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We work in partnership with organisations across Tower Hamlets to connect residents to health and wellbeing activities at our community centres and lots of other services nearby.

Befriending Service

There are many people who are lonely and living in isolation across Poplar and Bow and this affects their health and quality of life dramatically.

The support offered by befrienders gives companionship through the opportunity to talk to someone friendly on a regular basis.

Sign-up or refer for Befriending
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Sign-up for Befriending

Poplar HARCA’s befriending service is a friendly chat when you need it, sometimes it’s just nice to talk. We match you with a friendly volunteer for a weekly chat at a time that suits you.
To get started, just tell us a bit about yourself in the form below and we’ll do the rest. Alternatively if you’d prefer to sign up over the phone call us on 020 7005 7608.

Sign-up for Befriending
I am a Poplar HARCA resident
Are you applying for yourself or referring someone?
This person has agreed to be referred
Are you happy to have a regular, weekly friendly telephone chat with a volunteer? (Please note, this isn't a counselling service)
Are you available regularly on the same day at the same time to receive a weekly call?
Data Protection *
When you use forms to get in touch with us, we collect personal information for the purposes of dealing with your enquiry. Our website is developed by Tessellate Design Studio Ltd and they are our data processor. Tessellate Design Studio will only process personal information in line with our instructions. Read their full privacy notice. The information submitted to us may also be stored longer on Poplar HARCA databases for the continuation of services to you. We will not share your information with any third party company unless we have sought your consent or to carry out a legal obligation to you, such as fix a repair. Read our full privacy notice.

HARCA Centres Unlocked

When Poplar HARCA community centres closed during coronavirus lockdown, we started the HARCA Centres Unlocked facebook group for regular live online activities. Due to it’s success, we’ll be continuing an online programme of activities here as our centres reopen. Joins us for everything from fitness to food, health & wellbeing, advice and support and lots more.

Visit HARCA Centres Unlocked

Well One

WellOne is an online directory connecting residents to local health & wellbeing activities.

WellOne is a partnership of housing associations, schools, GPs and community organisations working together to improving health and wellbeing across Poplar, Bow and Limehouse. We organise campaigns around health awareness, promote healthy lifestyles and healthy living, and deliver health and wellbeing festivals, activities and events.

Visit the WellOne website

Going digital in the time of covid

Stories of Change - Going digital in the time of Covid

Digital inclusion is an integral part of Poplar HARCA’s strategy to reduce the ever-widening digital divide and its effects on low-income families.

For over 10 years, we have worked with partners such as the Good Things Foundation (GTF) to provide digital skills training to our residents. Little did we know that the time would come when providing digital skills would not be enough if people do not have computer devices and internet connection at home.  The COVID-19 pandemic proved this.

Access to our public computer suites were closed and families who rely on these public resources were stuck. Children had to be home-schooled and essential services had gone online.

In response, we immediately re-directed some of our GTF funding resources to 30 of the most vulnerable families, equipping them with computer devices (tablets) containing basic tools that they can use to stay connected and access essential services. This initiative triggered other to get more families connected. And so the Connecting Communities Partnership was born.

Read the Stories of Change – Going Digital in the time of Covid, an initial evaluation of the Connecting Communities Programme that aims to provide families with 50mb broadband Internet connection, a Google Chromebook digital device, basic digital training, and basic ICT support.