19/07/2021
Information about our latest service updates and places to get support.
UPDATED 10/08/2021
You can find up to date advice on how to keep you and your household safe, including vaccinations, how to get a Covid test locally and extra support for those who need it, on Tower Hamlets Council’s website.
Rapid tests for people without symptoms are now available at Aberfeldy Community Centre and St Paul’s Way Community Centre. Find out more here.
Access our services
- Log on to MyHARCA (the quickest way to view statements, pay rent or service charges, apply for a parking bay, report ASB, make an enquiry and more)
- Call us on 0800 035 1991 (make a payment or report an emergency repair)
- Email us at info@poplarharca.co.uk
Our teams are available for online meetings, home visits and office appointments.
Our Head Office reception at 155 East India Dock Road isn’t open for drop-ins, so please contact us at info@poplarharca.co.uk before you visit.
Repairs in your home
Poplar HARCA is carrying out emergency and non-emergency repairs.
Report emergencies by calling us on 0800 035 1991.
Report non-emergencies by emailing repairsteam@poplarharca.co.uk.
Our contractors are taking extra safety measures to help keep you and themselves healthy while they work in your home. Find out more here.
Cleaning
Our Estate Services team is focusing on health and safety works. Please keep 2m away from them as they go about their daily tasks.
Community centres
Our community centres are open.
- See what’s on at our community centres here
- HARCA Centres Unlocked FacebookGroup has online health and wellbeing activities for all ages
- The Hive offers jobs and training advice in person, online and by telephone. Some courses are running in person again with limited numbers
- Spotlight offers support and activities for young people in person and online
- Poplar Union has a programme of events and activities
Cafes are also open including Poplar Bakehouse, Bow Brew, Spotlight and The Works Café.
Our centres will continue to support older and vulnerable households, and we are working with local charities, mutual aid groups and Tower Hamlets Council. If you feel you may need extra help, or are worried about an elderly or vulnerable neighbour, please let us know.
Keep up to date
We are sharing important coronavirus updates in our e-newsletter. Sign up now, or read the latest edition.
For more information on how you can take action to protect yourself and others, visit the NHS website.
Helpful links and information
Health information
- Official information from NHS
- Answers to 5 common questions from NHS
- Useful information for the elderly from Age UK
Information from the Government
- Official information and updates from the Government
- Useful updates from BBC news
- Register an extremely vulnerable person for support
Information from Tower Hamlets
- The Residents’ Support Scheme
- Official information from Tower Hamlets Council
- Useful local advice agencies and national helplines
- Contact information for support services
Tower Hamlets Council have a set up a phone helpline on 0207 364 3030 to support residents that have been identified as being extremely vulnerable and at the highest risk of severe illness from COVID-19 caused by coronavirus. All other residents who need support can use the online form, to let the council know about their situation and any issues they may face while isolating or managing their care during the coronavirus pandemic.
Financial information & Universal Credit
- Residents’ Support Scheme – financial help for Tower Hamlets residents in crisis
- Universal Credit – making a claim if your circumstances have changed
- Money Saving Expert – financial help and to know your rights
- The Money Advice Service – employment rights
- Citizens Advice – work, benefits and travel
- Saving Club – a free chat to find cheaper deals for energy, waste, internet and phone bills
- Bromley By Bow Centre – welfare, money management, debt and benefits advice
- Money Saving Expert – Universal Credit and benefits
Local foodbanks
Foodbanks across the country are experiencing high demand. You can support local organisations by making a donation online.
Covid-19 Mutual Aid community groups
- Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK – type in your postcode to find your local group
Help with shopping and errands
- Neighbours in Poplar on 020 7987 0257 or email
- St Hilda’s East (referral only – contact Tower Hamlets Homes’ support line for more info on 020 7364 5015)
- Women’s Inclusive Team on 020 7790 2650
- Limehouse Aid on 020 3322 7452 or email
Mental health support
You can find lots of free mental health support in Tower Hamlets and nationwide here.
Support for young people
- Spotlight supports young people aged 11-19 (or up to 25 if they have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)).
- Health Spot offers access to confidential advice on physical and mental wellbeing for young people.
- Community Parents offers support & activities for pregnant and new mums.
- Docklands Outreach offers Counselling & Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for young people, and parenting support for those who have young children experiencing emotional and behavioural difficulties (email or apply online).
If you’re struggling to find suitable childcare options, call Tower Hamlets’ Family Information Service on 020 7364 6495. - Idea Store offers free educational resources for children, including Story Time Online, a weekly art club challenge and free e-books/audiobooks at the Children’s e-Library.
- Advice & resources for parents and carers
Volunteering opportunities
Our local community has pulled together to support each other, and many organisations are recruiting more people to help.
- Volunteer Centre Tower Hamlets – variety of roles. Apply here.
- St. Paul’s Old Ford Church – help with handing out free school meals. They are also in touch with other community leaders who need extra help. Apply here.
- Women’s Inclusive Team – help with food and delivery assistance service. Contact 07984 854 191 or email.
- Poplar HARCA – variety of roles. Apply here.
- Poplar Shahjalal Masjid – help with shopping for people. Contact 07931 170 624 or 07950 598 867.
Support for business tenants
Find advice and support for our business tenants here.
Tower Hamlets Council
- New grants for business ratepayers including details about action you must take to receive a grant payment.
- Support and advice.
Fraud
The Metropolitan Police have received reports of coronavirus-related scams:
- NHS tests: Fraudsters claim to be doing coronavirus tests on behalf of the NHS. If anyone knocks on your door, ignore them and call the Police.
- Phishing emails: Fraudsters claim to be from research organisations linked to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). Don’t click on links or attachments in suspicious or unsolicited emails, and never respond to emails, calls or messages that ask for your personal or financial details.
- Free school meals: Fraudulent emails ask for bank details to support those entitled to free school meals. Do not open these emails, and delete immediately. Find out more.
- Shopping for the elderly: Fraudsters claim to be from supermarkets, take money from elderly residents for shopping and then don’t return. Do not hand over money to anyone knocking on your door and call the Police.
- Online shopping: If you’re making a purchase from a company or person you don’t know and trust, carry out some research first and use a credit card if you have one. Find out more.
Install the latest software and updates to protect your devices from the latest threats.