We’re thrilled to announce a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to address the levels of pensioner poverty in the East End. At the end of our 9-month pilot programme, and investment of £82,895 in grants, the local organisations we funded through our Life Chances campaign have secured an astounding £420,000 in benefits income for older people in Tower Hamlets!
Pensioner poverty is acute in London’s East End, where it ranks the highest in the nation. Our research and firsthand experience identifed that many older adults were not accessing the benefits they are entitled to. The Campaign coordinated and funded specialist benefits advice training to outreach workers at frontline organisations supporting older people. Grant funding provided additional capacity for those staff to assess their client’s household income and benefit entitlements and support them in making claims.
Caroline Whyte, Outreach Staff from Neighbours in Poplar said “The training has given us a massive amount of confidence when dealing with claims for older people. The skills and knowledge we’ve developed have helped us successfully secure benefits for our clients.”
Based on the success of our pilot funding, we’ve now awarded grants of over £110,000, with continuation funding to two groups and new awards to seven groups serving Tower Hamlets, and now Newham! This willl expand our outreach efforts reaching a greater number of older people across diverse communities.
Allan Anderson, EECF Head of Grants said “The expansion of our services marks a significant stride forward in our mission to enhance the quality of life for older members of our community. Through this initiative, we’re fostering a culture of collaboration, empowerment, and inclusivity, ensuring that no older people in the East End and City of London are left behind.”
Find out more about our Life Chances campaign click here.
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