Navigating the Festive Season: A Guide to Support in Kingston upon Thames
The holiday season should be a time of joy and celebration, but for some in our community, it can also bring unique challenges. Whether you're facing financial uncertainties, seeking warm spaces, or simply need extra support, Kingston has a wealth of resources to help you navigate this festive period.
In this blog post, we'll signpost you to various avenues of support, from financial advice to food banks and more.
Financial Guidance
If you find yourself in need of financial advice during the holiday season, the following agencies will be able to provide free, non-judgemental support:
Debt advice
StepChange - https://www.stepchange.org/ – 0800 138 1111 or phone their national debtline- 0808 808 4000
Housing Issues
Shelter London advice line - Monday to Friday 9.30-6 0330 053 6091
Financial and general advice
Citizens Advice national - Practical reliable information to help you solve your problems - https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
Local Citizens Advice support outside of 21st December to 2nd January…
Kingston Citizens Advice offer free, confidential guidance on a range of financial matters, including budgeting, debt management, and benefits advice. Visit their website or drop by their office for in-person assistance. Please note, Kingston Citizens Advice will be shut from 21st December to 2nd January while their team takes a break and comes back refreshed and ready to help you in the New Year.
Kingston Citizens Advice - Address: Neville House 55 Eden Street, Kingston Upon Thames KT1 1BW | Website: https://www.citizensadvicekingston.org.uk/
Food Banks
No one should go hungry during the holidays. Kingston Food Bank is committed to providing emergency food support to those in need. If you require assistance or want to contribute, visit their website for information on how to access their services or donate.
Kingston Food Bank: https://kingston.foodbank.org.uk/
Or for an extensive list of food banks, community pantries and similar services, visit this page on Connected Kingston.
Mental Health
The festive season, while often joyous, can also be a challenging time for mental health, and sometimes the tinsel and twinkling lights can make health struggles feel worse, rather than better.
Mind in Kingston: https://www.mindinkingston.org.uk/
Shine Bright: https://www.shinebrightuk.co.uk/
Kingston Bereavement Service: https://www.kingstonbereavementsupport.org.uk/
Kingston Wellbeing Service: https://www.kingstonwellbeingservice.org/
Family
There are compassionate resources in Kingston upon Thames ready to support individuals and families facing domestic challenges.
Home Start: https://homestart-rkh.org.uk/
Relate Kingston: https://www.relate.org.uk/centre/south-west-london
Man & Boy: https://www.manandboy.org/
Feeling Unsafe at home?
Your safety and well-being are of utmost importance. Don't hesitate to reach out to these organisations for the support you need.
Voices of Hope: https://www.voh.org.uk/
National Domestic Abuse Helpline: https://www.ncdv.org.uk/ | 0808 2000 247
Kingston Women's Centre: https://kingstonwomenscentre.org.uk/
Support for Carers
Caring for a loved one is a deeply rewarding yet often demanding responsibility. If you need support, or perhaps someone to simply talk to, the following organisations provide support.
Kingston Carers Network: https://www.kingstoncarers.org.uk/
Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub at St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust: St George’s Hospital, Blackshaw Road, Tooting, SW17 0QT | 020 8725 3368 | staffsupport@stgeorges.nhs.uk | swlicb.wellbeinghub@nhs.net
Yorda Adventures: https://yordaadventures.org/
Carers UK: https://www.carersuk.org/
Warm Spaces and Community Centres
Kingston has various community spaces offering support and companionship during the festive season.
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Kingston Town Warm Hub
10am to 4pm at the council Guildhall 2, KT1 1EU
Hot drink, free wifi, board games and activities.
Kingston Library
Normal opening times at Fairfield Road KT1 2PS
Working spaces, computer and internet access plus adult colouring,and puzzles, story time, memory sharing, board games (from mid-november) and rhyme time for children.
Piper Hall
Piper Lane KT1 3EX - for opening and timetable check here
CREst and One Norbiton runs the Tuesday Group at Piper Hall between 12noon and 2pm every Tuesday providing a hot lunch and food parcels.
The Youth Club, which is operated by AfC at Piper Hall, runs every Tuesday between 5pm and 7pm
The Children’s Centre provides messy play every Thursday morning between 9.30am and 11.30am
Kingsnympton Youth & Community Centre
Kingsnympton Park KT2 7RW
A friendly space with refreshments on Wednesday and Thursday - please check details and full timetable here.
Surbiton Library
Normal opening hours at Ewell Road KT6 6AG
Working spaces, computer and internet access plus adult colouring,and puzzles, story time, memory sharing and rhyme time for children.
The Hook Centre
Normal opening hours at 9 Green End, Chessington KT9 1AE
Working spaces, computer and internet access plus adult colouring,and puzzles, story time, memory sharing,and rhyme time for children.
Dickerage Sports & Community Centre
Normal opening hours at Dickerage Road, New Malden KT3 3EQ
After schools community drop-in, stay and play, coffee and youth club,
Tudor Drive Library
Normal opening hours at 192 Tudor Drive, KT2 5QH
Contact 020 8547 5006 for facilities
New Malden Library
Normal opening hours at Kingston Rd,, New Malden, KT3 3LY
Contact 020 8547 5006 for facilities
Old Malden Library
Normal opening hours at Church Rd, Worcester Park, KT4 7RD
Contact 020 8547 5006 for facilities
Tolworth Community Library
Normal opening hours at 37-39 The Broadway, Surbiton, KT6 7DJ
Contact 020 8547 5006 for facilities
New Malden Baptist Church
Tuesday's at 3pm - 1A Westbury Rd, New Malden KT3 5BE
Free food and drink, free wifi, device charging, people to chat to, space to work, puzzles, games, crafts and a kiddy corner
Contact 020 8942 6912
New Malden Methodist Church
Monday to Friday 11am - 1pm - 49 High St, New Malden KT3 4BY
Coffee shop 11am - 1pm, Monday to Friday. Space to work, people to chat to and opportunity to charge a device. Hot drinks are available to purchase.
St James Parish Church, New Malden
Bodley Rd, New Malden KT3 5QE
A warm welcome, Wednesdays 11.30am - 1.30pm
New Malden United Reformed Church
Malden Rd, New Malden KT3 6DR
A warm welcome, Thursdays 11am - 2pm
Saint Joseph's Roman Catholic Church
1 Montem Rd, New Malden KT3 3QW
A warm Welcome, Fridays 11am - 3pm
Square 1 Cafe New Malden
Kingston Environment Centre, 1 Kingston Road, New Malden KT3 3PE
Everyone is welcome, everything is free. Saturdays, 12:00 midday until 4:00pm. Free food and drink, free wifi, device charging and people to chat to. Movies and music!
Square 1 Cafe Chessington
Chessington Sports Centre, Garrison Lane, Chessington KT9 2JS
Fridays from 12 noon to 4pm - where everyone is welcome and everything is free! People to chat to, space to work, board games, table tennis, music and free food, drink and wifi.
Disability
Navigating the holiday season can present unique challenges for individuals with disabilities. Recognising the importance of inclusive support, we want to highlight resources available through for those who may require support.
KAG Advocacy: https://kagadvocacy.org.uk/services
Disability Rights UK: https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/
KAB (Kingston Assoc for the Blind): https://kingstonassociationforblind.org/
Yorda Adventures: https://yordaadventures.org/
You are not alone. Kingston is a community that cares, and there is support available for everyone. This festive season, let's come together to ensure that everyone in our community can experience the warmth and joy that this time of year should bring. Wishing you a peaceful and supported holiday season! 🌟🎄