Our service is free and we won't pass your information on to anyone without your say so. If you live, work, study or care for someone in the London Borough of Sutton, we may be able to help you or point you in the right direction.
Our service is accessible, informative, comprehensive, and structured in a way to ensure that you only need to share your story once and we will ensure you are directed to the most appropriate person.
Sometimes we may not feel ready to speak to someone else about our problems, and that is OK too! If you are not quite ready to talk about things, we have put a few important links below here for you to visit, just in case you want to have a read about things before you speak to someone. But don't forget, TfS are here to help you unravel a situation and point you in the right direction where we can. You are not alone in Sutton!
Where to find more information....
Information & Advice
If you are a Sutton resident or professional, and you are not sure where to get help and support from on a range of topics, please contact our TfS team to speak to someone who can help! Our TfS partners cover a wide area of information and advice, and so we are likely to be able to help you or point you in the right direction. Please complete our TfS online referral form or call us on 020 8254 2616.
If you just want to find a local service or see what is available in Sutton, please take a look at the Sutton Information Hub here.
Debt & Finances
Our TfS partner, Citizens Advice Sutton, can help you in the first instance with their TfS Debt First Aider, and if needed, can help to sort out a meeting with one of their specialist debt team members to talk to you about your options for managing your debts, including negotiated repayments, token offers, bankruptcy, IVAs, Debt Relief Orders and maximising your income.
You can either take a look at their website here or call them directly on 020 8405 3552.
You can also have a read of our Accessing Debt Support page where we have listed a few useful resources to kick start your journey in recovering from debt.
If you would prefer online support, StepChange Debt Charity may be a good place to start. It's free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Or you can call them on 0800 138 1111.
Another independant debt advice charity you could try would be the National DebtLine by calling them on 0808 808 4000, or the Debt Advice Foundation.
Housing
If you need to speak to someone about your housing situation, again Citizens Advice Sutton may be able to help you. You can either contact them via TfS or directly.
Please note, if you are at risk of becoming homeless, you will need to speak to Encompass on 020 8770 5000.
If you are fleeing your home due to domestic abuse, please contact Cranstoun Transform, Sutton's domestic abuse services via their online referral form here or by calling them on 020 8092 7569. Please remember, in the case of an emergency call the Emergency Services as soon as safely possible on 999, and if you are worried about being overheard, you can make a silent call by pressing 55.
You may be eligible for Housing Insulation, why not have a look here.
Your Guide to Temporary Accommodation
The Public Health Team has updated their information to residents in the latest edition of Guide to Temporary Accommodation. The booklet is given to families moving into emergency or temporary accommodation and helps these individuals:
- understand the immediate things they need to do;
- learn more about local services like the Pod where they can get housing, finance and health advice;
- adapt to life in Emergency Accommodation and Temporary Accommodation and find local services (in and out of borough).
Domestic Abuse
If you are fleeing your home due to domestic abuse, please contact Cranstoun Transform, Sutton's domestic abuse services via their online referral form here or by calling them on 020 8092 7569. Please remember, in the case of an emergency call the Emergency Services as soon as safely possible on 999, and if you are worried about being overheard, you can make a silent call by pressing 55.
If you need to speak to someone outside of working hours, please try the National Domestic Abuse Helpline's freephone number which is available 24-hours a day on 0808 2000 247 or by visiting their website here.
Mental Health
If you're struggling with your mental health and need support now, please call the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit the Samaritans website here.
If you are looking for local mental health services, you can look at the following websites Uplift, Sutton Mental Health Foundation or the South West London & St Georges Mental Health Trust or give them a call direct.
Sutton Uplift have a YouTube Channel here with lots of useful tools and techniques.
Sutton Crisis Café is a non-judgemental service for people in mild to moderate mental health crisis, who just need a safe place to be and someone to listen. Open from 6:30pm to 11pm (last admission 10.30), 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Have a look at their website here for more information or call them on 0800 012 9082. If they are closed and you need crisis support, please call the Mental Health Support Line on 0800 028 8000.
It is always a good idea to speak with your doctor if you are struggling with your mental health and wellbeing, they will be in a position to offer you the correct level of support or refer you to local services.
Mental Health Services for Children/Young People
If you are a child or young person and you need to speak to someone about how you are feeling, there are a few places you could try:
Kooth
www.kooth.com Kooth offers free wellbeing support 365 days a year for children/young people, you just need to register to get support.
Childline
www.childline.org.uk This is a 24 hour help line fir children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and you can text or speak to a counsellor. Their contact number is 0800 1111.
Papyrus
www.papyrus-uk.org This is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are struggling with their emotions. Their contact number is 0800 068 4141.
Turn2me
www.turn2me.ie This is a free online counselling service offered by Samaritans. Alternatively, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit the Samaritans website here.
NSPCC
www.nspcc.org.uk There is help available from the NSPCC for adults who are concerned about a child. Their contact number is 0808 800 5000.
Start Well Sutton
Sutton aims to provide support and guidance to expectant and new parents to achieve the best outcomes for their child from conception and throughout the first 2 years of life. For a breakdown of all support avaible in the London Borough of Sutton, please visit the Start Well Sutton hub here.
