Help others in your community understand and access support

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

• Local food banks (some require referral vouchers)
• Community food distribution programmes
• Charity-led and faith-based food support services
• Low-cost food clubs and community food schemes

Support may include:

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

👉 Always check opening times and whether a referral is required before attending.

👶 Family & Early Years Support

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

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

You may also be able to access:

• 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 bills or household costs:

• Contact your energy provider to:

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

• You may also be able to access:

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

• Advice services can help with:

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

👉 Seeking help early can prevent debts from becoming more difficult to manage.

Residents in Redbridge 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 in crisis

• 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
• Help with rent arrears and managing housing costs
• Homelessness prevention services and housing advice
• Support for both private renters and social housing tenants

Additional support may include:

• Advice on tenancy rights
• Support for residents facing housing instability

📊 Money & Debt Advice

• Budgeting and financial planning support
• Debt advice and repayment solutions
• Help checking benefit entitlement and applications
• Income maximisation support to ensure you are receiving all available benefits

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

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

• Contact Citizens Advice Redbridge for help with:

  • Benefits
  • Debt
  • Housing
  • Financial hardship

• Speak to local charities, community organisations, and voluntary groups

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

You may need to provide:

• Proof of residency in Redbridge
• Evidence of financial hardship
• Supporting documents such as bills or benefit statements
• A professional referral for certain services

👉 If you are unsure where to begin, advice services can assess your situation and help you access the most appropriate support.

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

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