Community Support
At St James Hatcham we understand that in this current climate, there are many challenges that our pupils and families face; not insignificant and often complex. As a school that is proud to be of Christian service we know very well that we are a source of strength and support during difficult times and our mission statement is brought to life through the work we do with our families:
We are committed to creating a happy, caring and enriching learning environment, underpinned by Christian values, most notably – joy, peace, hope and love.
We know that occasionally more specialist support is needed and through this page we seek to support and signpost our school family to organisations in the local Lewisham community and beyond. We are also lucky to have a close relationship with our local MP Vicky Foxcroft (MP for Lewisham, Deptford and Shadow Minister for Disabled People) who has visited the school on a number of occasions. She is keen to hear from constituents and can be contacted via the details on her website or at her regular remote advice surgeries. Find out more here!
We give great thanks to all the parents and carers who have helped us in the development of this page and feel proud of the support that is given from within the school community through groups such as our Parent Forum.
Cost of Living
We can provide a support package to help vulnerable residents stay warm and healthy during the colder months. We can offer free help to anyone living in south London who is over 65, on a low income, or who has a long term health condition or disability.
Helping people in crisis in the London borough of Lewisham.
A list of over 40 community projects offering free, low-cost food and / or community meals in Lewisham.
BBC Children in Need Emergency Essentials Programme
The programme supports children and young people who are facing exceptionally difficult circumstances and provides items that meet a child’s most basic needs such as a bed to sleep in, a cooker to provide a hot meal and other items or services critical to a child’s wellbeing.
Feed the Hill addresses food poverty in Telegraph Hill and nearby areas by delivering food to those who cannot get out and running a social supermarket at 367 New Cross Road on Wednesdays.
You could get £150 off your electricity bill for winter 2023 to 2024 under the Warm Home Discount Scheme if you are on a low income and have high energy costs.
You may get a Cold Weather Payment if you receive certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest. You’ll get a payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees celsius or below over 7 consecutive days.
We are a voluntary project who collect and organise donations of all kinds, which we then share with those facing hardship; emergency food support, sanitary products, clothing, footwear and homeware essentials, items to support new parents and large electricals and furniture.
Family Wellbeing
Women’s Aid’s directory contains details of local, regional and national services specialising in violence against women and girls including domestic abuse, sexual violence, forced marriage and stalking/harassment.
Run by the Lewisham Children and Family Centre, this service provides 1:1 support for families facing difficult periods and challenges in their lives to achieve sustained positive change.
BLG Mind provides a range of high quality mental health support services for adult residents in the borough of Lewisham. This includes specialised support for people from Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and Refugee communities, for new mums, and for anyone needing help with benefits.
Tips, advice, guides and resources to help keep your child safe online. Parent's guides to technology: phones, laptops, smart speakers, games consoles, tablets, smart TVs and social media.
A free, anonymous online counselling and emotional wellbeing service for anyone aged over 26 years of age and living in Lewisham - users can receive counselling sessions from qualified counsellors via an online chat-based platform.
NSPCC - PANTS rule
Talk PANTS is here to help children understand that they have a right to say no and if they need to speak out about something, someone will listen. We know that a simple conversation can make a BIG difference. We have a wide range of PANTS guides, videos and resources to help you talk PANTS.
NSPCC - Separation and Divorce
Find out how to help children deal with divorce or separation and about your rights around child contact.
We offer a high quality, free, independent, confidential and impartial welfare advice and information service to the residents of the borough of Lewisham. Community Advice Works remains the main north-of-the-borough general advice service for local residents.
Lewisham Parent and Carer’s Forum (LPCF) is a voluntary group of parents and carers of children and young people (0-25) with special/additional needs and disabilities (SEND). We signpost, support and empower families to obtain the best possible support and services for their children.
Insight Lewisham provide information, advice and help for young people who are impacted by or living with drug and alcohol issues. The service is open to young people living in the London borough of Lewisham, as well as family, friends and carers of those affected by someone’s drug and alcohol use.
Parenting
Lewisham Children and Family Centre
Lewisham Children and Family Centre offer a wide range of courses and workshops for parents and expectant parents.
Courses offer solutions to common parenting issues, relaxing and bonding sessions, outdoor experiences and courses for families with children with complex and challenging behaviours.
Henry Healthy families Right from the Start
A programme is for parents or carers of children aged 0 to 5 years. It is free to join and helps you give your child the best possible start in life. It will help support you to think about your family’s lifestyle and decide what change you would like to make, for a healthier happier family.
NSPCC - Look Say Sing Play
Look, Say, Sing, Play gives parents, carers and anyone looking after a child free tools to help them to have higher quality interactions with their little ones.
NSPCC - Online Safety Guides
The online world changes so quickly it can be hard to keep up. These online safety guides help your navigate online risks whether you kids are gaming, chatting, posting or streaming.
Through a front-line delivery of practice-led services, we work with boys and men to help them become dynamic and healthy future men. We provide the vital support and advocacy that changes boys and men’s lives for the better.
Future Dads - an online course for new and expectant dads, that demonstrates practical and emotional approaches to take care of themseleves, their partner and their baby. This course offers a space for men to come together to share their concerns, excitement and expectations of becoming a dad.
Fathers for Futures - an inclusive 13 week parenting programme that helps enhance father/child relationships and raise happy confident children.
From the NHS in collaboration with parents, this site aims to give 'good parenting ideas to support child and family wellbeing based on research, evidence and experience.' A wide range of topics are covered including co-parenting, parenting across cultures, managing emotions and parental mental health.
Housing
Check your entitlement to housing benefit here.
Advice for Lewisham residents who've made a homelessness application to the Council.
We provide a warm and welcoming environment to anyone who is homeless. We equip people with the ability and confidence to learn new skills, find work and reconnect to family and friends.
A registered charity offering the people of Lewisham, especially the most vulnerable, the advice and support they need on a range of issues including: benefits, debt, housing, employment, immigration.
Lewisham Refugee and Migrant Network
LRMN supports refugees and other migrants who are vulnerable, destitute and have children living in mostly Lewisham, Greenwich, Bexley and Bromley. We advise on critical immigration cases, prevent homelessness, improve wellbeing, meet basic needs and campaign for change.
We are the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. If you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, we can help.
Help and advice with rent arrears and problems with paying your rent.
Advice on 'The breathing space' scheme which can help if you've missed rent or mortgage payments. It can also help with other debts, for example, personal loans, credit cards and missed payments on utility bills. Shelter also offer advice on repairs and housing conditions.
