Frequently Asked Questions

Riverbank supports and equips single mothers of all faiths and none through long-term emotional and practical support in partnership with the church community. Riverbank does this in three ways. Firstly, through one-to-one relationship (sometimes called befriending). Secondly, through small needs-based Riverbank community groups. Thirdly, through bringing to single Mums the support of Riverbank’s network of churches and partners.

Riverbank defines a single mother as a mother who is parenting alone or predominately alone. We understand what this looks like can vary. It might be that a mother has left home due to domestic abuse and her child now has limited or no contact with the father. It might be that a mother is parenting alone because the father cannot parent with the mother because he is, for example, currently in prison.

We understand that situations and relationships can be complicated; if you are a mum who is parenting alone or predominately alone – for whatever reason – then Riverbank will consider a referral for support.

Riverbank’s services are not only for Christian single mothers, and non-Christian single mothers do not need to become Christian to continue receiving Riverbank’s services. Riverbank’s services are unconditionally delivered to all single mothers from all backgrounds and from all faiths and none. Riverbank believes fiercely in the biblical revelation that faith in Jesus Christ is a free and personal choice, and that every person is made in the image of God, is unique and is of equal value.

Riverbank was born in the borough of Richmond Upon Thames and has served single mothers there since 2011. The charity’s objects include “the London Borough of Richmond-Upon-Thames or elsewhere at the Trustees’ discretion”. In 2022 Riverbank experienced its first geographic expansion outside the town of Richmond, into the town of Ham.

Riverbank serves vulnerable single mothers from all background and all faiths and none.

Yes, in a number of instances Riverbank also serves the children of single mothers. Research shows that children growing up in vulnerable single parent families are more likely to struggle educationally, socially and experience poor emotional health. In view of Riverbank’s holistic approach to service, in many instances one-to-one relationship is established between a Riverbank Outreach Worker and the child of a Riverbank single mother. In a growing number of schools Riverbank Outreach Workers deliver a classroom-based 10 unit emotional literacy syllabus bringing significant changes to children’s mental health and behaviour.

Whilst Riverbank’s services do not directly cover extended family or other related individuals, Riverbank believes that addressing the needs of the whole family ultimately creates an environment for the greatest degree of long-term change. Therefore, Riverbank always seeks the wellbeing of the whole family even when this means sign-posting to a provider other than Riverbank.

For support from Riverbank please visit the Get Support page.

Thank you for being interested in supporting Riverbank. For some of the many ways to support us please visit the Give Support page.

Thank you for your interest in Riverbank; please visit the Institutional Funders page for more information.

For why Riverbank is called Riverbank please visit the Why ‘Riverbank’? page.