Case studies
The council has 70 premises that it rents exclusively to voluntary and community organisations. These premises are described as the Community Premises Portfolio. Organisations rent these premises to provide services to local people.
You can read about the background the some of these organisations, and how they use council properties to benefit people in Tower Hamlets below. The first of these is Weavers Community Forum.
Introduction to Weavers Community Forum
Established in 2010 as a grassroots youth and community organisation, Weavers Community Forum (WCF) has been dedicated to addressing challenges such as unemployment, isolation, poverty, crime, and anti-social behaviour within the north-west of the borough. Operating from the Weavers Community Centre at 10 Shacklewell Street in Weavers Ward, WCF has transformed a once-abandoned building into a vibrant hub that offers a wide range of services aimed at supporting marginalised members of the community. Over the past 14 years, WCF has become a cornerstone of support and opportunity for local residents. 
Value of Weavers Community Forum
Last year, Weavers Community Forum supported over 300 young people, providing skill-building activities, fitness education, and social events, including the annual Community Fun Day, which fosters community cohesion and reduces social isolation. Through the Employment Training & Advice (ETA) Project, 65 unemployed individuals received tailored support, with several achieving Level 2 accredited qualifications and progressing into full-time employment, education, or volunteering.
The Weavers Health Project promoted well-being among elderly women, engaging 150 participants in healthy living workshops, light exercise, and social activities that boosted both physical and mental health. Meanwhile, the Weavers Advice Project (WAP) offered vital support to 60 residents, tackling issues such as housing, welfare, and debt, significantly improving their financial stability and quality of life.
Positive Activities for Young People (PAYP), delivered in partnership with Tower Hamlets Youth Services, engaged 50 young people in transformative programmes such as conflict resolution training, martial arts, ad event management. These activities developed leadership skills and reduced gang-related conflicts.
The Forum’s flagship event, the Weavers Community Fun Day 2024, brought together over 500 attendees, celebrating the area’s diversity and fostering connections among residents through engaging workshops and activities.
In total, Weavers Community Forum supported over 625 people last year, demonstrating its vital role in fostering a healthier, more connected, and empowered community.
Value of the Council Building to WCF
The Weavers Community Centre serves as the heart of WCF's operations. The site contains a small community room, office, and kitchen set within a small gated and paved area with an adjacent growing space-cum-forest garden area. It is next to the double Multi-Use-Games-Area (MUGA) facility on the same street.
Transformed from its abandoned state, the building hosts four user groups, including a weekly women-only group and a homework support club. The hall is also available for hire, catering to small parties, meetings, and training sessions when it’s not in use. The centre's transformation reflects the resilience and dedication of the community it serves.
"The Weavers Community Centre is more than just a building; it is the beating heart of the community. From supporting young people with skills and employment to fostering health, inclusion, and community spirit among diverse groups, this centre embodies the resilience and potential of Weavers Ward. Its value to both the Forum and the residents is immeasurable, serving as a foundation for hope, growth, and connection in Tower Hamlets."
Yousuf Khan, Managing Director
The Value of the Voluntary and Community Sector in Tower Hamlets
The voluntary and community sector is core to the existence of Tower Hamlets, contributing to the wider social fabric of the borough in so many ways. The sector comprises a wide range of over 1300 organisations with a combined income of over £200 million, employing 4,300 people and supported by over 25,000 volunteers. The current climate in the voluntary and community sector is a challenging one with a combination of factors including a difficult funding environment, a cost-of-living crisis, rising costs, and increased demand for services. This is true nationally but is particularly acute in Tower Hamlets with its high levels of poverty and disadvantage.
Community Premises Offer
Weavers Community Centre is one of 70 council premises that are part of the Community Premises Portfolio- a varied property portfolio which are available exclusively for lease by VCS organisations at a community rent. Qualifying organisations can further reduce rental costs by up to 80% as part of the Council's Community Benefit Rent Reduction Scheme. Find our more on our Community premises to lease ection.
For buildings that are available for hourly or short-term hire you can find out more information on our Halls and venues for hire section.