Lewisham to receive a share from Mayor of London to help low income families with the cost of living
Lewisham is set to receive a share of £2.2 million to help assist with the number of children living in poverty, which is 36%, compared with a London average of 35%. Lewisham has higher levels of poverty than the England average.*
Councillor Edison Huynh, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Lewisham Council, said: “Citizens Advice Lewisham already provide advice to families who use our Family Hubs, however this new partnership will expand and develop that service to include Southwark Law Centre into Downham Family Hub and eventually to all of our Family Hubs across the borough. This will mean we can help even more families access much needed housing, childcare, employment and benefit entitlements which will greatly help in their day-to-day lives.”
Cllr Huynh goes on to say: “Family Hubs are a vital part of the infrastructure we have put in place to support our families. They offer a wide range of services including pre- and post-natal care for families with children aged between 0 and 19 (and up to 25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) but are also able to signpost families to services which support with financial advice, parenting, emotional wellbeing, youth provision and other services, they are much more than just a children’s centre.”
Chantelle, a parent from Bellingham, who uses her local Best Start Family Hub, says: “They have been supporting me in every way, if I’m honest, from supporting me with my children who are all special needs, to giving me support as a parent with the stress, to helping me find my passion and helping me achieve things I didn’t think were possible if it wasn’t for them. All round, I don’t think I would be here without them. They have motivated me and have checked in and asked if my kids are ok. All my kids and myself have benefited from being involved with our local Family Hub.”
London’s Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice, Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard, said: “Too many Londoners are struggling to get by each month, and we know that those pressures fall hardest on single parents, families with disabled members and families from ethnic minority backgrounds. By funding the Family Financial Resilience Partnership, we are strengthening the support available to parents and carers in places where they already turn for help. Increasing access to high-quality advice in Family Hubs and Children’s Centres will help to tackle inequality at its roots and make a significant difference to the lives of London’s families.”
Muhammed from New Cross says: “Citizens Advice Lewisham’s support has been invaluable, guiding us through complex housing and benefits processes we couldn’t manage alone. They spoke up for my family, helping us access support and resolve issues we didn’t even know we were entitled to. Their guidance has truly made a real difference to our daily life and wellbeing."
Another parent, Yasmin, supported by the Best Start Family Hub in Deptford has said: “Thanks to Citizen’s Advice Lewisham, I received my Household Support Fund, and it has made a real difference, especially with my gas bills over Christmas which was really needed. The team also helped me understand my Universal Credit payments and guided me through options for additional funding for my wheelchair. I feel much more confident now knowing someone is helping me manage these issues and that I’m not facing them alone.”
To find out more about our Family Hubs and the services they offer visit: lewishamfamilyhubs.org.uk.