Cost of Living Directory
The information provided by us on this site is for general information purposes and provided as a convenience only. Whilst all information on this site is provided in good faith and effort has been made to ensure its accuracy, we do not accept any responsibility or liability for any errors that have occurred. View the Cost of Living disclaimer for full details.
Listings by area
- Barnes, Mortlake and East Sheen
- Ham
- Hampton and Hampton Hill
- Hampton Wick
- Kew
- Richmond
- Teddington
- Twickenham
- Whitton
- Mobile service or service not location dependent
Barnes, Mortlake and East Sheen
Cost of Living services available in the Barnes, Mortlake and East Sheen area of the borough.
Age UK Richmond - Barnes Green Day Centre
Residents over 60 can use any of Age UK Richmond's social centres as free Community Spaces.
There is no charge to sit in one of the heated rooms. They will give you a free hot drink on arrival, as well as signposting to further support. There may be other activities available and there may be a charge for these.
Facilities
Barnes Food Bank
Nutritionally balanced emergency food for up to three days.
Facilities
Castelnau Library
Books to read and board games to play. Offering the usual information and advice service as well as signposting to other organisations where needed.
Facilities
Citizens Advice Richmond - Castelnau
Advice offered on a wide range of issues, such as welfare benefits, cost of living support, debt and money, housing, employment, etc, to anyone in borough (lives or works).
Facilities
Citizens Advice Richmond - Sheen
Advice offered on a wide range of issues, such as welfare benefits, cost of living support, debt and money, housing, employment, etc, to anyone in borough (lives or works).
Facilities
East Sheen Library
Books to read and board games to play. Offering the usual information and advice service as well as signposting to other organisations where needed.
Facilities
FiSH Neighbourhood Care - Barnes Green Centre
FiSH provides voluntary assistance and support, combating loneliness and helping FiSH members to maintain their independence. Services offered include accessible transport, concerts, outings, befriending, bridge, shopping, talks and walks.
FiSH Neighbourhood Care - Sheen Lane Centre
A welcoming space with tables set with tablecloths and vases of flowers, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee served with homemade cake. A place of friendship and a listening ear.
Facilities
Food bank at the Powerstation
Nutritionally balanced emergency food for up to three days.
Home-Start
Home-Start is a local charity providing compassionate, confidential support to struggling families. They can help families access other services including referral to BBC Children in Need Emergency Essentials Scheme, food bank vouchers, Little Village and the Extra Mile, plus signposting to debt, personal finance and benefits advice.
Mortlake Community Association
Offering a simple lunch, good company and advice to local residents and the wider community. Activities including Knitting Group, and Tech Space to build confidence to use technology for daily life. Information and signposting including other organisations offering support.
Facilities
Mortlake Community Hub
A free lunch and good company. No need to book in advance.
OSO Arts Centre
A thriving arts centre situated on Barnes Green with both indoor and outdoor seating and a free hot drink. The full cafe offer and tickets for arts events will incur a cost.
Facilities
Powerstation Youth Centre
Friendly space for young people with hot drinks, light refreshments, quiet spaces for homework and a variety of activities available for different age groups.
Facilities
Ham
Cost of Living services available in the Ham area of the borough.
Ham and Petersham SOS
A neighbourhood care group for elderly and disabled residents of Ham and Petersham. We provide transport, weekly activities, monthly outings and practical help.
Citizens Advice Richmond - Ham Library
Advice offered on the cost of living crisis.
Ham Library
Books to read and board games to play. Offering the usual information and advice service as well as signposting to other organisations where needed.
Facilities
Ham Youth Centre
Friendly space for young people with hot drinks, light refreshments, quiet spaces for homework and a variety of activities available for different age groups.
Facilities
Hampton and Hampton Hill
Cost of Living services available in the Hampton and Hampton Hill area of the borough.
Age UK Richmond - White House
All Saints Parish Church
Offering hot meals, cakes and refreshments along with company and conversation.
Facilities
Citizens Advice Richmond - Hampton
Advice offered on a wide range of issues, such as welfare benefits, cost of living support, debt and money, housing, employment.
Facilities
Citizens Advice Richmond - Hampton Hill
Advice offered on a wide range of issues, such as welfare benefits, cost of living support, debt and money, housing, employment, etc, to anyone in borough (lives or works).
Facilities
Food bank at YMCA White House
Nutritionally balanced emergency food for up to three days.