Gas & Electricity Bills
If you’re struggling to afford your gas and electricity bills at the moment, take a look here at the Citizen's Advice Sutton's step by step guide, TfS may also be able to support you with this, so please do call us.
If you need to speak to someone about your welfare benefits, for example housing benefits, then the Sutton Council Welfare Team would be an ideal place to start if not TfS, you can call them on 020 8770 5000. It is worth keeping an eye on their household funding page here to see if you are eligible for one of their grants.
For information and advice on saving energy and water, reducing energy bills, accessing financial support, installing renewables and more, contact Energy Advice London free on 0808 196 8260 or visit their website here.
Water Bills
If you’re struggling to afford your bills at the moment, reducing outgoings is key, and your water expenses may be something you can take a look at. For financial support with this, please have a look at the following websites:
Food Banks & Shops
There are several food banks and community spaces in and around Sutton, here are a few:
Hill House Community Food Shop
If you cannot find your local resource above, please do look at the Sutton Information Hub Food Support page here.
You can find information and support for the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme in Sutton here, as well as make bookings.
Community Champions
If you are in need of support with clothes and other household items, the Sutton Community Champions may be able to help.
Cost of Living Crisis
If you’re struggling with money, there are things you can do to save on your regular living costs. Check what to do if you need help with living costs.
You can find out about the range of support provided by Sutton Council, community groups, local charities and wider partners here also.
You can also look for applying for support here in the case of a crisis.
Staying Safe & Well in Wintry Weather
With the drop in temperature, South west London’s top doctor has outlined a few simple steps for people to keep themselves and their loved ones safe and well during these cold temperatures. Click here for more information on staying safe and well in wintry weather.
Digital Help - FREE Local Computer Support Sessions
Struggling to use a computer? Did you know that our Sutton libraries offer free digital help sessions for novice users who just need a little support in certain areas. Please have a look at the Sutton Libraries calendar of events here to see when your next session is being held.
FREE Cakes for Kids
Struggling to afford a birthday cake for your child? Free Cakes for Kids is a movement of local volunteers and community groups who can help you out. For more information about the community group, please contact Lynne directly on 07890 268737, by email or through FaceBook here.
FREE School Uniform & Support
Struggling to afford school uniform? Check out this site to see if your school is covered. Also worth checking in with school FaceBook groups to see when and where their next pre-loved sales will be. Uniforms are expensive, but there is help out there!
Caring for someone
If you are a carer and need support, you can contact Sutton Carers Centre, one of our TfS partners, and they will look to provide you with advice around your situation.
If you prefer, you can call Sutton Carers Centre on 0208 296 5611.
Support for older people
Age UK Sutton, one of our TfS partners, aim to support older people, their families and carers in Sutton. Anyone looking for help, advice or support to do with ageing and older people in Sutton can contact them direct on 020 8078 0002.
You can also find some of their programmes here on their Let's Connect pages.
Looking for some over 55's sporting activities to get involved in? Have a look at The Change Foundation's Walking Sports. Sessions are £5 each and are inclusive of refreshments and chat afterwards.
Substance and Alcohol Problems
If you are wanting to change your alcohol and/or drug use in any way, Cranstoun Inspire has a range of support available for you, your family and friends. To find out more information or to self-refer please click here or call on 020 8773 9393.
Neurological Conditions & Available Support
FMCP Pop In Club, a Sutton based support group for people with Fibromyalgia, fatigue, chronic pain, ME, FND, MS, Addison's, PTSD and other neurological conditions. The club was set up to help combat loneliness and isolation, but also as a source of support and understanding.
The FMCP Pop In Club are working to raise awareness of neurological conditions within the community, and particualy amongst the mediacal profession. For more information and support, please visit their website here, contact them by phone on 0844 891 3728 or 01737 883983, or you can email them direct on fmcppopinclub@gmail.com.
What is Advocacy?
Advocacy for All, one of our Together for Sutton partners, provides support and advocacy to residents in the London Borough of Sutton. For more information about what a advocacy is and when you might need it, please have a look at their website here.
Groups & Activities
There are many groups and activities in and around Sutton town centre. One of the best places to find these on FaceBook, however here is a list of a few places you could start:
Community Action Sutton Hill House Community Centre activities for all
Age UK Sutton Activities & Events in Sutton
Men in Sheds Sutton FaceBook page
Speak Up Sutton (18+ years old with learning disabilities)
Action Voices (12 - 25 years old with learning disabilities)
Sutton Council's Cultural Services Community Clubs and Groups
You can find information and support for the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme in Sutton here, as well as make bookings.
Family Hubs are also available in the London Borough of Sutton and often have activities on during the week, you can find these at Sutton Library, the Phoenix Centre
Things to do in Sutton directory
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a simple tool for you to voluntarily share that you have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent – and that you may need a helping hand, understanding, or more time in shops, at work, on transport, or in public spaces.
