Help others in your community find support

Every family’s experience in Kensington & Chelsea 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 local services
• Reduce stigma around asking for help
• Strengthen community support

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 help refer you and speed up access

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Step 2 – Apply Through RBKC Council

• Visit Kensington & Chelsea 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

• Clearly explain 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 you need help urgently, 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 Kensington & Chelsea

💷 1. RBKC Emergency Support Scheme

Kensington & Chelsea Council offers financial help through its Emergency Support Scheme.

You may receive:

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

💡 How quickly?

• Urgent cases can often be processed within a few days

👉 Apply online via RBKC Council or ask a Family Hub, GP, or support worker to help

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🏠 2. Housing Support & Rent Assistance

If you are struggling with rent or housing costs:

Support may include:

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

💡 How quickly?

• Urgent housing cases may be prioritised and supported within days

👉 Contact RBKC Housing Services or your housing officer

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🥫 3. Food Banks & Community Support

There is strong local support across Kensington & Chelsea, including:

• Food banks and emergency food parcels
• Community kitchens and food support organisations
• Local cost‑of‑living hubs

💡 How quickly?

• Often available same day or within 24–48 hours

👉 You can access support through:

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

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

Kensington & Chelsea Family Hubs offer:

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

👉 Many services provide drop‑in access or fast referrals

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🧾 5. Cost of Living Support & Household Support Fund

RBKC provides additional help through:

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

💡 How quickly?

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

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👩‍👧 6. Support for Single Parents

Kensington & Chelsea services recognise the added pressures on single parents.

You may be able to access:

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

👉 Early engagement can help you receive faster and more targeted support

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

Local NHS services include:

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

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

If you live in Kensington & Chelsea (RBKC), 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 baby or managing everyday essentials in one of London’s most expensive boroughs.

At Basch Helps, we want you to know:

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

❤️ How Basch Helps Supports 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 ensure families get the help they need