Crisis grants

Crisis Grants are made to individuals in extreme need following a referral from local agencies such as Richmond Borough support teams or the Citizens Advice Bureaux.

These grants offer a fast response to crisis situations where people cannot access statutory funding. RPLC is in contact with a network of referral agencies, such as the CAB, Social Services, Age Concern and the Community Mental Health Teams. The Charity helps with the purchase of white goods, furniture or household items, and the payment of utility bills or child related expenditure. It has been noticeable this year that requests for basic items such as food and clothing have become more frequent. Just under 300 households were assisted through these grants. Each summer we invite representatives of the referral teams to meet with us. This has a dual purpose: to inform new referrers of what is available for their clients and explain how to access these grants speedily. The RPLC tries to respond to the requests within 24-48 hours but this can depend on the quality of the information we are given.

The RPLC does not accept applications for Crisis Grants directly from individuals.