Even before the pandemic hit, 52% of children in our borough were living in poverty. One in 24 people were homeless – the highest rate of any local authority in England. Newham also had the highest rates of repossession in London, highlighting its longstanding challenges with debt.
Since the arrival of COVID-19, many local residents face increased challenges including housing problems, debt, food poverty and unemployment. Others continue to struggle with longer-term issues at home such as family breakdown, domestic violence, bereavement, chronic illness or addiction.
At Bonny Downs, we work tirelessly to support our neighbours in need, give them a helping hand, and help them move forward through a suite of joined-up support services. We also work in close partnership with other local organisations including Newham Foodbank, Bonny Downs Baptist Church, Skills Enterprise, Ascension Community Trust and the NEWway Project to help build a brighter future for Newham together.
Our current support services include the following:
Foodbank
BDCA teamed up with Bonny Downs Church to run our foodbank where our volunteers provide emergency food parcels and a free hot lunch for people who cannot afford to feed themselves and their children. You will need foodbank vouchers. We are open Wednesdays 11 am – 2 pm at Bonny Downs Church, 18 Darwell Close, London E6 6BT
NewDay Centre
We support homeless and vulnerably housed adults with job search support, life skills courses, showers, laundry facilities, advocacy and signposting. To book a slot for advice and support, showers or laundry, please use the online booking system here.
Growing Strong
We provide local children and young people who are at risk of hunger with a package of support, including greater access to healthy food, safe places to play, donated clothes/equipment/ toys and educational support. Please email families@bonnydowns.org
Active4Life
In partnership with New Way Project and Caritas Anchor House, we offer free sports activities for adults affected by homelessness. This is currently on pause due to government guidelines regarding Covid19.
Advice & Support
BDCA’s team of friendly advocates offer free 1-2-1 advice appointments to help people get through their crises. Our team includes trained advisors and can help with things like benefit applications, liaising with social services, negotiating affordable debt repayment plans and helping you access local support services that meet your needs.
Our Debt Centre is open for free phone appointments on Monday mornings from 9.30am -12.30pm. This service is currently open to existing clients only. To book an appointment, call 020 8586 7070 or email support@bonnydowns.org
Our Elders Advocacy service is for Newham residents over the age of 50 who need someone to support them to get their voice heard and their wishes understood. For more information or to get support call Clem on 07449 105 436 or email clem.richards@bonnydowns.org
We also offer Employment Advice including help and advice with employment search, training, CVs and job applications. Please contact support@bonnydowns.org
Jasmin’s story: “I’m much less fearful now!”
Jasmin first came to our debt surgery for a free face-to-face assessment before lockdown because her family was struggling to make ends meet. When her husband was furloughed in April and their income reduced further, they became extremely stressed and couldn’t see a way out.
Our trained advisors went through their finances with them in detail and agreed a targeted plan of action for the short and long-term. We helped them claim Universal Credit, secure reduced rate Council Tax, negotiate an affordable debt repayment plan and set a new affordable household budget.
Jasmin says: “Your support has stopped us from going under and drowning in debt. I’m much less fearful now, knowing there is a plan in place to give us freedom from money worries!”