Help others in your community understand and access support

Every family’s journey in Kingston Upon Thames is different.

You might want to share:

• What support you found helpful
• How easy (or difficult) it was to access services
• What made a difference
• Advice for other parents

Why Sharing Matters

Your experience can:

• Help other families find support faster
• Improve awareness of local services
• Reduce stigma around asking for help
• Strengthen community support

👉 Support is available locally — and reaching out could make a real difference

Food support is available across Kingston through a range of services:

• Local food banks (some require referral)
• Community food projects and distribution services
• Faith-based organisations offering support
• Low-cost food clubs and food pantry schemes

Support may include:

• Emergency food parcels
• Regular access to food provision
• Community meal services

👉 It is important to check eligibility requirements and whether a referral is needed before attending.

👶 Family & Early Years Support

Families with young children and expectant parents can access additional support in Kingston:

• Children’s centres and family hubs
• Health visitor services and maternity support
• Parenting and early years programmes
• Early help services for families

You may also be eligible for:

• Healthy Start scheme (help with food for young children)
• Free school meals and holiday support programmes
• Family wellbeing and support services

If you are struggling with rising bills or energy costs:

• Contact your energy supplier to:

  • Arrange manageable payment plans
  • Access hardship funds or grants
  • Explore discounted tariffs or support schemes

• Access support such as:

  • Government cost of living support payments
  • Local council schemes and assistance

• Get advice on:

  • Reducing energy consumption
  • Managing arrears
  • Improving energy efficiency in your home

👉 Local advice services can support you in applying for available schemes and funding.

Residents in Kingston upon Thames may be able to access a range of support services:

💸 Financial Support

• Household Support Fund payments to help with:

  • Food
  • Utilities
  • Essential living costs

• Emergency financial assistance for residents in crisis

• Council Tax Reduction schemes for low-income households

• Discretionary support for unexpected or urgent financial needs

🏠 Housing & Rent Support

• Housing Benefit and Universal Credit housing support
• Help with rent arrears and managing housing costs
• Homelessness prevention support and advice
• Support for tenants in both private and social housing

📊 Money & Debt Advice

• Budgeting and financial planning support
• Debt advice and repayment support
• Assistance with benefit claims and eligibility checks
• Income maximisation services to ensure full entitlement

There are several ways to access support depending on your circumstances:

• Visit Kingston Council’s cost of living and support pages
  (search: Kingston Council cost of living support)
• Speak to Citizens Advice Kingston for free and confidential guidance
• Access local community organisations and voluntary sector services
• Visit libraries, community hubs, and family centres for support and referrals

You may need to provide:

• Proof of residency within Kingston
• Evidence of financial hardship
• A referral from a professional for certain services

👉 If you are unsure where to begin, local advice services can help guide you to the most appropriate support.

If you are living in Kingston upon Thames and experiencing financial hardship, there are a range of local services available to help you manage essential living costs, including food, housing, and energy bills.

Support is provided through Kingston Council, local charities, and community organisations working together to support residents facing financial pressure.

💙 How Basch Helps Can Help

Basch Helps provides targeted and practical support for families experiencing financial hardship, particularly during pregnancy and early childhood.

We support families in Kingston upon Thames by providing:

• AngelBox support for eligible families

• Essential baby items including:

  • Clothing
  • Equipment
  • Daily care items

• Support during pregnancy and early years

• Assistance for families who may not fully meet the thresholds of statutory services

We focus on:

• Families experiencing financial pressure
• Households in urgent need
• Supporting children during critical early development stages

👉 Our goal is to ensure no child goes without essential items due to financial hardship.