Help others in your community find support

Every family’s experience in Lambeth is different.

You might want to share:

• What support you accessed
• How quickly help arrived
• 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

👉 Share your experience and support another Lambeth 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 help speed up access

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Step 2 – Apply Through Lambeth Council

• Visit Lambeth 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
• Confidence as a parent

👉 It’s important to remember:

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

💷 1. Lambeth Emergency Support Scheme

Lambeth Council provides financial help through its Emergency Support Scheme / Resident Support Fund.

You may receive:

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

💡 How quickly?

• Urgent applications can often be processed within a few days

👉 Apply online via Lambeth 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 eviction or homelessness

💡 How quickly?

• Urgent cases are prioritised and may be supported within days

👉 Contact Lambeth Housing Services or speak to your housing officer

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🥫 3. Food Banks & Community Support

Lambeth has strong community support, including:

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

💡 How quickly?

• Often available same day or within 24–48 hours

👉 Access through:

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

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

Lambeth 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 sessions or quick referrals

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🧾 5. Cost of Living Support & Household Support Fund

Lambeth Council offers additional help through:

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

💡 How quickly?

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

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👩‍👧 6. Support for Single Parents

Lambeth services recognise the extra pressures faced by single parents.

You may be able to access:

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

👉 Early contact often leads to faster and more targeted support

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

Local NHS services include:

• Midwives and maternity care
• Health visitors
• Healthy Start scheme 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 Lambeth, there is a wide range of local support available 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 balance day‑to‑day essentials.

At Basch Helps, we want you to know:

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

❤️ How Basch Helps Supports Lambeth 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