Tower Hamlets has been an entry point into the UK for generations of migrants. As a result the Borough has a diverse population of 220,000 people. This includes one of the highest ethnic minority populations in the capital, consisting mainly of Bangladeshis.

I am Chief Executive of Toynbee Hall, a community-based organisation set up to support local people and encourage them to take control of their lives.

We have the ambitious vision of eradicating ALL poverty.

As a community organisation, we are steeped in social history. We are regularly consulted by the Government to help identify national solutions whilst simultaneously working at a local level. 

We operate across the Borough offering a wide range of local services such as Money Management, Community Learning, Older and Young People Services and a Diversion Scheme which looks to reduce the number of women entering into prostitution. 

The overarching aim of these projects is to increase financial inclusion, improve access to justice, raise local skills and aspirations whist improving health and well-being to strengthen our community.