No cost · No debt · No judgement
Essential support for families in genuine need
The HWS Family Hardship Fund is a registered charity providing grants, in the form of essential goods and services, to families across Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Shropshire, who need them most.
For individuals & families
Need help with an essential item?
If you live in Herefordshire, Worcestershire or Shropshire and are struggling to afford something essential, we may be able to help. There's nothing to pay back, ever.
For professionals & organisations
Supporting a client in need?
Social workers, housing officers, GPs, schools and food banks can refer clients directly. We make it simple to get help to the people who need it, quickly and without excessive paperwork.
Grants
What we can help with
We fund essential items and services purchased directly from local suppliers on the applicant's behalf. We do not provide cash. Below are the main categories we support.
White goods & appliances
Washing machines, fridges, cookers and other essential household appliances that are broken or missing.
Clothing & footwear
Essential clothing for adults and children, including school uniforms, work wear and weatherproof outerwear.
Furniture & furnishings
Beds, bedding, tables and chairs for families setting up a home or replacing items in poor condition.
Essential services
Boiler repairs, plumbing and other household services that directly affect health and safety.
Educational items
School equipment, stationery, bags and materials that help children participate fully in education.
Health & wellbeing
Items that support physical health and wellbeing where there is a clear, immediate need — assessed case by case.
Eligibility
Who we can help
For clients seeking grants you must be referred by a support worker who can be anyone supporting you in an official capacity e.g. housing officer, support worker, Citizens Advice, jobcentre work coach, NHS worker, social worker.
Live in our region
You must be a resident of Herefordshire, Worcestershire or Shropshire, for at least 3 months.
In genuine need
You must be in receipt of benefits or a low income.
Essential item
The item or service must be essential and sourced from a local supplier.
Over 18
You must be aged over 18 years of age.
All grants are subject to the discretion of our Trustees. Please see our Grant Making Policy and Grants Policy for further details.
Process
How it works
A simple, respectful process, we do the heavy lifting so you don't have to.
Be referred
You must initially be referred, simply ask a professional to visit our website and submit a referral on your behalf.
Fill out application
Tell us about your requirements, what you need and why, your financial circumstances and how we can help.
Assessment
A compassionate, confidential review of your situation and what you need.
Item delivered
If approved, we contact the local supplier directly and arrange everything on your behalf. The goods or service are provided to you. There is nothing to pay back.
About our grants
How we provide support
We fund goods and services, never cash. Purchased directly from trusted local suppliers on your behalf.
Paid directly to local suppliers
Goods & services, not cash
We purchase the item or service on your behalf from a local business. You receive what you need, and nothing to repay.
A trusted local charity
We are a registered charity governed by a volunteer board, providing confidential, respectful support to families across Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire. No sales pressure. No referral fees. Just practical help when it's needed most.
Referrals
Make a referral
If you work with families in hardship — as a social worker, housing officer, GP, school, food bank, or charity — you can refer clients directly to us. We work alongside you to get help to the people who need it.
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Simple referral process — minimal paperwork
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We keep you informed throughout
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Fully confidential for your client
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No cost to you or your organisation
Our Partners
