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 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.
- Friday - 9.15 to 10.15am
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).
- Monday and Wednesday - 9.45am
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).
- Tuesday and Thursday - 10am to 1pm
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.
- Monday to Friday - 9am to 5pm
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.
- Wednesday - 10.30am to 12 noon
Facilities
Food bank at the Powerstation
Nutritionally balanced emergency food for up to three days.
- Monday - 1 to 3pm
Holy Trinity Barnes
A warm café space.
The Grace Advocacy team offers free debt advice and advocacy support in: income (benefits), housing and homelessness, debt, social care, disabilities and NHS.
- Wednesday - 10am to 12 noon
Facilities
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.
- Monday to Friday - 9am to 5pm
Mortlake Community Association
A variety of popular community activities, including: Balance and Stretch physical exercise group, Mortlake Community Choir, Drawing Group, Knitting Group, Gardening Group, History Lectures, Embroidery Group, Chess Corner, English Classes, monthly Walk+Talk Group and Mortlake Community Hub (MCH) which provides weekly lunches and activities at Mortlake Hall.
Regular day trips including to the seaside, Richmond theatre, Richmond Park and Kew Gardens, and events such as Christmas Fairs.
- Wednesday - 12 noon to 3pm
Facilities
Mortlake Community Hub
A free lunch and good company. No need to book in advance.
- Wednesday - 12 noon to 3pm
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.
- Every day - 10am to 4pm
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.
- Wednesday - 5.15 to 7.30pm
- Thursday - 4 to 6.30pm
- Friday - 4 to 8.30pm
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.
- Monday to Friday - 10am to 12 noon
Citizens Advice Richmond - Ham Library
Advice offered on the cost of living crisis.
- Friday - 1.30 to 4.30pm
Crosslight Advice - Ham
Debt counselling in 1 to 1 appointments, monetary and budgeting advice online.
- 1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesday afternoons 1.30 to 4pm
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.
Youth sessions and activities are led by qualified instructors and practitioners.
For more information about the activities and to register, contact ben.skelton@achievingforchildren.org.uk.
- Monday - 3 to 7pm
- Tuesday - 3 to 8pm
- Wednesday - 3 to 7pm
- Friday - 3 to 5pm
- Saturdays - 3 to 6pm
Facilities
The Real Junk Food Project - Ham Youth Centre
The surplus food hub will be providing soup, smoothies, sweet pastries and hot drinks. Please bring a bag to take the food home.
- Tuesday - 11.30am to 1.30pm
No referral voucher required
Hampton and Hampton Hill
Cost of Living services available in the Hampton and Hampton Hill area of the borough.
All Saints Parish Church
Offering hot meals, cakes and refreshments along with company and conversation.
- First Thursday of the month - 10.30am to 12 noon (morning coffee)
- Third Thursday of the month - 2.30 to 4pm (afternoon tea)
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.
- By appointment only
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).
- Monday and Wednesday - 10am to 1pm
Facilities
Food bank at YMCA White House
Nutritionally balanced emergency food for up to three days.
- Tuesday - 9.30am to 4pm
Hampton and Hampton Hill Community Care
We are a local charity supporting older and more vulnerable residents to overcome loneliness and isolation. Our services include befriending (home visits and telephone), social activities, transport, and community engagement.
Greenwood Community Centre is managed by H&HHVC and provides affordable space for hire to local groups, businesses, charities, and activity leaders. A wide range of activities take place at the Centre, including exercise classes, clubs, and community events, but these are organised by a variety of independent groups rather than run directly by us.
Service types offered:
- Befriending and social support
- Transport for older residents
- Room hire for community use
- Monday to Friday - 9.30am to 4pm - some of the independent activities extend into the evenings and weekend
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.
- Monday to Saturday - 9am to 5pm, Sunday 9am to 4pm (Community café)
- Monday to Sunday - 9am to 5pm (Community centre)
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.
- Monday - 3.30 to 8.50pm
- Tuesday - 2.30 to 7pm
- Wednesday - 3.30 to 5.30pm
- Thursday - 3.30 to 7pm
- Friday - 3.30 to 5.45pm
Facilities
Hampton 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.
- Monday - 3.30 to 5.45pm
- Tuesday - 3.30 to 6.30pm
- Wednesday - 3.30 to 5.45pm
- Friday - 4.30 to 7pm
Facilities
Linden Hall Community Centre
Hot meals to members over 55 of Linden Hall's social club three days a week.
- Tuesday - 3 to 5pm
- Friday - 3 to 6pm
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.
- Tuesday - 3 to 5pm
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.
- Friday - 10am to 12 noon (drop in)
- Monday to Friday - 9am to 5pm (phone line)
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.
- n/a
The Real Junk Food Project - Linden Hall
A pay as you feel surplus café focused on sustainability, community, and tackling food waste.
- Monday 2.30 to 4.30pm
- Thursday - 11.30am to 1.30pm
The Real Junk Food Project - Noble Green Wines
A pay as you feel surplus café focused on sustainability, community, and tackling food waste.
- Tuesday - 11am to 12 noon
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.
- n/a
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.
- Monday to Friday - 10am to 12 noon
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.
- Thursday - 1 to 3pm
Duke Street Church
A freshly cooked meal and good company.
- Last Wednesday of the month - 7.30 to 9.30pm
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.
- Tuesday to Friday - 11am to 5pm
- Saturday - 10am to 4pm
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. This is a takeaway only service.
- Wednesday and Thursday - 5 to 6pm (November to April only)
- Saturday breakfast - 9 to 10am (November to April only)
Facilities
The Real Junk Food Project - Cambrian Community Centre
A pay as you feel surplus café focused on sustainability, community, and tackling food waste.
