Support Services & Referral Pathways

Many barriers are faced by Islington residents when it comes to accessing support and benefits. Voluntary and community organisations play a vital role in breaking down these barriers, by acting as trusted connectors, raising awareness of benefits and other support, and helping people check their eligibility.

This page is aimed at supporting workers of local Food Aid organisations by outlining key info for other support services to which you signpost and refer Islington residents.

These services cover issues such as money, housing, employment & more.

Help On Your Doorstep

Organisations can partner with Help on Your Doorstep (HOYD) to provide residents with a holistic pathway out of crisis. By using the HOYD Referral Form, staff can connect clients to the Connect Service, where advisors conduct deep-dive assessments to link individuals with specialist support for debt, housing, employment, and mental health. To better support residents on-site, organisations can also collaborate with HOYD to host outreach advisors at food distribution points, ensuring immediate, face-to-face signposting that addresses the root causes of food insecurity.

Tel: 020 3931 6080  

Email: connect@helponyourdoorstep.com 

Manor Gardens Welfare Trust

Manor Gardens Welfare Trust (MGWT) supports local people with issues relating to finances, housing, health, and wellbeing. The organisation specialises in working with residents who face language and cultural barriers, offering culturally competent support in a wide range of community languages.

MGWT can attend food services or community sessions to speak directly with users. On the day, staff explain the support available and register people who would like help. They then follow up with a more in-depth assessment at a later date, either by phone or in person, to better understand needs and provide appropriate support or referrals.

It is helpful to know in advance the main languages spoken by users so the right staff can attend. A private room or internet access is not required, but a table and chairs for conversations can be useful.

Tel: 07483 149 519 

Email: MGassistance@manorgardenscentre.org 

Income Maximisation Team (IMAX) (Islington Council)

Organisations can refer clients to the Islington Income Maximisation (iMAX) team for benefits advice. iMAX helps Islington residents with benefits, grants, and Universal Credit, often working in partnership with local voluntary sector (VCS), health, and housing partners. 

Tel: 020 7527 8222 

Email: Claimit@islington.gov.uk

Citizens Advice Islington

Organisations can partner with Citizens Advice Islington (CAI) to provide holistic support by referring residents for, and receiving assistance with, financial, housing, and benefit issues. CAI offers 1-2-1 professional advice, debt management, and benefit maximisation, while also collaborating with the Islington Council Resident Support Scheme for crisis food/fuel vouchers. 

Adviceline: 0808 278 7836 

Islington Law Centre

Organisations can refer clients to Islington Law Centre for legal advice on benefits, housing, and debt, or partner with them to provide embedded, on-site support to vulnerable residents. Referrals can be made by calling or emailing their reception/referral team directly, especially to address welfare benefit crises. 

Tel: 020 7288 7630

Islington People’s Rights

Organisations can partner with Islington People’s Rights to provide residents with support across welfare ebenfits and expert assistance with debt negotiation, utility bills, benefit overpayments, and insolvency options like Debt Relief Orders or bankruptcy.

Advice Line: 020 7561 3685

Islington BAMER Advice Alliance

Organisations can partner with the Islington BAMER Advice Alliance (IBAA) to ensure that residents from Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic, and Refugee communities receive culturally sensitive and linguistically accessible support.

Learning Disability Network London

Organisations can partner with Learning Disability Network London (LDN) to ensure residents with learning disabilities receive tailored support alongside food aid. By making a referral, staff can connect clients to specialist outreach and advocacy, helping them navigate complex systems like housing, benefits, and health services.

To provide more holistic on-site support, organisations can collaborate with LDN London to facilitate information sharing and peer support groups, ensuring that food support environments are accessible and that the specific communication and safety needs of people with learning disabilities are met.

Tel: 020 3031 6651 

Email: islingtonSENDIASS@ldnlondon.org

Access Islington Hubs

Access Islington Hubs provide a single, welcoming front door where residents can access practical, joined-up support across multiple areas of need. Through face-to-face support from trained Community Connectors, residents can get help with issues such as money and benefits, housing, employment and skills, digital access, health and wellbeing, family support, and navigating council and voluntary sector services.

The hubs work closely with statutory services and the voluntary and community sector to coordinate support, reduce duplication, and focus on early intervention and prevention. Organisations can partner with hub staff to share insight, collaborate on casework, and ensure residents are connected not just to crisis support, but to longer term solutions that build stability, resilience, and independence.

Tel: 020 7527 8222
Email: heretohelp@islington.gov.uk