The Household Support Fund channels government money to support residents with food, energy and water costs, and other essentials.

Set up by Hammersmith & Fulham Council and administered by H&F Giving (formerly known as UNITED in H&F), the fund has made a real difference to dozens of projects.

Savraj Kaur, Executive Director at H&F Giving, said: “We are living through the worst cost-of-living crisis for decades, with income dropping, fuel and food prices surging, and a war pushing boundaries even more.”

Sands End help

One project helped by the fund is Sands End Associated Projects in Action (SEAPIA), which provides low-cost play and childcare for children aged four-13. Director Julie Cavanagh said it ensured that 175 hot meals could be served each week, plus supermarket vouchers to families most in need.

Parents and carers have expressed thanks. One carer said: “The food vouchers help us immensely; I am very humbled by your generosity.” A parent added: “It’s the little things that count, and I feel very lucky to have help like this.”

Other projects to gain funding include:

Active Successful Engagement, which supports parents and carers. The Barons Court Project tackles poverty in the community. Bishop Creighton House helps residents with shopping, food delivery, hot meals, home repairs and utility payments, while Bubblesqueakeat runs a five-day-a-week food stall, distributing to those who can’t afford rising prices.

Dads House funds food bank essentials, Oyster card top-ups and offers help paying bills, and Foodbank Doorsteppers supports the borough food banks and has, to date, collected nearly 100 tonnes of food. Fulham Good Neighbours offers help in the home and garden, including hot meal deliveries.

Both The Kulan Foundation and the Lido Foundation help households with food, utility bills and clothing, while Lets Unite For Autism supports vulnerable families with money worries.

Lucas Ark assists with moving costs and temporary housing, while M&C Foundation supports 120 White City families to access small grants, and the Minaret Community Centre provides culturally appropriate aid to 150 families.

The Mother and Child Welfare Organisation provides food parcels, telephone support and utility bill help, and Nourish Hub supports families with cookery sessions. People Arise Now assists former prisoners, while Play Association H&F supports 19 families on low incomes.

Ravenscourt Baptist Church helps with food and bills, while River House Trust buys supplies for its food bank. 

Somali Parents assists families with bills and food, and the St Paul’s Money Advice Centre gives debt advice. The Urban Partnership Group works with families on the White City and Edward Woods estates, West London Welcome assists refugees, and the White City Interfaith Partnership gives out food, sanitary and cleaning items.

Debbie Robinson at H&F Giving said: “This funding is meeting the needs of local people at a time when prompt action to provide targeted assistance is vital.”