Caritas Westminster – Caritas Food Collective – https://www.caritaswestminster.org.uk/caritas-food-collective-918.php

Caritas Westminster has launched a new initiative across the Diocese of Westminster to tackle the problem of food poverty and insecurity. The project, called Caritas Food Collective, has three key aims: to expand direct food relief across the diocese, to support people to become more food secure through signposting and skills training, and to develop education and advocacy across the diocese so together we can tackle the issues underlying the problem of food poverty.

St Vincent De Paul (SVP)  – Community Support Projects – https://www.svp.org.uk/community-support-projects

This includes our Community Shops, Furniture Stores, Advice and Support Centres, Supported Accommodation and our contract with the Home Office to manage and run two local Approved Premises. SVP members are also involved with holiday camps and the running of local soup runs and food banks

The Trussel Trust – Food Banks – https://www.trusselltrust.org/

The website provides useful information on locating your local Foodbank and how you can access emergency help.

Citizens Advice Bureau – Advice and support for parents on low incomes – https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/help-if-on-a-low-income/

Early Help Hubs/Social Services – All local authorities have advice and support for families experiencing difficulties – Direct parents to your local authority website.

Gingerbread – Charity supporting single parent families – https://www.gingerbread.org.uk/coronavirus/

The Money Advice Service – Free impartial advice on money issues by the Government –  https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/coronavirus-what-it-means-for-you

Caritas Social Action Network – Provides a comprehensive list of agencies who offer a wide range of help, support and advice on social issues https://www.csan.org.uk/

Caritas Social Action Network shares in the mission of the Catholic Church in England & Wales. We animate and co-ordinate our network of social action charities and dioceses, working in collaboration with them to help poor, vulnerable and marginalised people find their voice and to enable them to improve their lives.

National Debt Line – A national helpline and advisory service giving free, impartial and confidential debt advice – https://www.nationaldebtline.org/EW/factsheets/Pages/coronavirus-advice-and-support/help-and-advice.aspx

Local Authority – Grants, Benefits and Crisis Funds – https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council

Use the web link to find your local authority where you can access services and seek advice on potential grants, benefits and funds

Family Action – Charity supporting families – https://www.family-action.org.uk/what-we-do/grants/

Family Action works to tackle some of the most complex and difficult issues facing families today – including financial hardship, mental health problems, social isolation, learning disabilities, domestic abuse, or substance misuse and alcohol problems.

Family Fund – Charity supporting families with disabled or seriously ill children – https://www.familyfund.org.uk/

Family Fund is the UK’s largest charity providing grants for families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people.

Turn2Us – Turn2us is a national charity providing practical help to people who are struggling financially.  – https://www.turn2us.org.uk/

Turn2us helps people in financial need gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and other financial help – online, by phone and face to face through our partner organisations.

WE UNDERSTAND THAT MANY FAMILIES ARE FEELING ANXIOUS AT THIS TIME.

Please see below some links to advice and support that you can access:

Anxiety UK – advice and helpline

https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/blog/health-and-other-forms-of-anxiety-and-coronavirus

Mind – Coronavirus and your wellbeing

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/#TakeCareOfYourMentalHealthAndWellbeing

Mental Health Foundation – Looking after your mental health during coronavirus outbreak

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/looking-after-your-mental-health-during- coronavirus-outbreak

OCD Action – skype/phone support groups

https://www.ocdaction.org.uk/support-groups/online2

Place2Be Talking to children about coronavirus

https://www.place2be.org.uk/about-us/news-and-blogs/2020/march/coronavirus-information- for-children