People across Hammersmith & Fulham had a tough winter due to the cost-of-living crisis. To help thousands of the worst off residents, the council teamed up with local charity H&F Giving and grassroots community groups to provide financial help.
Through our Winter Support Fund, we gave £340,000 to 35 local organisations who work daily to support local residents in need.
More than half the projects we funded supported families with children aged 18 or younger. Households with a Disabled resident were also supported.
We know that people across H&F felt the pinch. In January alone our Cost-of-Living Team received more than 3,000 calls and provided 400 fuel vouchers to help with heating costs.
Here is how some of our charity partners we worked with across the borough helped residents in need.
Sands End Adventure Playground (SEAPIA)
Fulham-based Sands End Adventure Playground (SEAPIA) received funding to purchase food vouchers for families.
"So far, we have supported 170 families, and we aim to help at least another 20," Julie Cavanagh, SEAPIA's manager, said. "More than 40 children with additional needs were supported and it's been amazing."
The charity also received funding to buy personal care baskets for local young people. Julie and her team asked youth club regulars what toiletries they'd buy for themselves if they could afford to pick anything they wanted. Staff then bought the items and mocked their art room up as a shop.
"They were so excited with the shop. They could not believe it," Julie said. "They all got a bag, and you can imagine, the products were sticking out the top of these bags. It was a beautiful moment."
The Upper Room
Shepherds Bush homelessness charity The Upper Room received funding for food.
Based in Cobbold Road, the charity serves 33,000 meals annually and offers job support and driving lessons to people with a criminal conviction.
"We have used the money so far to fill in gaps that we have, which is primarily meat," explained Fiona Cook, fundraising manager.
"There are so many charities who are feeding people in need since the cost-of-living crisis, and the demand on meat is particularly acute. We're also buying spices to make the meals tastier."
Their kitchen serves a mix of takeaways, food parcels and three-course meals with cakes, pastries and fruit for dessert.
Bubble & Squeak
Food-bank charity Bubble & Squeak, based by Old Oak Primary School in Mellitus Street, received funding to rescue and redistribute surplus food.
"The funding has increased our capacity," said Lydia Gandaa, co-director.
"We had quite a long waiting list, so we were able to take on more residents. We're at a peak at the moment – weekly we're working with more than 150 households. If local residents would like to support, we always need more volunteers."
Somali Parents
Somali Parents received funding to support families with three children or more who were struggling to pay their bills.
Based in the White City Community Centre, the charity helps Somali families with everything from health concerns to supporting school attendance.
"We topped up their electricity meters and provided food vouchers," said Jamal Ismail, co-director.
"We helped about 39 families, and they are grateful for the support, they really appreciate it. They feel they are not forgotten and that makes them happy."
Age UK H&F
Age UK H&F, a local charity based in Greyhound Road, received funding to keep its heating on so residents could come and keep warm.
The charity, open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, has an extensive timetable of activities for residents aged 50 and over and is also open as a place to relax and socialise.
"We have between 250 and 500 residents visiting us each week," said Derec Craig, chief executive.
"It costs money to heat, prices have gone up, and we were having difficulties. The funding meant we were able to make sure that the centre was warm. Residents can come to us for the day and not heat their home during that time."
Dads House
Dads House received funding for fuel grants and food vouchers for local families.
The Fulham-based charity is a food bank, family law clinic, and social club rolled into one.
"We've been able to help families through some of the toughest times," explained William McGranaghan, CEO and founder of Dads House.
"The cost-of-living crisis, inflation, the increase in gas, electricity and food prices, and the cold winter months created a perfect storm for vulnerable families.
"It was clear it was pushing our families beyond their ability to cope. With the funding, we able to help families weather that storm, freeing them from having to make the tough decision between feeding their children and heating their homes."
Cost-of-living crisis
Cllr Rebecca Harvey, H&F Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion and Community Safety said:
“We know the cost-of-living crisis has made life more expensive than ever for residents up and down the borough. It’s been great to hear that our Winter Support Fund has helped reduce that stress. This wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing work of our local community groups and charities. To find out more about our cost-of-living support, please visit our dedicated webpages.”
