Help others in your community find support

Every family’s experience in Wandsworth 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 Wandsworth 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 Wandsworth Council

• Visit Wandsworth Council website
• Apply for the Discretionary Social Fund or support schemes
• Contact housing services if needed

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Step 3 – Ask for Urgent Help

• Let services know 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 Wandsworth

💷 1. Wandsworth Discretionary Social Fund (Emergency Help)

Wandsworth Council provides emergency assistance through its Discretionary Social Fund.

You may receive:

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

💡 How quickly?

• Urgent cases may be assessed within a few days

👉 Apply online via Wandsworth 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 Wandsworth Housing Services or your housing officer

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🥫 3. Food Banks & Community Support

Wandsworth has a strong local network of support, including:

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

💡 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 (Wandsworth)

Wandsworth Family Hubs provide:

• Pregnancy and early years support
• Parenting advice and guidance
• Help applying for benefits and financial support
• Emotional wellbeing support

👉 Many services offer drop‑in support or quick referrals

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🧾 5. Cost of Living Support & Household Support Fund

Wandsworth Council offers additional help through:

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

💡 How quickly?

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

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👩‍👧 6. Support for Single Parents

Wandsworth services recognise the additional pressure on single parents.

You may be able to access:

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

👉 Early engagement can help you receive faster and more tailored support

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

Local NHS services include:

• Midwives and maternity care
• Health visitors
• Healthy Start scheme access
• Free prescriptions and dental care during pregnancy

👉 These services can also help connect you to financial and local support options

If you live in Wandsworth, there is a range of support available through the council, NHS services, and community organisations to help families manage the rising cost of living.

For single pregnant mothers and families, the pressure can feel overwhelming — especially when preparing for a baby or covering rising household costs.

At Basch Helps, we want you to know:

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

❤️ How Basch Helps Supports Wandsworth 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 ensure families get the help they need