- Wednesday - 11.30am to 1.30pm
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.
- Monday to Thursday - 12.30 to 4pm
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.
- Friday - 7 to 9pm
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.
- Monday to Friday - 11.30am to 3.30pm
Facilities
Food bank at St Michael's Fulwell
Nutritionally balanced emergency food for up to three days.
- Wednesday - 2 to 4pm
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.
- Monday to Thursday - 11am to 4pm
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.
- Monday to Friday - 10am to 4pm
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.
- Monday to Friday - 9.30 to 11.30am
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.
- Monday - 1.30 to 4.30pm
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 Wellbeing 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.
- Tuesday - 10am to 2pm
- Wednesday - 9 to 11am
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.
Crosslight Advice - East Twickenham
Debt counselling, monetary and budgeting advice. 1 to 1 appointments are offered in person or online.
- Thursday - 10am to 4pm
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.
- Monday and Thursday - 3.30 to 5.50pm
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.
- Monday - 3.30 to 7.30pm
- Tuesday - 3.30 to 5.30pm
- Wednesday - 3.30 to 7.30pm
- Thursday - 3.30 to 5.30pm and 6.30 to 8.30pm
- Friday - 3.30 to 5.30pm and 6.30 to 8.30pm
Facilities
Monday lunches at St Stephen's Church
Freshly cooked lunch for older people.
- First and third Monday of the month - 12.30 to 2pm (closed bank holidays and during August)
Richmond Borough Mind
Offering information, advice and support to young people and adults experiencing mental health issues, as well as their carers.
- n/a
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.
- Monday to Friday - 9am to 5pm
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.
- Monday to Friday - 9.30am to 4pm
- Saturday - 10am to 4pm
Richmond Wellbeing Service
NHS Richmond Talking Therapies offer a range of free and confidential talking therapies and specialist support for adults
- Monday to Thursday - 8.15am to 8pm
- Friday - 8.15am to 5pm
Shepherd's Star Twickenham
Join us for fun, food, and friendship! Enjoy wellbeing activities, creative workshops, board games, and shared reading groups. A range of services are also available to support you with access to mental health care, recovery-focused treatments, and Job Centre assistance.
- Friday - 11am to 2pm
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.
- Monday to Thursday - 8am to 5.15pm
- Friday - 8am to 5pm
St Mary's University - student support
Support for students related to finance, mental health, etc. Too Good to Go Hub for refectory food.
- Monday to Friday - 9am to 5pm
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.
- Monday, Wednesday and Friday - 11.30am to 1.30pm (Hot lunch and surplus hub)
Facilities
The Turks Head
Local community pub offering a free hot drink.
- Monday to Saturday - 12 noon to 11pm
- Sunday - 12 noon to 9pm
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
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.
- Tuesday - 2 to 4pm
Facilities
Citizens Advice Richmond - Whitton Library
Advice offered on the cost of living crisis.
- Wednesday - 11am to 2pm
Edgar Road Youth Club
Friendly space for young people with hot drinks, light refreshments, quiet spaces for homework and a variety of activities available for different age groups.
- Monday - 3.30 to 6pm
Facilities
Food bank at Whitton Community Centre
Nutritionally balanced emergency food for up to three days.
- Friday 9.30am to 12.30pm
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.
- Thursday - 2.30 to 4.30pm
- Saturday - 11.30am to 1.30pm
Homelink Day Respite Centre
If you are an older person needing warmth, company and a two course cooked lunch, come along to Homelink.
- Wednesday - 12 noon to 3pm
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.
- Monday - 3.30 to 5.30pm
Facilities
Spice Up
A free buffet for anyone in need of a warm meal and a welcoming space.
- First Tuesday of the month - 5 to 8pm
Tea at Trimble
A space for anyone to have a free tea or coffee, play board games, read a book and meet up with local residents.
- Tuesday - 2 to 5pm
- Thursday - 2 to 5pm
Facilities
Transit Community Support CIC
Walk-in and structured support services.
- Monday, Thursday, Friday: 10am to 5pm
- Saturday: 11am to 4pm
Facilities
Whitton Community Centre
A welcoming space where you can sit comfortably and relax.
- Tuesday - 2 to 5pm
- Thursday - 2 to 5pm
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.
- Monday to Friday - 9.30am to 12 noon
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.
- Tuesday - 4 to 6.15pm
- Wednesday - 4 to 6.15pm
- Thursday - 4 to 6.15pm
- Friday - 4 to 6.15pm
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
- n/a
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 free cooking courses for groups of 6-10 people who cook with the help of their trained volunteers. All meals are cooked on the hob to save energy costs and they aim for all ingredients to be budget friendly. It is free to join and participants take home the meal that they cook, all ingredients are supplied by Cooking Up and no previous cooking experience is required.
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.
- Monday to Friday - 9am to 5pm
HANDS Care Group
HANDS provides voluntary, practical support in non-specialist fields to those in need, especially the older, frail, isolated and housebound.
- Monday to Friday - 9.30am to 12.30pm
Little Village
Little Village provides equipment, clothes, and toys free of charge to families with children under the age of 5.
- n/a
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.
- Monday to Thursday - 9am to 1pm
- Friday - 9am to 12 noon
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.
- Monday to Friday - 8am to 5pm
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.
- n/a
South West London Law Centres
Offering free and independent legal advice on social welfare issues including housing, debt, immigration and employment.
- Monday to Friday - 9.30am to 4.30pm
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.
- Monday to Friday - 8am to 8pm
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.
- n/a
Updated: 28 October 2025
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