Help others in your community understand and access support

Every family’s journey in Merton 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 Merton through a range of services:

• Local food banks (some require referral vouchers)
• Community food programmes and distribution centres
• Faith-based and charity-led food support services
• Community kitchens and low-cost food schemes

Support may include:

• Emergency food parcels
• Regular access to food provision
• Free or low-cost meals in community settings

👉 It is important to check referral requirements and opening times before attending services.

👶 Family & Early Years Support

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

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

You may also be eligible for:

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

If you are struggling with rising costs and household bills:

• Contact your energy provider to:

  • Set up affordable repayment plans
  • Access hardship support or grants
  • Explore discounted tariffs

• You may also be eligible for:

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

• Get advice on:

  • Reducing energy usage
  • Managing arrears and outstanding bills
  • Improving energy efficiency at home

👉 Early support can help prevent costs from becoming unmanageable.

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

💸 Financial Support

• Household Support Fund payments to help with:

  • Food
  • Energy bills
  • Essential living costs

• Emergency financial assistance for residents facing crisis situations

• Council Tax Reduction schemes for low-income households

• Discretionary support for urgent or unexpected expenses

🏠 Housing & Rent Support

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

📊 Money & Debt Advice

• Budgeting and money management advice
• Support with managing debt and repayment plans
• Help checking benefit entitlement and claims
• Income maximisation to ensure you are receiving all available support

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

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

• Contact Citizens Advice Merton for support with:

  • Benefits
  • Debt
  • Housing
  • Financial hardship

• Speak to local voluntary organisations and charities

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

You may be asked to provide:

• Proof of residency in Merton
• Evidence of financial hardship
• A referral from a professional (for certain services)

👉 If you are unsure where to start, advice services can help you understand what support is available and guide you through the process.

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

These services are provided through Merton Council, local charities, and community organisations working together to support residents with food, finances, housing, 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 Merton by providing:

• AngelBox support for eligible families

• Essential baby items including:

  • Clothing
  • Equipment
  • Daily care items

• Support during pregnancy and the early years

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

We focus on:

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

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