Help, when you need it
Being a part of a community, means supporting its people to thrive. We provide advice, workshops, and other support to help you when you need it.
We’ve put together a list of useful links that you might find helpful, whether you need help now or simply want to know what’s available to you in the future. And remember, your Council website will also be able to provide more information on safeguarding concerns.
If we can’t help you, we can point you in the right direction.
Keep well this winter
To help support you this winter, Tower Hamlets Council have shared a wellness guide. It includes lots of advice including how to keep warm, financial support available, and looking after your health. You'll also find lots of information on who to contact if you need support.
We do not tolerate domestic abuse
If you, or someone in your neighbourhood, is experiencing domestic abuse – we are here to help. We know that every situation is different, and we will be led by you. You are not alone and can have confidence in speaking to our experienced team.
Domestic abuse can include controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are of have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of their gender or sexuality.
In an emergency always call the police (999)
Help available to you
Energy saving advice
Energy Saving Trust
Around 21% of the UK’s carbon emissions come from our homes. The Energy Saving Trust helps you to make your home more energy efficient, reduce your carbon emissions and lower your energy bills.
Project LEAP
Project LEAP works in close partnership with Local Authorities and Housing Associations across the country to offer eligible residents a completely FREE energy and money saving service.
LEAP can help to save you money and keep your home warm and cosy. Its free of charge home visit can:
- install free simple energy saving measures such as LED light bulbs and draught-proofing
- check if you’re on the best energy tariff
- arrange a free money advice consultation
- help you find funding for further energy-saving home improvements.
Free advice
Financial Health Check
Financial Health Check
A range of free, confidential, and independent services available to all residents in Tower Hamlets.
Drop-in sessions will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and limited to six people per session so we advise that you come early in either the morning or afternoon to avoid disappointment.
To book an appointment, please call 020 7364 2200.
For further information please see the links below
Employment support
Finding a new job
It can be daunting trying to find a new job - but it's an important step towards building your future. Love London Working helps unemployed people over 16 to find work in London. They can help with CV writing, IT skills, job applications and interview prep.
The Better Employment Project
Are you feeling stuck in a job? The Hopscotch Woman's Centre is running the Better Employment Project to help support people who want to improve their skills and further their careers. They're providing free 1:1 coaching sessions and workshops on career guidance, job searching, CV writing, interview preperation and more. The project will be running until December 2024.
Benefit information and support
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a welfare payment combining six existing benefits into one, paid once a month into your bank account which will replace the following benefits:
- Housing Benefits
- Income-related Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Tax Credits
- Income Support
- Child Benefits
Bedroom Tax
Bedroom Tax is where the Housing Benefit Department decides if you have more bedroom(s) than you’re entitled to. They will then apply an appropriate reduction to your Housing Benefit. Currently, these reductions are 14% for one extra room and 25% for two or more extra rooms. Bedroom tax only affects people under pensionable age.
What can you do if you are affected?
- Pay the rent shortfall from your current income.
- Take on a lodger where appropriate (with consent from THCH)
- Register for a transfer or mutual exchange with the view of moving to a smaller home
- Apply for Discretionary Housing Benefit
Benefit Cap
If you are aged 16 to 64, there may be a limit on the total amount of benefit your household can get. This is called the Benefit Cap.
From 7 November 2016, the cap in Greater London changed to:
- £442.31 per week (£23,000 a year) if you’re in a couple
- £442.31 per week (£23,000 a year) if you’re a single parent and your children live with you
- £296.35 per week (£15,410 a year) if you’re a single adult
If you newly fall into these groups, you will start to be affected from sometime in January 2017. Those already affected by the Cap will have seen a further reduction made from 7 November.
What can you do if you are affected?
- Try to find Employment. (People on Working Tax Credits are exempt from Cap)
- Apply for Discretionary Housing Benefit – (only a short term solution)
- Look for ways to save money i.e. better Gas and Electricity tariffs
The following Benefits will exempt you from the Welfare Cap. Check to see if you receive the following Benefits;
- Personal Independence Payments ( PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance (AA)
- Carers Allowance
If you are struggling to pay your rent and need to speak to someone please contact the Income Recovery team.
If you need advice and support on getting into work or managing your money and benefits please contact our Tenancy Support Officer.
Upskilling courses
Free upskilling courses for adults
Would you like to improve your maths skills? New City College are providing a range of free adult courses designed to:
- Improve your maths skills for work
- Help with your children's homework
- Manage your finances
