Useful Links
Other organisations or information that may be helpful to you.
Seasonal messages
Cold-Health Alert System & Winter Preparedness
The Cold-Health Alert System from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is now in operation until March 2025. Public Health has provided information and resources to share here. Action cards, how to support those in need in our community, and guidance on staying safe, are also available at the government Cold Weather and Health webpage here.
Neighbourhood care in other areas
If you live outside of Kew Neighbourhood Association's area in Kew there are other similar organisations in Richmond Upon Thames that may be able to help you. See a list here.
Richmond's CILS Partnership
Richmond's CILS Partnership, supports people live independently, improve wellbeing and stay connected in their local community. We found this booklet of services very helpful.
You can contact the Information Navigation Service where Information Navigators can:
- Offer information, advice and support on a range of subjects
- Help you to find the right services to support your needs
- Support you through the health & social care system
Information Navigation areas include:
- Housing
- Benefits
- Grants and Food Vouchers
- Social and leisure opportunities
- Employment, education and training
- Health, social care and independent living
- Transport and mobility
- Access, aids and adaptations
- Consumer issues
- Complaints
Choosing the right care and support in your own home for you
If it starts to become too difficult for you to move around your home, there are a range of services available to help make your home safer for you to live in. Visit Richmond Council's CarePlace Directory to find the help you need.
Local Hardship Funds
KNA is a referrer for local hardship funds such as the Countess of Derby Charity (Kew Ward only), Richmond Parish Lands Charity's Crisis Grants and can also issue Richmond Food Bank vouchers. All these funds are light touch and aim to be non bureaucratic. If you or a Kew resident would benefit from a little financial assistance please do get in touch with KNA. KNA's Director, Abi Palmer, will follow up with a phone call to have a quick chat. Whilst KNA is not a hardship funder, we can help direct people to appropriate local help. Our vision is to enable people in Kew to remain independent for as long as possible.
Local Citizens Advice
Richmond Citizens Advice provide free, impartial and confidential advice to anyone living, working or studying in Richmond upon Thames. They can get information and advice for any issue including debt, personal finances and benefit advice, housing, employment and EU citizen rights.
Age UK Richmond
Age UK Richmond provide a range of support for older people, including financial support, social & wellbeing support, support to improve your digital skills and handyperson, housekeeping and gardening services. Need help with digital technology? They also have a Connect to Tech programme, including a home visit service.
Digital Support
Age UK Richmond's Connect to Tech programme is for people aged 65+ living in Richmond. They can help you get online and connected. Help with use of laptops, computers and smart phones. Learn how to use the internet including how to shop online, use messaging apps and making video calls (Zoom, Skype, Facetime). They can help with improving digital confidence, resolving problems with a device and exploring the benefits of being digitally connected.
Assistive technology can make a huge difference to your quality of life, daily living and independence. RUILS Assistive Technology Service can help you identify the type of technology that will support your needs, for exampe a tablet or a voice controlled devise for online shopping or to connect with friends and family. They can help you gain the confidence and skills to use your devices and provide technical support.
Living with or affected by Cancer?
The Mulberry Centre is a cancer information and support centre with a welcoming and non-clinical environment. It is based within the grounds of West Middlesex Hospital in Isleworth. It is a registered charity. The Centre delivers a range of information and support services to anyone affected by a diagnosis of cancer whether the cancer patient, their main carer/supporter or those bereaved by cancer. They provide support to all people affected by a diagnosis of cancer, regardless of postcode or hospital of diagnosis. They're committed to providing individual, tailor-made support to all clients, enabling people to seek emotional and practical support in the way that works best for them. They offer in the moment emotional support, counselling, several support groups, as well as complementary therapies, workshops on relevant subjects, social activities, and wellbeing classes. All services are free, and anyone registered can access the services regardless of where they live or are being treated.
Living with Dementia or Alzheimers? (Are you caring for someone with Dementia see Are you a Carer? section below.)
Age UK Richmond has a Dementia Support Webpage. The aim of this page is to gather together some of the specific information and support that is available for local people living with dementia, their families and carers. Age UK Richmond coordinate Dementia Friendly Communities Richmond working together with partners to make Richmond upon Thames a more inclusive and dementia friendly borough.
