Stop Hate UK provides an independent and confidential 24 hour, 365 days per year helpline, known as The Stop Hate Line, for people who are targeted because of hate, harassment or discrimination to talk to someone about their experiences and get support on this.  The service can also help if you are a witness or are supporting someone who has been affected by hate.

Help others in your community find support

Every family’s experience in Westminster 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 Westminster 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

Step 2 – Apply Through Westminster Council

• Visit Westminster Council website
• Apply for the Resident Support Scheme or grants
• Contact housing services if needed

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?

👉 If you need help urgently, clearly say so — faster support is often available

💛 If You’re Feeling Overwhelmed

Financial pressure can affect:

• Mental health
• Family wellbeing
• Your confidence as a parent

👉 It’s important to remember:

You are not alone — and there is support available locally in Westminster

💷 1. Westminster Resident Support Scheme (Emergency Help)

Westminster City Council provides financial help through its Resident Support Scheme.

You may receive:

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

💡 How quickly?

• Urgent cases are often assessed within a few days

👉 Apply online via Westminster City 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)
• Rent arrears assistance
• Support if you are at risk of eviction or homelessness

💡 How quickly?

• Urgent housing issues may be prioritised and supported within days

👉 Contact Westminster Housing Services or your housing officer

🥫 3. Food Banks & Community Support

Westminster has a strong network of local support, including:

• Food banks and emergency food parcels
• Community kitchens and local charities
• Cost‑of‑living support hubs

💡 How quickly?

• Often available same day or within 24–48 hours

👉 Access via:

• Family Hubs
• GP or health visitor
• Schools or voluntary organisations

👶 4. Family Hubs & Children’s Centres (Westminster)

Westminster Family Hubs provide:

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

👉 Many services offer drop‑in access or quick referrals

🧾 5. Cost of Living Support & Household Support Fund

Westminster Council provides additional help through:

• Household Support Fund payments
• Cost‑of‑living hardship grants
• Support 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

Westminster services recognise the additional pressure on single parents.

You may be able to access:

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

👉 Early contact helps you receive faster and more personalised support

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

Local NHS services include:

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

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

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

For single pregnant mothers and families, the pressure can feel overwhelming — especially when preparing for a baby or managing day‑to‑day household costs in a high‑cost borough.

At Basch Helps, we want you to know:

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

❤️ How Basch Helps Supports Westminster 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