✅ What Support Is Available 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

🏠 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

🥫 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

👶 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

🧾 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

👩‍👧 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

🏥 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