HAF Toolkit for parents and carers
Get urgent help
If you do not have enough food, heating or essential household items, have nowhere safe to stay, are worried about a child, or someone is in immediate danger, use the contact details below.
If anyone is in immediate danger, call 999
Helping Hand may be able to support people facing immediate financial hardship because of an unexpected expense or loss of income.
You may be eligible if you:
- live in Buckinghamshire
- have a low household income and limited savings
- are at immediate risk of hardship
Telephone: 01296 531151
Online support
- Apply for a Helping Hand Crisis Payment
- Find help with food, bills and household costs
You may be asked to provide evidence, such as bank statements, benefit information or a tenancy agreement. Support is assessed based on your individual circumstances and cannot be guaranteed.
I do not have enough food
There are food banks, food hubs, community fridges and other local services across Buckinghamshire that may be able to help.
Some food banks require a referral or voucher. A Family Hub, health visitor, social worker or Citizens Advice adviser may be able to arrange this for you. Some community fridges do not require a referral.
If you need a food bank voucher urgently, contact:
- Citizens Advice Buckinghamshire Food Crisis Line 08081 757123
Find local food support
- Search our food support directory (see the directory link below)
- Buckinghamshire Council: help with buying or accessing food
- Family Information Service: help with essentials
- Find your nearest Family Hub
Always check opening times and access arrangements before travelling. Some services require a referral, appointment or proof of eligibility.
If you are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or have nowhere safe to stay, contact the Housing and Homelessness Team as soon as possible. Emergency support is available outside normal working hours if you need somewhere safe to stay that night.
Housing and Homelessness Team
Out-of-hours housing emergency
Use the out-of-hours number if you become homeless and have nowhere safe to stay that night.
Online support
If you are experiencing domestic abuse or do not feel safe at home, support is available. Confidential advice and practical help are available for both immediate safety concerns and longer-term support.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
- Telephone: 0808 2000 247. Free and available 24 hours a day.
Buckinghamshire Domestic Abuse Services provide confidential help and can advise about immediate safety and longer-term support.
Online support
Welcoming Spaces are warm, free, safe, and supportive spaces that parents/carers and their families can visit. They offer somewhere to:
- keep warm and save money on your heating
- look after your physical and mental health
- get access to support, advice and Wi-Fi
Find a welcome space on our Buckinghamshire Family Information Service directory.
The Buckinghamshire Family Information Service can help you find the right support for your family, including advice on childcare, SEND, parenting, wellbeing and local services.
Find local support
- Buckinghamshire Family Information Service
- Find a Family Hub
- Explore the Buckinghamshire Family Hub Network
Family Hubs offer support for families with children and young people, including parenting advice, SEND support, activities and community services.