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The East End is one of the most diverse and vibrant areas of London, yet it has the worst levels of poverty amongst older people and children in the country. The pandemic has exacerbated these inequalities, meaning local people have been amongst the hardest hit by unemployment, loneliness, deprivation and social exclusion.
Our Life Chances Fund is an innovative multi-borough giving scheme that funds frontline organisations and community groups to provide essential support to enrich the lives of residents across the East End.
The Fund combines our own money, together with donations from a broad range of stakeholders, including Corporate donors, local authorities, schools, housing associations and small businesses.
Pooling our resources, Life Chances aims to raise £5 million and target that investment where it is needed most:
With local people facing even greater financial strains from the cost-of-living crisis, the urgency of this campaign has never been greater.
Unemployment rates are rising, most significantly in London, where 20% of those aged 16-24 are out of work. One in 6 are experiencing poor mental health. Vulnerable young people lack safe spaces and are at higher risk of engaging in gangs, substance misuse and other harmful practices. The Life Chances Campaign will tackle these issues by investing in experienced local organisations uniquely placed to provide the support young people need.
Latest research shows clear links between income poverty and digital exclusion, with over 50,000 homes in London’s East End without internet connection and unable to access online education, vital public services and employment opportunities. The Life Chances Campaign is closing the digital divide in the East End by providing hundreds of low-income families and older people with a device, 12-months free internet access, and digital skills training.
Tower Hamlets, Hackney and Newham have the highest levels of pensioner poverty in the UK. Increased levels of loneliness during the Covid-19 pandemic have impacted across the country, but local people in Hackney and Tower Hamlets have reported higher levels than the UK average. Life Chances will help lift older people out of poverty by supporting them access benefits, get online and take part in community activities to reduce loneliness and isolation.
East End Community Foundation is a registered charity, number 1147789 and we’re a limited company, number 8104415.
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