Where to find help and support

The organisations listed in this section can help you with information about benefits and tax credits, including your eligibility. Depending on your needs, some of these services can also give you financial advice and guidance on employment and training opportunities.

Whether you need a little help understanding how the latest government policy changes are going to impact you and your family, or you’re trying to decide what steps you need to take to secure your future ambitions, the Limehouse Project offers a range of services for all your social welfare needs.

Offers one-to-one advice and guidance in English, Bengali and Somali.

Appointments available to book between 2-5pm, Monday to Friday.

Find out more

• Visit www.limehouseproject.org.uk
• Email advice@limehouseproject.org.uk
• Call 020 7538 0075

The Bromley by Bow Centre is a community charity that offers over 40 services and activities for residents in Tower Hamlets, including free advice on a wide range of financial issues such as benefits, housing and debt.

Find out more

• Visit www.bbbc.org.uk/contact

For benefit, housing and debt support

• Call 07391 683612 or 07732 297521

For employment and training support

• Email employment@bbbc.org.uk

Clean Slate helps people to improve their financial wellbeing, including guidance on money management, finding work and accessing online services.

Find out more

• Visit www.cleanslateltd.co.uk/sign-up
• Email london@cleanslateltd.co.uk
• Call 0203 540 4721
• Or come along to the Feldy every Wednesday, 9.30am – 12.30pm or the Linc Centre every Wednesday, 1.30 – 3.30pm

You can also ask to be referred by our Community Development and Wellbeing team.

If you’re worried about being cold or hungry, there’s a variety of local organisations who can provide you with access to healthy, affordable food and emergency support. We’ve also listed a couple of services offering friendly and safe spaces for those who need a warm place to spend time when it’s cold.

Our partners at More Life Home will be helping local people and families to access free food.

• Every Friday, 2 – 4pm at the Feldy

Spotlight is hosting a a weekly family-style dinner for young people aged 11 – 19. Come along to enjoy a hot meal, learn how to cook and chat with others.

Find out more

• Visit wearespotlight.com/breaking-bread

Come along for a free tea and coffee at our Linc Centre.

• Every Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm

The First Love Foundation helps families to access emergency food and financial support.

To be referred, please visit one of community centres or email us at community.centres@poplarharca.co.uk

Find out more and book

• Visit www.firstlovefoundation.org.uk
• Call St Paul’s Way on 0207 510 5600

Neighbours in Poplar offers community care for people aged 50+ in the E14 postcode, as well as support for families during the holidays. It also hosts a lunch club during the week, and delivers Christmas meals.

Find out more

• Visit www.neighboursinpoplar.com
• Email enquiries@neighboursinpoplar.com
• Call 020 7987 0257

Tower Hamlets Council has set up several Food Stores across the borough to support people who cannot afford enough food for themselves or their families.

You can pick up a week’s worth of food in exchange for a small membership fee, and receive support with:

• housing
• benefits access
• employment and more.

Find out more

• Visit Tower Hamlet Council’s website
• Email thefoodstore@towerhamlets.gov.uk

The law can be difficult to understand but getting some guidance doesn’t need to cost you a fortune. A range of services are on hand to help you navigate your rights and obligations when it comes to housing, debt, benefits, immigration and more.

The Citizens Advice Bureau provides free specialised legal advice and representation when needed.

They cover various areas including:

• Welfare benefits law
• Housing
• Immigration
• Employment law
• Family law

Every Wednesday, 10am – 12pm at the Feldy

Find out more

• Call 0203 855 5234

Provides free initial legal advice with a qualified lawyer covering a variety of issues, including:

• Debt
• Housing
• Employment
• Consumer
• Welfare benefits

Find out more

• Email poplawadvisor@poplaw.org.uk
• Call 07920 288269

Offers free specialist legal advice, including representation in courts and tribunals if required. Areas covered include:

• Welfare benefits law
• Housing law
• Immigration law
• Employment advice

Find out more

• Visit the Tower Hamlets Law Centre website
• Call 020 7538 4909

Offers free specialist legal advice on a needs base. The service can help with:

• Housing eligibility based on Legal Aid
• Welfare benefit appeals
• Specialist employment advice
• Family clinic focusing on domestic violence
• First stage employment law

Find out more

• Visit the Legal Advice Centre London webpage
• Call 020 3606 0372

Provides help and support for unpaid carers in Tower Hamlets, including information and advice, independent advocacy and training.

Find out more

• Visit www.ccth.org.uk

Refuge is the largest domestic abuse organisation in the UK, helping them to overcome the physical, emotional, financial and logistical impacts of abuse and rebuild their lives — free from fear.

Find out more

• Visit refuge.org.uk

Located on the Isle of Dogs, Island Advice Centre offers free, confidential, independent advice on welfare rights, housing, debt and immigration – from basic advice and assistance to court support.

Find out more

• Visit www.island-advice.org.uk

Offers a range of specialist support services including welfare advice for people living with HIV in East London.

Find out more

• Visit www.positiveeast.org.uk