If you have run out of money and can not afford essential items (such as food or fuel), or you experience a crisis (for example, a sudden move of home, flood or fire), there is emergency support available.
Do remember that one-off emergency support is not a long-term solution, and many services have a limit to how many times this type of support can be accessed. It is important that you also get debt and budgeting support to resolve the underlying issues to ensure that the same crisis does not happen again.
Merton Community Hub
If you need immediate support with paying for bills or shopping, Merton Community Hub can provide a free foodbank voucher and/or an emergency food parcel.
Call: 0208 066 4086 during office hours or email help@mertoncommunityhub.uk
Foodbanks and Community Fridges
Merton has a network of foodbanks and community fridges that can help if you need emergency food. A full list with opening times can be found on the Merton Council website.
Foodbanks welcome and support, without judgement, everyone who is referred to them as being in need of emergency food. Volunteers will make sure you have sufficient food for a few days, taking into account dietary requirements and the size of your family.
A Community Fridge saves perfectly good food which is about to be wasted by supermarkets and distributes it to the community. Anyone can use a community fridge and its main aim is to reduce waste and emissions related to food waste. However, they also play a vital role in supplementing food needs when people are struggling financially. Find out more about Community Fridges on the Sustainable Merton website.
Community meals
Food Cycle offers free meals served by welcoming volunteers. FoodCycle Mitcham welcomes anyone to attend as a guest and enjoy a FREE hot meal. No need to book. Just turn up on the day. Thursdays at 18:30 every week at the Togetherness Community Centre, Wakefield Hall, Taylor Road, CR4 3JR
Fuel Vouchers
If you can not afford to top up your prepayment meter, you may be eligible for a Fuel Voucher to help you over the crisis. Find more about prepayment meters.
Other support
There is a list of other sources of emergency food and fuel support in the borough on the Merton Council website
You can find out more about help with gas and electricity bills on our webpages about help with bills.