Alzheimers Society Richmond host support groups for people living with dementia and their carers including a Book Group, walks and a cafe.
Richmond Council's Dementia Resource page is an excellent local resource. It includes a Richmond Dementia Services Directory with information for people living with dementia and their carers.
Kew Gardens hosts a monthly dementia friendly healthy walk.
Mylifefilms.org run a specialist TV subscription service tailored to the needs of people with dementia available to households and care homes.
See Find a PA link below for information on how to find a Personal Assistant who is a carer who can help with all sorts of daily tasks at home, including domestic tasks, personal care, shopping, sorting out paperwork and can also support you or the person you are caring for to get out and about.
See Homelink link below for information on their Day Centre in Whitton which includes specialists in Dementia Care.
Are you a Carer? Or are you supported by an unpaid family member or friend?
Richmond Carers Centre provides information, advice and support for carers aged over 18 and living in or caring for someone living in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. They can also help you with advice and support about having a Carer's Assessment. A Carer's Assessment can help you understand the impact caring is having on your life and how best to support you. You may be able to get help and advice with financial concerns, your own health, practical help in the home, and any worries about the future. Even if you are not eligible there are a range of services in the borough you can access free of charge.
Crossroads Care Richmond and Kingston upon Thames provide bespoke, high quality respite and support services to unpaid Carers. Their team cares for teenagers, adults and the elderly with behavioural, emotional and/or medical needs including dementia care. Their services help family Carers by giving them time to recharge their batteries away from their caring role.
Homelink offer a welcoming and friendly and embrace to a wide range of people needing care within the local community. Their Whitton Centre is open Monday to Friday – 10am to 3pm. They aim to provide an enjoyable and stimulating day in their centre which in turn gives carers peace of mind and some time to themselves. They are also specialists in dementia care and are staffed by nurses and health care assistants that are able to assist with personal needs if required.
Find a PA - Would you benefit from employing a part time Personal Assistant to help with preparing meals, getting on a bus, or managing day to day life like managing household bills? RUILs' Direct Payments Support Service offers information and advice to keep you living independently and help set up care arrangements, including employing Personal Care Assistants directly. Whether you are a Direct Payments client or you fund your own care, RUILS can support you through the recruitment process and assist you to set up and manage your budget.
Local bereavement support
Email: support@space2grieve.org.uk
Phone: 0751 937 6363
space2grieve also supports compassionate cuppa, a monthly free grief café providing support and connection for bereaved residents of the Richmond Borough. space2grieve volunteers offer a warm welcome, but more importantly a safe place to share experiences with other bereaved people.
Local interest and social groups
If you would like to meet with others or find a new hobby there are many options in Kew. Kew's local website KewTW9.org hold a list of groups and organisations for the local area as well as forthcoming local events on their calendar. There are a range of classes and activities held at both Kew Community Centre and the Live Well centre.
Living alone? Spare room? Need support?
You, a neighbour or family member might be interested in Homeshare, a scheme matching people who would appreciate extra support with suitable lodgers looking for affordable accommodation. The lodger, carefully pre-vetted, pays a very modest rent, in return for which they keep a general eye on their host, perhaps accompanying them shopping or on outings, etc. The finances (rent from lodger, arrangement fee from homeowner), are all handled by the organising charity, which brokers introductions and monitors the continuing relationship. Not a substitute for professional carers, Homeshare can be ideal for those who have generally looked after themselves but would appreciate some support and regular company: the lodger goes out to work but is expected to spend up to 15 hours of spare time with the host each week. A KNA Volunteer reported they know two people who have used this scheme and found it works very well for them, as well as reassuring their families - not to mention easing the dire shortage of affordable accommodation locally. Details with full explanations of how Homeshare works are at www.novus-homeshare.org.uk - Novus is the London partner of the national HomeshareUK charity network.
In addition, we've also recently come across Helpful Housemates. The Helpful Housemate is expected to provide up to five hours of help per week in return for paying a lower-than-market rent.
Cuppa Concerts
The World Harmony Orchestra is a social enterprise looking to make concerts available to all. As well as arranging community concerts they can organise their professional DBS checked musicians to perform a 30 minute concert in your home. They request a donation, suggesting an amount equivalent to a quarter of a days pension or benefit, or half an hours wage. Musicians performing in all styles are available.