Sutton's SEND Local Offer - Cognus - No Limits on Learning
The Sutton Information Hub is the new home to Sutton's SEND Local Offer. For more information, please visit their website here.
Low Vision Clinic & Eye Sight Loss
If you have been diagnosed with low vision or eye sight loss, regardless of the stage, support is available for you at Sutton Vision. You can visit their website here or call them on 020 8409 7166.
You can also contact the Local Council's Vision & Hearing Team who may be able to help and support you through this journey.
Hearing Loss Support
Living with hearing loss can be a challenge and have a big impact on a person’s life. Whether it is gradual or sudden, it is a loss of an important information gathering sense. Find out more here at Sensory Services Sight for Surrey.
You can also contact the Local Council's Vision & Hearing Team who may be able to help and support you through this journey.
Find NHS services near you....
Complaints about the NHS
Advocacy for All provides free and independent support if you have a complaint about NHS services. You can call them on 0345 310 1812.
You can also make a complaint to the Healthcare Commissioner, Primary Care Complaints flyer July 2023.
Support for Single Parents
Being a single parent can be hard work, but support is available, you are not alone! Take a look at Gingerbread's website here with top tips and support available.
Support for Men
Community Action Sutton have been working with Beyond Equality to help groups of men in our community to create supportive connections for life when feeling challenged. Mental Health is so important, and it is no different or less important for men! Have a look at the following links for some information on up and coming projects, and why not join our Men in Sheds group to start this new journey.
Beyond Equality's website - The Community Programme
Youtube Reel/Short - Movember Workshops
Youtube Video - Let's Talk About Mental Health
Youtube Video - Beyond Equality Intro & Showreel
Beyond Equality's Instagram
Community Action Sutton's Men in Sheds Sutton FaceBook page
Sutton Library of Things
Why buy when you can borrow? Hire a range of fun and useful items from Sutton Library of Things for affordable daily rates.
This summer 2024, Sutton Council and Library of Things are pleased to be able to offer low income households £25 of free borrowing credit for Sutton Library of Things. You can borrow DIY and gardening tools, cleaning equipment and leisure items such as a projector, speaker and party kit. Simply book online using the code SUTTONTFG and collect your item from the lockers at Sutton Library.
FREE Activities for Young Children / Young People
Visit your local library to take part in free rhymetime and storytime sessions for children 0 - 5 years or access free activity sheets for school-aged children. Visit the museums and galleries in the borough for free days out.
FREE / Low Cost Exercise Programmes
You can access FREE exercise programmes here at Couch to Fitness or on the NHS website here.
Looking for some over 55's sporting activities to get involved in? Have a look at The Change Foundation's Walking Sports. Sessions are £5 each and are inclusive of refreshments and chat afterwards.
Home Fire Safety Checker - London Fire Brigade
Please click here to get tailored advice for your home, or the home of someone you care for.
Stop Smoking Support Services
Sutton Council's Public Health team have announced a new vaping resource for young people and their families. You can access these resources from their website here.
You can also watch their YouTube video here.
Protecting Your Home!
Refuge have partnered with Ring to implement safety measures around domestic abuse and Ring Doorbells. In a world that is progressing rapidly in terms of technology, concerns around how perpetrators could potentially weaponise the technology through monitoring and technology facilitated abuse has been long debated. While this could present additional control for a perpetrator, Ring Doorbells can also be an essential tool to capture any incidents of domestic abuse and harassment.
Refuge have now developed a Secure My Ring Doorbell Safety Guide which contains a step by step process to decrease the chances of the technology perpetrated abuse being used against victims/survivors.
The Secure Your Tech security guide contains helpful information to facilitate this but also contains additional safety information to follow, especially if the perpetrator is living at the address. The option to use a Tech Safety Tool Interactive Bot Chat is also available on the website.
Wanting to Volunteer in Sutton?
Find out more about how the Volunteer Centre Sutton can help you to find your perfect volunteering role here or give them a call on 020 8661 5900.
Sutton Repair Café
Repair Cafés are community-centred workshops where volunteer fixers repair electrical appliances, clothing, housewares, bicycles, toys etc. Often for free, although donations are welcome. Your local Sutton Repair Cafés can be found here.
MAPS Mentoring in Sutton
MAPS Mentoring is an award-winning programme supporting children and young people to achieve their full potential through the support of a one-to-one volunteer adult role model. To benefit from this programme, you would need to seek a professional referral through Children's Social Services, but to find out more about MAPS Mentoring, have a look at the Volunteer Centre Sutton website here.
Ukrainian Support
If you are a Ukrainian Sutton resident or professional, and you are not sure where to get help and support from, please contact the Citizens Advice Sutton dedicated Ukrainian TfS team to speak to someone who can help on 07507 188321.
Якщо ви є резидентом або професіоналом українського Саттона, і ви не впевнені, де отримати допомогу та підтримку, зв’яжіться з нашою спеціалізованою командою TfS в Україні, щоб поговорити з кимось, хто може допомогти! 07507 188321.
Other local services
There's loads of information across our TfS partner websites, you can find them all here by clicking on the logos below.
