Self Care Directory

If you are a carer, having some time away from your caring responsibilities is important to maintain your own health and wellbeing. Our respite services provide carers with a well-earned break, safe in the knowledge that there is a Care Support Worker on hand to deliver the care that is needed in their absence. While our team is providing care, unpaid carers work, attend activities, rest, visit family or friends, attend their own medical appointments or simply run errands and complete chores.
**Referrals made via SystmOne MCMW**
Where they Work: Queen's Park & Paddington, Kensington & Chelsea
LCAT’s ‘Safe Space’ model provides a best practice service, marrying the skills of a fully qualified and experienced art psychotherapist with an experienced teacher.
Where they Work: Kensington & Chelsea
Children from North Kensington are given an opportunity to benefit from maths and literature sessions, arts and crafts, martial arts, chess classes, drama therapy and many more exciting activities every Saturday in Henry Dickens Community Centre and Golborne Youth Centre.
Where they Work: Kensington & Chelsea
The aim is to build confidence in students. This work provides mentoring and support to young people, many of whom return to teach or volunteer at the school as adults. The school operates over 30 teaching weeks a year and over 80 school-aged children benefit and achieve higher grades in their GCSE exams. This service is delivered in partnership with City-Circle charity.
Where they Work: Kensington & Chelsea
Centre based (at SMART and ADKC) massage sessions and a limited number of home based sessions. Options will include seated massage, Indian Head massage, reflexology, or Reiki. By appointment on The 4th Thursday of the month, 1-5pm at SMART AND the 2nd Tuesday of the month, 1:15-5:15pm at ADKC.
Where they Work: Queen's Park & Paddington, Kensington & Chelsea
Weekly Shared Reading groups for people who are looking for a place to make meaningful connections within themselves and with other people in their community. We read great stories and poems aloud in the groups each week, using the literature as a starting point to help us discover what is common and unique about our thoughts and feelings. Group members are invited to read aloud, join in the conversation or sit back and relax while listening to the story—this is a non-pressure environment where everyone is welcome.
These groups run in partnership with libraries, community centres, hospitals, and day centres across Kensington and Chelsea. Please contact us to find a group near you.
Where they Work: Kensington & Chelsea
The Side-by-Side is free ‘cycle taxi with a difference’. Designed to address and reduce isolation and loneliness and increase feelings of wellbeing, it is designed with a focus on people with health conditions and people with restricted mobility such as older people or those with visual impairments.
The Cycle Taxi allows up to three passengers at a time to enjoy some gentle exercise and fresh air in a social group – all factors proven to be beneficial for physical and mental health.
It can be used for leisure or utility trips (to the doctor or shops)- throw in a little boost from the electric battery and you have the perfect vehicle for tackling loneliness and isolation.
The west London delivery area includes Dalgarno, Notting Dale, White City, Shepherd's Bush, and Old Oak.
Where they Work: Kensington & Chelsea, Hammersmith & Fulham
Our Practical Help service is open to Kensington & Chelsea residents over the age of 55 who need some help with small tasks around the house.
Examples include: Fitting spyholes and door chains on your front door, hanging mirrors and pictures, fixing hinges in cabinets or cupboards, fitting curtain rails on the wall, taking down your curtains and putting them back again after they have been washed, putting up shelves, assembling flat pack furniture, moving light pieces of furniture, simple draught proofing of doors and windows, minor packing/unpacking, replacing lightbulbs and fuses
This service is free of charge, however donations are always welcome.
Where they Work: Kensington & Chelsea
SMART is a charity supporting people affected by mental illness on their path to recovery. We organise a wide range of fun evenings and trips, providing a relaxed and friendly environment for people to come and socialise during the evenings and weekends, 365 days a year. So if you fancy getting out of the house, we’d love to see you at clubs.

Evenings regularly include dinner (from as little as £1 for Social Members!), movies, board games and bingo; evenings out include visits to the cinema, theatre, salsa classes, museums and galleries. New suggestions are also welcomed!
Where they Work: Kensington & Chelsea, Westminster, Hammersmith & Fulham
The best way to socialise is with fun and games. Many of the members at The Pepper Pot play dominoes, bingo, board games and cards. These social games enable our members to interact, have fun during their time here and to create a more interactive environment.
Where they Work: Kensington & Chelsea