Food support is available across Lewisham through a number of services:

• Local food banks (some require referral vouchers)
• Community kitchens and meal services
• Food distribution programmes run by charities
• Low-cost food schemes and community food clubs

Support may include:

• Emergency food parcels
• Regular access to food provision
• Free or low-cost hot meals

👉 Always check whether you need a referral before attending a foodbank.

👶 Family & Early Years Support

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

• Children’s centres and family hubs
• Health visitor services and maternity support
• Parenting programmes and early help services
• Holiday food programmes and school support

You may also be able to access:

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

If you are struggling with rising household bills:

• Contact your energy supplier to:

  • Arrange affordable payment plans
  • Access hardship funds and grants
  • Explore reduced tariffs

• You may also be able to access:

  • Government cost of living support payments
  • Local authority assistance schemes

• Advice services can help with:

  • Managing energy usage
  • Reducing household costs
  • Dealing with arrears and debt

👉 Getting advice early can help prevent bills from becoming unmanageable.

Residents in Lewisham may be able to access a wide range of support services depending on their situation:

💸 Financial Support

• Household Support Fund payments to help with:

  • Food
  • Utility costs
  • Essential living expenses

• Emergency financial assistance for residents in crisis

• Council Tax Reduction schemes for low-income households

• Discretionary support payments for urgent financial needs

🏠 Housing & Rent Support

• Housing Benefit and Universal Credit housing support
• Support with rent arrears and risk of eviction
• Homelessness prevention and housing advice services
• Support for both private renters and social housing tenants

📊 Money & Debt Advice

• Budgeting and financial planning support
• Debt advice and repayment solutions
• Help with checking benefits and entitlements
• Income maximisation to ensure you receive all support available

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

• Visit Lewisham Council’s cost of living and support pages
  (search: Lewisham Council cost of living support)

• Contact Citizens Advice Lewisham for help with:

  • Benefits
  • Debt
  • Housing issues
  • Financial support

• Speak to local charities and community organisations

• Visit community hubs, libraries, or family centres for guidance and referrals

You may need:

• Proof of address in Lewisham
• Evidence of financial hardship
• A referral from a professional (for some services)

👉 If you are unsure where to start, advice services can guide you through available options and help you access the right support.

If you are living in Lewisham and experiencing financial hardship, there are a wide range of local services available to help you manage the cost of living and access essential support.

Support is delivered through Lewisham Council, community organisations, and local charities working together to assist residents with food, housing, finances, and family wellbeing.

💙 How Basch Helps Can Help

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

We support families in Lewisham by providing:

• AngelBox support for eligible families

• Essential baby items including:

  • Clothing
  • Equipment
  • Everyday care items

• Support during pregnancy and the early years

• Assistance for families who may not meet the criteria for statutory services

We focus on:

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

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