We're here to do all we can for you and your family whenever you need a bit of support.
Every family faces challenges - and we're here to support you however we can. We want to help make sure you and your family stay healthy and well. Please let any member of our academy know if you ever need some advice or support.
Find a local foodbank
You can find your nearest food bank on the Trussell Trust website. They also have a free, confidential helpline for anyone in financial crisis. t: 0808 208 2138 (open Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm).
Money worries
Citizens Advice offer lots of support on all kinds of family matters. You can contact their Havering centre for benefits, housing, employment, debt and relationships advice t: 0300 330 2179.
The Council's Cost of Living online hub brings together all of the support available to local residents – from financial help with food and energy bills to free school holiday meals and mental health support. The website contains links to the Havering Helps assistance scheme, details of warm spaces, council tax support, debt management services, energy grants, food banks and community hubs, as well as online benefits calculators so residents can be sure they’re receiving all the support they are entitled to. Sign up for the Living in Havering email bulletin for details of any new support schemes, both local and national.
Relationships and wellbeing
Refuge offer support for women and children experiencing domestic abuse. They have a 24/7 helpline t: 0808 2000 247
Havering Women's Aid also provides lots of help and support to women and children affected by domestic abuse. t: 01708 728759 for telephone support.
If you're concerned about your own, or a member of your family's, mental health and wellbeing, have a look at the Mind website which has advice about how to get help. You can contact their infoline t: 0300 123 3393
Housing advice
Shelter offers free housing advice and an emergency helpline t: 0808 800 4444
If you're in need of low-cost furniture, get in touch with Lighthouse Furniture Project Ltd who can support low income families t: 01277 222050 e: info@lighthousefurniture.org
Family support
Family Lives offers a confidential helpline and lots of practical advice on all parenting and family matters t: 0808 800 2222
The NHS Every Mind Matters website has lots of advice for parents and carers about looking after a child or young person's mental health, how to look out for the signs that something's wrong, how to get help if you need it and advice on looking after your own mental health.
Young Carers
We understand that some young people may have caring responsibilities at home alongside their education. This can include supporting a parent, sibling or family member with a physical illness or disability, mental health need, addiction, or additional support need.
We know these responsibilities can sometimes affect attendance, wellbeing, learning and day-to-day life. Our team works closely with students and families to make sure young carers feel recognised, supported and able to achieve their potential.
Support may include:
- A trusted member of staff that students can speak to for advice, guidance and pastoral support
- Flexible support around learning, attendance and wellbeing where needed
- A nurturing and inclusive environment where students feel safe, listened to and supported
As part of our wider approach to supporting families, we may also signpost or refer families to specialist organisations, including Barnardos, Carers Trust or The Children's Society where appropriate.
