News & Events

Stay connected this holiday season

The holidays can be joyful, but they can also feel lonely or overwhelming, especially when finances are tight. Jane and Evelyn from the Welfare Team have compiled a list of local events and resources that we hope may be useful to you.

Churches offering a Christmas Dinner

At least three churches in Croydon will provide Christmas dinner for the lonely and those without a home on Christmas Day from 12 pm to 2 pm.

St Mildred Church, 30 Bingham Road, Croydon CR0 7EB
Spend Christmas Day surrounded by friendly faces at a delicious festive lunch.
To attend, please fill out the form on St. Mildred’s Church website.
Contact: 0208 655 1434

St Marks Church, Albert Church, South Norwood, SE25 4JE
Contact: 0208 6569923

St Michael & All Angels Church, Poplar Walk, Croydon, CR0 1UA
Contact 07595320985 for more information.

Winter Friendship & Cake Group at St. Mildred’s Church
30 Bingham Road, London, United Kingdom
Every Tuesday, 2pm – 4pm

Support to stay connected

If you’re feeling isolated, volunteers are available to offer:

• Check-in and chat calls: A friendly phone call to brighten your day.
• Companionship calls: Regular calls (up to 3 times a week for 6 weeks) from the same volunteer.

For more details or to make a referral, visit NHS Care Volunteer Responders.
To receive support, call 0808 196 3646 or request support online.

Speak to the SAMARITANS 24/7 – 35 days a year
Call: 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.org

Mental health crisis lines

Contact the 24-hour mental health crisis line on:
Croydon: 0800 731 2864 
Bromley: 0800 330 8590
Sutton: 0800 028 8000

Local food banks

Please get in touch with our Welfare Team for more information or if you need a referral to your local food bank over the Christmas Period.

Support from the local councils with food and energy costs

Local authorities may be able to help with emergency vouchers for food or fuel. However, once funds are allocated, these schemes will close. Therefore, check if your local authority Household Support Fund (HSF) accepts applications.

• Croydon Household Support Fund
• Sutton Household Support Fund
• Bromley Household Support Fund (currently closed to new applications)

Last opportunity for pension-aged residents to check their eligibility for this year’s Winter Fuel Allowance

If you are State Pension aged or over and have not already received Pension Credit, please get in touch with our Welfare Advice Service to see if you are eligible. You have until 20 December 2024 to start a claim for Pension Credit and qualify for Winter Fuel Allowance for this year.

To get in touch with the Welfare Team, please call 0800 054 6710 or email income@ccha.biz.