A project aimed at supporting families through the cost of living crisis by providing free essential items has reached more than 4,000 residents since it launched, new figures have confirmed.
The Community Cupboard was set up last November by Tower Hamlets Council and has been running at all 12 of our Children and Family Centres, providing free essential items like nappies, wipes, body wash and toothpaste to residents struggling to cope with the cost of living crisis.
The Community Cupboard was funded by the Government’s Household Support Fund and has helped more than 4,700 residents.
Mijanur Rahman, an outreach worker, who has been delivering the scheme with colleagues across the family centres said the feedback to the scheme has been humbling.
Mijanur said:
“We take it for granted that everyone has access to basic items like shampoo or toothpaste but many families are genuinely finding it hard to balance their budgets, pay their rent and bills.
“The Community Cupboard has been a real lifeline to many.”
Acting Head of Tackling Poverty at Tower Hamlets Council Dominic Hinde said:
“Our aim is to help ease the pressure on residents who have been hit hard by the cost of living crisis and the Community Cupboard was a project introduced last year as a practical way to help.
“Our Childrens and Family Centres offer a range of services such as free play sessions, SEND coffee mornings, access to health services and much more.
“If you have not visited one, why not pop in and see what they have to offer and how they can help you?”
Find out more about our Cost of Living Help campaign at www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/costofliving
Find out more about our Children and Family Centres at www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/CFC
Posted on Tuesday 26th March 2024