelessness:

Support may include:

• Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP)
• Help with rent arrears
• Advice and emergency housing support

💡 How quickly?

• Urgent cases are prioritised and may be supported within days

👉 Contact Islington Housing Services or speak to your housing officer

---

🥫 3. Food Banks & Community Support

Islington offers strong community support, including:

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

💡 How quickly?

• Often available same day or within 24–48 hours

👉 Access through:

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

---

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

Islington Family Hubs provide:

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

👉 Many services offer drop‑in access and quick referrals

---

🧾 5. Cost of Living Support & Household Support Fund

Islington Council provides additional support through:

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

💡 How quickly?

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

---

👩‍👧 6. Support for Single Parents

Islington services recognise the additional pressure on single parents.

You may be able to access:

• Priority referrals to support services
• Guidance through Family Hubs
• Help with childcare, benefits, and financial planning

👉 Early contact helps ensure faster and more tailored support

---

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

Local NHS services include:

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

👉 These professionals can also help you connect to local financial and community support

If you live in Islington, there is a wide range of support available through the council, NHS services, and local organisations to help families cope with the rising cost of living.

For single pregnant mothers and families, the pressure can feel overwhelming — especially when preparing for a baby or managing everyday costs.

At Basch Helps, we want you to know:

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

❤️ How Basch Helps Supports Islington 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