Back Church Lane

East London residents, why not join our one-day course in mental health awareness later this month? The day provides insights into how best we can take care for ourselves, as well as valuable knowledge that will boost your vocational skills and look good on the CV.

🏛️: Phoenix Heights Community Centre, E14 9AR

📅: 22 January

⏰: 9.45am – 2.30pm

Register by email to:employmentandtrainingteam@onehousing.co.uk

Or Text to: 07854266366

East London residents, this Wednesday is enrolment day for our ‘Skill Up 2 Get Ahead’ Programme funded by The Riverside Group. Free short courses, coaching and help with your CV, plus guaranteed job interviews. See how to register below, and we’ll see you on Wednesday at Flower and Dean Community Centre.

📆 Wednesday 11 October

⏰: 10.30am to 1.30pm

As the cost of living crisis continues, it is important to be aware of every opportunity to access assistance and guidance for families and communities. Please follow the links to find out more information on the support available for Tower Hamlets residents.

www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/costofliving

www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/rss.

Do you need help to get into employment or training?

Why not come along to our weekly employment surgeries every Wednesday and Thursday

Sessions in East London and on the Isle of Dogs.

See flyer for full details, including how to register your interest.

It is always lovely to have a catch up with our residents. Particularly when they want to show you their appreciation over a delicious outdoor breakfast put on for you to say thank you and to tell me all about how applying for the Environment Bid Fund has enhanced resident's wellbeing and brought their community together in such positives ways.

The Environmental Improvement Budget is our fund to support ideas to improve the community environment for our residents.

Every year each region is awarded a fixed sum of money to use for environmental improvement bids. The aim is to give our Resident Panels, Housing teams and residents the ability to make changes to the local neighbourhood to improve the area. Resident Panels approve the bids regularly so there's always lots of work going on.

A big thank you to the lovely east region Property Managers who have supported residents and myself to submit applications for the east region Resident Panel meetings for approval.

Just a few testimonial's from the residents of 129 Back Church Lane.

"I feel that it will now be possible to relax in the garden in wind, rain and sunshine. Thank you for securing the funds and to those involved in construction work. A great job!"

"Looks super beautiful!"

"Looks amazing! Lots of summer parties coming up!"

"Fantastic job. The garden looks much more welcoming than how it used. I have tried all the seating and it's great. Thank you so much for the funds and the hard work. I love the new lights in the gazebo too!"

"It looks so lovely. What a nice view from the windows and balcony. A little relaxing, quiet spot in the middle of the city. Love all the blossom trees too."

We recently helped fund two workshops in Newham which were delivered by the national charity, Street Doctors.

There are no easy answers to addressing the epidemic of knife crime, but Street Doctors’ innovative approach seeks to put young people at the centre of emergency first-aid provision, empowering them to become part of the solution.  

The workshops, held in April at Forest Gate Youth Zone, were the prelude to further planned events set to be held outdoors during the summer.

At the workshops, trained medics taught young participants the first-aid skills they need to know should they ever witness serious injury caused by violent assault. Just as importantly, participants left the session having understood – perhaps for the first time – the seriousness of this issue, and the tragic consequences that can so easily unfold when a young person decides to carry a knife.  

Amma Nkrumah says: “As we continue looking for ways to empower our residents, we are very mindful that our young people need guidance and support to tackle the challenges they may sometimes face. Working with Street Doctors is one of the ways we can best do this.” 

"These workshops need to happen more often on our estates. It can help us save the lives of our friends. Knife crime is getting out of control and it is scary." Corey

"I am glad that we get to do this workshop as us young people can feel kind of hopeless when somebody gets stabbed. With the knowledge of first aid we can possibly help if we were ever to be in this situation.” Karina

If you or a young person you know might be interested in attending one of Street Doctors’ future events, please visit their website for details.

For residents struggling with the cost of living here are some offers worth looking into.

Disability Grants

If you or someone you live with has a disability, there's a website that lists all the charities and trusts that provide funding towards the high cost of disability equipment, holidays, days out, and much else besides. Check out Disability Grants today.

Thames Water

London residents, Thames Water offers support to customers struggling to pay their bills. If you’re living on a low income, the ‘WaterSure’ or ‘WaterHelp’ schemes may be of interest. Eligibility criteria apply. To discuss your options call Thames Water on 0800 009 3652.

Broadband bargains

Residents in receipt of benefits may be able to save money on their broadband by switching to a social tariff - special affordable deals that are cheaper than standard broadband tariffs, starting at just £12 a month. Learn more about what each provider offers and how to switch to a social tariff.

Residents who are in or at risk of being in crisis or those who need immediate help due to no source of financial support available are encouraged to apply for the Tower Hamlets Council Residents’ Support Scheme.

The scheme will help with short-term living costs such as credit food and gas/electric prepayment metres. It can also help in some circumstances with white goods and furniture.

Please note that cash will not usually be awarded, but a pay point voucher can be supplied to the applicant where necessary.

Find out more