Toynbee Hall

We work alongside people facing poverty and injustice to build a fairer and happier East London. Based in the East End since 1884, we offer high quality, timely services, informed and shaped by the experiences of the people we work with. Our advice services, youth and older people’s projects and financial inclusion work are all geared towards supporting members of our community, not only in times of crisis but on a longer term basis by providing them with the skills and support they need to open up access to opportunities. When Toynbee Hall first opened its doors in 1884, the need for help and support was greater here than almost anywhere else in the UK. 135 years later and the community in which we work remains one of the unequal in the UK. With 44% of people in Tower Hamlets still living in poverty, our work is as vital today as it was then. Throughout our 135 years our story is one of pioneering new solutions for poverty, working within our community and giving people the skills and knowledge they need to help themselves while working to influence opinion and to change the systems and policies that affect people today. Our services are free of charge, and every year our residential and non-residential volunteers give us over 4,000 hours of their time to deliver services and engage with communities across Tower Hamlets and beyond.