Hampton and Hampton Hill Community Care
Many services on offer include befriending, exercise classes, outings, transport and clubs.
Hampton Hill Library
Books to read and board games to play. Offering the usual information and advice service as well as signposting to other organisations where needed.
Facilities
Hampton Inspired Hub
Community café, surplus store, Tuesday meet and eat social with music. Activities and lunch every day in a relaxed environment with crafts, books and puzzles to use or borrow. Varied events to choose if you’d like to.
Facilities
Hampton Library
Books to read and board games to play. Offering the usual information and advice service as well as signposting to other organisations where needed.
Facilities
Hampton Youth Project
Friendly space for young people with hot drinks, light refreshments, quiet spaces for homework and a variety of activities available for different age groups.
Facilities
Linden Hall Community Centre
A warm welcome with freshly cooked meals to eat in or takeaway. Frozen takeaway meals and surplus food also available.
Facilities
Linden Hall Community Suppers
Freshly cooked meals available to eat in or take away. Frozen takeaway meals and some surplus food are also available.
One Stop Shop - domestic abuse support
Free drop in service providing legal advice, information, and support to those experiencing domestic abuse. Free legal advice and assistance is available as well as other professional advice including information about injunctions and other orders, child contact arrangements, issues with housing, debt or drug and alcohol addiction.
St James's Church
The church has a cosy atmosphere, with chairs and tables. There are hot drinks by donation, and there will be jigsaw puzzles and board games available.
Facilities
The Extra Mile - Hampton Methodist Church
Supporting families in Hampton and beyond, to provide essentials for children who are in need. If you are in need of support, please contact a professional, tell them about The Extra Mile and ask them to refer you.
The Real Junk Food Project - Linden Hall
A pay as you feel surplus café focused on sustainability, community, and tackling food waste.
The Real Junk Food Project - Noble Green Wines
A pay as you feel surplus café focused on sustainability, community, and tackling food waste.
Hampton Wick
Cost of Living services available in the Hampton Wick area of the borough.
Hampton Wick Library
Books to read and board games to play. Offering the usual information and advice service as well as signposting to other organisations where needed.
Facilities
Hampton Wick United Charity
Providing financial assistance for people who live within the areas of Hampton Wick and Teddington.
The ‘In Need’ Grant is usually available for those in receipt of state benefit and proof of this may be required. As examples, the charity has provided grants for purchase of a wheelchair, travelling expenses to visit relatives in hospital, items of medical equipment not available on the NHS.
The Educational Grant can be granted to residents in need and their dependants who are are under 25 and who have lived in the area of benefit for at least 12 months.
Kew
Cost of Living services available in the Kew area of the borough.
Kew Neighbourhood Association
Kew Neighbourhood Association ensures Kew's residents who need a helping hand are connected with volunteers who drive, shop, befriend and carry out light gardening.
Kew Library
Books to read and board games to play. Offering our usual information and advice service as well as signposting to other organisations where needed.
There are no toilet facilities at Kew Library.
Facilities
Richmond
Cost of Living services available in the Richmond area of the borough.
Cambrian Community Centre
A mixture of free and low cost activities including a weekly community cafe (pay as you feel).
Facilities
Citizens Advice Richmond - The Vineyard
For residents in need of food vouchers.
Duke Street Church
A freshly cooked meal and good company.
Museum of Richmond
With free workshops, crafts and trails for families, there is always something new for you to enjoy. Free crafts for the family available from 1pm each weekday and all day Saturdays the museum is open.
Facilities
Richmond Information & Reference Library
Books to read and board games to play. Offering our usual information and advice service as well as signposting to other organisations where needed.
Facilities
Richmond Lending Library
Books to read and board games to play. Offering our usual information and advice service as well as signposting to other organisations where needed.
There are no toilet facilities at Richmond Lending Library.
Facilities
Richmond Soup Kitchen
Free takeaway hot food service, serving homemade hot soups, toasties and sandwiches, plus homemade cakes, fresh fruit and hot drinks. Available to anyone in need, no questions asked and no referral required. Please note this is a takeaway only service.
Facilities
The Real Junk Food Project - Cambrian Community Centre
A pay as you feel surplus café focused on sustainability, community, and tackling food waste.
Vineyard Community
You can expect a warm welcome, hot drinks and refreshments as well as many other services,
Facilities
Vineyard Food Bank
Nutritionally balanced emergency food for up to three days.
