✅ What Support Is Available 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

🏠 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

🥫 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

👶 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

🧾 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

👩‍👧 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

🏥 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