Family Support
With the cost of living rising, many families across the country are struggling with the cost of food and energy. On this page is a list of organisations that may be able to offer help and support to those who are struggling to meet the demands of the rising costs. We are always available to offer guidance if you are experiencing difficulties at this time.
Organisations Offering Support in Hackney
Click the link below for a practical guide outlining the support available for Hackney residents during the cost of living crisis:
Household Support Fund
Funding Administered by Hackney Council to support vulnerable households meet their daily needs including food, clothing, and utilities. The scheme has been renewed until March 2024.
Council Tax Help
Hackney residents can apply for up to £80 reduction a month on their Council Tax bill.
Telephone: 020 8356 3399
Support Paying Energy Bills
There are several support ways to access government-funded grants to help towards the rising cost of living for thousands of residents who are on low incomes. Citizen's Advice have the most comprehensive list of accessing this support.
Support with Housing Costs
The Council can make Discretionary Housing Payments to help those experiencing difficulty meeting housing costs, supporting residents whose rent is not met in full by housing benefit or universal credit or have a temporary situation which makes it difficult to pay their rent.
Low Cost Community Food Shops:
These shops do not provide vouchers but food at a low cost for a minimum contribution:
Woodberry Aid - 24 Bouverie Road, London, N16 OAJ - Tuesday 12pm to 2.30pm only
N16 Community shop - Catholic Church our Lady of Good Counsel, Unit A, Hartingtons Court, Coster Avenue, London, N4 2WQ - Friday 12pm to 2pm only
Welfare Grant Organisations
NRPF financial assistance hardship fund
Support When It Matters (SWIM) is leading a partnership that has been grant-funded by Hackney Council to distribute financial assistance to residents who are unable to access the welfare system due to the condition ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’ (NRPF) applied on their immigration status.
Financial assistance is to be used to help with items like emergency help with food, reconnection of fuel supply, cost of utilities, help with travel, toiletries, basic communication needs, rent arrears, basic clothing, baby essentials, prescriptions or rent deposits. For further details click here or email one of the partner organisations:
• SWIM – Email Angeline or call 07862 071 008
• Refugee Women’s Association – Email Jasmina or call 07435 753 179
• Middle Eastern Women in Society – Email Halaleh or call 07958 145 666
• Kanlungan Filipino Consortium – Email Florence or call 0203 893 1871
Turn2us
This website has details of a large number of grant awarding charities and help and information on benefits.
Shelter
Shelter provide support to people in hardship to apply to charities and grant making and welfare organisations for support and help.
Shelter (Hackney Branch) Tel: 0344 515 1447
Organisations that can provde additional support
Here is a list of further organisations that can support families in varied ways;