If you are experiencing an issue or need support, one of these organisations may be able to help.
Citizens Advice gives people the knowledge and confidence they need to find their way forward – whoever they are, and whatever their problem. The national charity and network of local charities offer confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free.
Law Centre provides free legal advice on issues such as debt, housing, employment and immigration. Call 0208 767 2777, or call for debt help: 0208 667 9252. Located at 5th Floor, Davis House, Robert Street, Croydon, CR0 1QQ.
Croydon Voluntary Action (CVA) builds stronger communities for social change by supporting citizens to take active roles in their neighbourhoods and by championing community organisations that nurture and celebrate local strengths. Their website is an excellent source of information and resources.
Simply Connect Croydon is a Social Prescribing service managed by Croydon Voluntary Action and Volunteer Centre Croydon. They provide information about local community services that can help you with whatever issue you’re struggling with.
Lambeth Larder is a Social enterprise that helps connect people in need to a wide range of advice and support services covering food, mental health, families and employment support. Their online directory is an excellent resource.
MoneyHelper provides a range of resources to help manage your money through every stage of life, as well as advice about debt and benefits. Phone: 0800 0713 797.
Entitledto helps people determine what they can claim from national and local government via their self-service calculators. They provide a reliable estimate of benefit entitlements based on their in-depth knowledge of the UK benefit system.
National Debtline is a debt advice charity offering a free and confidential debt service to help people take control of their debt. You can call, webchat or use their Digital Advice Tool to get free advice.
There are various discounts, exemptions and reductions that you can use to reduce your council tax. That includes if you are a sole occupier, have a disability, are a care leaver, or on low income or benefits. For more information, visit Croydon Council or Lambeth Council online.
Councils run emergency support schemes for residents in financial hardship. For more information about what your local council offers and to check if you’re eligible, visit Croydon Council or Lambeth Council online.
Energy Saving Trust is a respected and trusted voice on energy efficiency that helps households make better energy choices.
British Gas Energy Trust is an independent charitable trust funded by British Gas to help families struggling with money and energy debt. They provide free support to make sure you’re getting the support and benefits you’re entitled to and run a direct access energy debt programme.
This is Croydon Council’s free energy advice service. It aims to help Croydon residentsis a free energy advice service aimed at Croydon residents on low incomes, and those more vulnerable to the effects of living in a cold home (especially families with young children, older residents, and residents with pre-existing medical conditions). For more information click here.
Lambeth Energy Boost offers specialised energy advice to anyone struggling with energy poverty in Lambeth.
These payments are made towards housing costs where someone receives Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit and need help with a shortfall in rent, and advance in rent or deposit, removal costs, or rent arrears. Visit Croydon Council or Lambeth Council online for more information.
If you are having problems with your housing, or if you are homeless, Shelter can give you practical advice and support. Call 0300 330 1234 or email [email protected].
Crisis provides practical support to help people access benefits, healthcare services and employment opportunities to bring them out of homelessness.
Evolve is a homelessness charity offering a tailored programme of support to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This includes housing, employment and skills training, mentoring and counselling.
Croydon Housing First is an initiative by Thames Reach and Croydon Council to help people with a history of rough sleeping settle into their own homes.
The Spires Centre is a charity offering a wide range of services to support homeless and disadvantaged people in South London.
Migrant Help supports refugees and other migrants with immigration matters to help them settle into life in the UK. Offer services like asylum support, refugee resettlement, interpretation and can sometimes help with accommodation concerns.
Unity Project provides support and assistance to those who are facing extreme poverty or homelessness as a result of their immigration status and have No Recourse to Public Funds.
South London Refugee Association is a community organisation providing specialist advice and support to refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants who are at risk or in crisis because of restrictions related to their current immigration status.
Croydon Refugee Day Centre offers practical advice, language classes and social activities for refugees and asylum seekers in Croydon.
Streatham Drop In Centre is an independent charity that aims to provide a safe, welcoming and supportive environment for refugees and asylum seekers in Lambeth and surrounding areas.
Samaritans is a dedicated charity that provides free, specialist support to prevent crisis. They are available 24 hours a day to speak to anyone who is struggling to cope and will listen without judgment or pressure. Their goal is to prevent suicide and if you need help please call the Samaritans on 116 123, text SHOUT to 85258, or email: [email protected] (it may take a few days for emails to receive a response).
SLaM provides a wide range of NHS mental health services to people in South London, treating more than 40,000 patients in Croydon, Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham each year.
Lambeth Single Point of Access helps adults aged 18 to 65 get the right mental health support. Contact them if you need more support than your GP can provide
Healthy Start Scheme helps women who are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have young children and are receiving benefits to buy healthy food. You’ll be sent a Healthy Start card with money that you can use in some UK shops to buy items such as vegetables, milk and instant formula milk.
Sure Start Maternity Grant is a one-off payment of £500 to help towards the costs of having a child. You usually qualify if you are having your first child, or if you are expecting a multiple birth, and if you or your partner receive certain benefits.
Find out here if you are eligible for help with uniform costs, and if your child is eligible for free school meals.
You can get up to £500 every 3 months (up to £2,000 a year) for each of your children to help with the costs of childcare. For every £8 you pay into this account, the government will pay in £2 to use towards childcare. Check eligibility here.
Home-Start Croydon is a voluntary organisation committed to promoting the welfare of families with at least one child under the age of five. They support parents in their own homes with trained volunteers.
St Michael’s Fellowship offers a range of support to local parents and families, such as around relationship issues, parenting, domestic abuse, and more.
The Lois Project provides food to individuals and families in need of groceries and meals. If you are in need of support with food supplies, send an email to [email protected].
Every Friday between 7-8pm. Croydon Mosque, 525 London Road, Thornton Heath CR7 6AR. For more information, please visit the website or text Ashtaq at 07951 069211.
Every Saturday between 10am-12pm. South Norwood Baptist Church, 2 Oliver Avenue, SE25 6TY. For more information visit the website, email [email protected], or call 07513 168755.
Every Saturday between 1-2pm. Elim Pentecostal Church, Mersham Road, Thornton Heath CR7 8NP. For more information, please visit the website.
Every Saturday between 5-7pm. Alhidaya Croydon, 177 Brigstock Road, Thornton Heath CR7 7JP. For more information, please visit the website, call 0757 211 6952 or email [email protected].
Every Sunday between 12-1pm. 1 Turner Crescent, Croydon CR0 2NP. For more information, please visit the website, call 07956 548707 or email [email protected].
Every Tuesday between 12-2pm. Immanuel & St Andrew’s Church, 452 Streatham High Road, SW16 3NN. Can provide benefit and debt advice and help with form filling.
Home delivery or in-person collection of free food parcels, depending on your situation. Foodbank voucher required. For more information, visit the website, email [email protected] or call 07722 121 108.
Every Tuesday between 10.30am-12pm. Streatham Islamic Centre, 8 Mitcham Lane, SW16 6NN. For more information, visit the website, email [email protected] or call 07935 430 380 for more information.
