Riverbank Trust

Riverbank is a Christian charity that equips and supports vulnerable single mothers of all faiths and none with long-term practical and emotional support in partnership with the church community.

Riverbank was founded in 2010 in Richmond to reach out to single mums facing vulnerabilities. Local services could not offer the long-term relational support needed to see transformational change. The idea arose to form a charity that would build relationship and empower women emerging from crises. Since 2022 Riverbank has grown to also support families in Hounslow, Wandsworth, Surrey and Kingston. Riverbank continues to grow and see transformational change in single mother families.

"I am no longer alone"

- Riverbank Mum

"Riverbank helped my family beyond measure, it has helped me come out of my shell, I am slowly getting back to feeling like me again....I feel less alone....they didn't give up on me."

- Riverbank Mum

"Riverbank has....given us a place to....find support during life's ups and downs. The sense of belonging and the encouragement ... have helped shaped our values and how we approach everyday life as a family."

- Riverbank Mum

Riverbank supports families in 3 ways

A dedicated Riverbank team member meets with Mum to listen and to support. Riverbank will support each Mum for as long or as short a time as she likes, offering a caring relationship that reflects Gods love for every single Mum we meet. During these 1:1s, emotional and practical support is given by the outreach worker in a way that reflects the specific needs of the family.

Riverbank runs small and safe community groups where single Mums meet and support each other. Riverbank supports in local stay and play groups and runs craft and breakfast mornings, parenting groups, and support groups for mothers of children with SEND.

Riverbank uses its network of local churches and community partners, to help equip and support Mum on her journey. Riverbank will support Mum in accessing these support services fully to enable the best outcome for the family. Network partners include statutory services such as social services, housing services, schools, and numerous voluntary sector services. These includes debt support, food and hygiene banks, counselling options, and individual grants to support in crisis situations.

Jasmine's Story

Jasmine (name changed for protection) saw her relationship with her husband break down. Life became difficult and Jasmine's mental health deteriorated.

Soon everything began falling apart and her ability to parent seemed to fade too. Jasmine feared for her life. She feared for her children.

One day a Riverbank outreach worker knocked on Jasmine's door at the hostel. The outreach worker met weekly with Jasmine to listen, to encourage, and to pray for Jasmine. Over time Jasmine attended a small Riverbank community group and met other mums and Riverbank team members. Things began changing for Jasmine; around her grew a community that supported her, and Jasmine discovered she could support others too.

Jasmine's experiences at Riverbank were transformative and led to peace in heart and mind. Jasmine put relationship difficulties behind her, found emotional stability, found confidence as a mother, and increasingly saw herself as she truly is - as Jesus sees her.

Jasmine began leading an organisation bringing transformation to communities around us. Today, Jasmine not only enjoys motherhood but enjoys life in fullness.