Youth Space at Cambrian Centre
Friendly space for young people with hot drinks, light refreshments, quiet spaces for homework and a variety of activities available for different age groups.
Facilities
Teddington
Cost of Living services available in the Teddington area of the borough.
Crossroads Care
Offering fresh soup as well as a range of hot drinks, fruit, and biscuits. Focusing on their waiting list and those most isolated, vulnerable and at risk during the cold and hot spells. There will be trained staff on hand to provide information and advice, risk assessments, winter safety plans and more.
Facilities
Food bank at St Michael's Fulwell
Nutritionally balanced emergency food for up to three days.
Richmond Aid
Support for disabled people, people with long-term health conditions and carers. Offer advice on housing, social care, mobility, transport, education and training.
Parking is available for disabled clients.
Facilities
RUILS
RUILS provide support for adults and children with disabilities. They provide information, advice and advocacy across all aspects affecting disabled people, for example care and support at home, activities in the community and housing.
Surplus.2.U Richmond AID
A wide range of food and essentials including fruit and vegetables, tinned goods, cereals, toiletries, bread.
Teddington and Hampton Wick Voluntary Care Group
Assistance for the elderly, the disabled and others who need a helping hand. Services offered include prescription collections, shopping trips, transport for medical appointments, visiting.
Teddington Community Café
The café offers a warm welcome space, with hot and cold drinks and homemade cakes. It is open to all, particularly those new to the community, those feeling socially isolated and those seeking a friendly chat and a chance to find out about local activities and services.
Facilities
Teddington Library
Books to read and board games to play. Offering the usual information and advice service as well as signposting to other organisations where needed.
Facilities
Twickenham
Cost of Living services available in the Twickenham area of the borough.
Age UK Richmond - Twickenham Day Centre
Residents over 60 can use any of Age UK Richmond's social centres as free Community Spaces.
There is no charge to sit in one of the heated rooms. They will give you a free hot drink on arrival, as well as signposting to further support. There may be other activities available and there may be a charge for these.
Facilities
Choice Support Richmond
Helping residents 18+ with disabilities to find work, including people with learning difficulties, those affected by mental ill health, sensory impairment, physical disability and autism. They provide pre-employment support and support when you get a job.
Cooked lunches at St Stephen's Church
Freshly cooked lunch for older people.
Drop in at St Stephen's Church
A cooked meal with soup and a main course plus a warm welcome.
Facilities
ETNA Community Centre
Pop in and enjoy a free drink and light refreshments at The Hub. Come alone or with friends, family members or children. Held in the Community Kitchen space, with access to outdoor seating, a comfortable workspace, a free Wi-Fi connection and charging and board games. A great space for children to do their homework.
Facilities
Heatham House Youth Centre
Friendly space for young people with hot drinks, light refreshments, quiet spaces for homework and a variety of activities available for different age groups.
Facilities
Meet & Make at St Stephen's Church
Meet & Make is one of our weekly groups. A space for those who love craft of any kind. Bring what you’re working on and we’ll enjoy social time together. Everyone is welcome.
Facilities
Richmond Borough Mind
Offering information, advice and support to young people and adults experiencing mental health issues, as well as their carers.
Richmond Carers Centre
Richmond Carers Centre provides free and confidential information, advice and emotional support to unpaid carers living in or caring for someone in Richmond upon Thames.
Richmond Furniture Scheme
A borough-wide furniture recycling scheme, also delivering goods across the borough. Those in receipt of income support or referred get a 25% discount.
Richmond Wellbeing Service
Richmond Wellbeing Service offers a range of free and confidential talking therapies and specialist support for adults.
Shepherd's Star Twickenham
Join us for fun, food and friendship! Bring along a craft - or a board game or two - learn a skill and make new friends! Various services available to support you with housing, mental health, addiction and finding a job.
Facilities
Skylarks
Skylarks is a local charity that provides support and advice for families who have children with any additional needs or disabilities. They are a registered referrer for the BBC Children in Need Emergency Essentials Scheme, which provides grants for essential items and equipment.
St Mary's University - student support
Support for students related to finance, mental health, etc. Too Good to Go Hub for refectory food.
The Real Junk Food Project - ETNA Community Centre
A pay as you feel surplus café focused on sustainability, community, and tackling food waste. Food surplus hub - please bring a bag.
Facilities
The Turks Head
Local community pub offering a free hot drink.
Facilities
Twickenham Library
Books to read and board games to play. Offering the usual information and advice service as well as signposting to other organisations where needed.
