BDCA is delighted to be awarded funding from East End Community Foundation (EECF), which will support two of our vital community initiatives in East Ham, London. The first project will provide weekly workshops for young people and the second will support local pensioners with benefits advice, both starting from September 2025.

Hope for Local Young People

This news is welcome and timely, as BDCA’s council-commissioned youth provision closed last week due to funding cuts from the London Borough of Newham. Over 100 young people attended Bobby Moore Sports Pavilion on the last night of the Empower Youth Project on Friday 27 June, but were now able to leave with hope instead of sadness.

EECF’s grant will enable BDCA to run a smaller yet engaging programme of wellbeing workshops to inspire, connect and empower local young people. From drama to gym and football, these sessions will provide a safe, welcoming space for young people to have fun, build confidence and develop new skills.

Practical Advice for Pensioners

The second initiative will boost BDCA’s support for older residents by enabling us to offer one-to-one benefits advice sessions. These appointments will help local pensioners navigate the complex welfare system, ensuring they are accessing all the financial support they are entitled to—something increasingly necessary during the current cost-of-living crisis.

Working Together

Sarah Laing, Chief Executive of BDCA, said: “This funding comes at a critical time for our community. We’re excited to be able to offer opportunities for young people that will help to improve wellbeing and enable them to stay connected and grow, while ensuring our older neighbours get the practical help they need. We are immensely grateful to EECF for making this possible.”

Tracey Walsh, Chief Executive of East End Community Foundation, added: “BDCA play a crucial role in East Ham, and we’re proud to support their work, from boosting youth wellbeing to tackling pensioner poverty, funded through our Life Chances Campaign.”

The partnership between EECF and BDCA highlights the power of local investment in creating real, lasting impact to local lives.

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