New Funding for Citizens Advice Drop-in sessions for Parents & Carers
The new programme, funded by the Greater London Authority, builds on and extends Citizens Advice Lewisham's community based model of advice delivery by embedding advice in Family Hubs and Children's Centres.
Free drop-in sessions for parents and carers will now run weekly:
Tuesday 9.00am - 2.00pm
- Best Start Family Hub - Deptford
Alverton Street, SE8 5NH
Thursday 9.00am - 3.00pm
- Best Start Family Hub - Downham
Shroffold Rd, BR1 5PD
The Family Financial Resilience Partnership is a collaboration between Local Authorities, specialist and generalist advice organisations across 12 London boroughs through funding granted by the Greater London Authority to support 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.*
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.”