Facilities
TWMAS/Crosslight Advice
Provide debt counselling, monetary and budgeting advice. Offer drop in advice and 1:1 appointments.
Whitton
Cost of Living services available in the Whitton area of the borough.
Age UK Richmond - Whitton Social Centre
Residents over 60 can use any of Age UK Richmond's social centres as free Community Spaces.
There is no charge to sit in one of the heated rooms. They will give you a free hot drink on arrival, as well as signposting to further support. There may be other activities available and there may be a charge for these.
Facilities
Citizens Advice Richmond - Whitton Library
Advice offered on the cost of living crisis.
Food bank at Whitton Community Centre
Nutritionally balanced emergency food for up to three days.
Food for Thought
Surplus food. Speak to a member of the team if you require additional support with ready made meals or toiletries/hygiene products. Please bring along a carrier bag.
Heathfield Children's Centre
Facilities
Homelink Day Respite Centre
If you are an older person needing warmth, company and a two course cooked lunch, come along to Homelink.
Facilities
Hounslow Heath Community Centre
Young person friendly space with hot drinks, light refreshments, quiet spaces for homework and a variety of activities available for different age groups.
Facilities
Spice Up
A free buffet for anyone in need of a warm meal and a welcoming space.
Whitton Community Centre
A welcoming space where you can sit comfortably and relax.
Facilities
Whitton Library
Books to read and board games to play. Offering our usual information and advice service as well as signposting to other organisations where needed.
Facilities
Whitton Network
Assistance, help and advice to the elderly or disabled and all others in need. Services offered include transport, shopping, outings, befriending and a garden project.
Whitton Youth Zone
Friendly space for young people with hot drinks, light refreshments, quiet spaces for homework and a variety of activities available for different age groups.
Facilities
Mobile service or service not location dependent
Cost of Living services that are mobile or not location dependent.
City and Diocese London Voluntary Schools Fund
Provides grants to schools and individuals to support pupils in need of financial help. Priority is given to applications to support the cost for individuals of school journeys, day trips and music tuition. Referral via child's school.
Available to pupils of the following schools:
- St John The Baptist Church of England Junior School
- St Mary's and St Peter’s CE Primary School
- Archdeacon Cambridge's CE Primary School
- St Mary's CE Primary School
- St Mary's Church of England Primary School
- St Stephen’s CE Primary School
- Bishop Perrin CE Primary School
- St Mary's Hampton CE Primary School
Cooking Up
Cooking Up is a charity aiming to enhance the health and wellbeing of people facing challenging circumstances, by enabling them to cook healthy, tasty food for themselves and their families. They run cookery lessons for groups of 6-10 people who prepare a meal for four to take home with the help of their trained volunteers. All our meals are cooked on the hob to save energy costs and they aim for all ingredients to cost under £1.50 per head.
Crossroads Care Richmond and Kingston
Bespoke, high quality home and community projects and respite services in Richmond and Kingston. Care for babies, children, young people, adults and the elderly with all health and social care conditions and needs, including specialist, complex care and support services.
HANDS Care Group
HANDS provides voluntary, practical support in non-specialist fields to those in need, especially the older, frail, isolated and housebound.
Little Village
Little Village provides equipment, clothes, and toys free of charge to families with children under the age of 5.
Richmond Good Neighbours
Richmond Good Neighbours provides services to the elderly, the disabled, the housebound and others living in the old civil parish of Richmond. Services offered include gardening, shopping, transport, visiting.
Richmond Housing Partnership
Providing safe, secure, affordable homes – opening the door to life opportunities. They currently own or manage around 10,000 homes to meet the needs of people who cannot otherwise afford to live locally across West London. These include homes for social rent and shared ownership.
South West London Energy Advice Partnership
SWLEAP provides energy advice across Richmond, Wandsworth and Merton to anyone in fuel poverty. This could be an energy visit to your home but they also provide advice at energy cafes in community settings, over the telephone or by email if you prefer.
South West London Law Centres
Offering free and independent legal advice on social welfare issues including housing, debt, immigration and employment.
StepChange
Comprehensive non-judgemental debt advice helping people who have debt problems take back control of their finances. Whatever the situation, they look for practical solutions that help to improve it.
Thinking Works
Thinking Works provides Winter Warmth home visiting and telephone advice services for Richmond. This includes fuel poverty, energy advice, heating repairs, boiler grants.
Updated: 20 February 2024
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