Creating Space to Breathe in an Income-Deprived Borough 

Tower Hamlets remains one of London’s most income-deprived boroughs, with over 40% of households living on low incomes. For residents, this is not simply a matter of finances – it’s about navigating multiple, overlapping challenges while trying to maintain stability, health, and family life. For advisers at Toynbee Hall’s Tower Hamlets Advice Service, their work provides essential support and breathing space, enabling residents to take the first steps toward reclaiming control of their lives. 

Understanding life in Tower Hamlets 

Residents in Tower Hamlets face multiple difficulties, often at the same time. Poor health can make it impossible to work, and caring for a loved one is often a full-time responsibility. Many are managing these pressures while trying to cope with daily life, yet the systems designed to help can feel overwhelming. 

“Many local people face multiple disadvantages,” the team says. “They’re living on very limited incomes while also experiencing ill health – both themselves and within their families. Many are experiencing mental ill health as well as physical health problems.”

The benefits system can be complex, sometimes requiring over 40 pages to be completed. It’s unsurprising that there’s a lack of confidence in dealing with the benefit system alone, and many have English as a second language. For anyone in these circumstances, completing these forms alone would be almost impossible. Residents often need guidance just to navigate the first few steps. 

“Most of the work we do is helping people claim disability benefits such as Personal Independence Payments (PIP), Attendance Allowance, and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for disabled children,” Helen, Head of Tower Hamlets Advice explains. “Being able to access the right disability benefits These can makes the difference between just about keeping your head above water and being able to afford to pay bills. It can relieve stress and anxiety knowing you are no longer living on the bare minimum.” 

Real impact on residents 

The support provided by advisers has profound effects. Securing the right benefits can reduce stress, improve mental health, and provide residents with the breathing space to take next steps – whether that is returning to work, applying for training, or simply regaining a sense of control over daily life. 

One case illustrates this clearly: a man in his late fifties, living with severe mental health problems, had become increasingly dependent on his son. They needed help with a PIP application. With careful support from the advisers, the claim was successful, unlocking vital income and bringing months of stress to an end. 

For families with disabled children, finding support can be transformative. The right benefits don’t just increase household income – they ease the constant stress and uncertainty, giving parents the space to focus on their child’s needs. Caring for a disabled child brings extra costs for equipment, therapies, and daily care, and without support, these pressures can quickly become overwhelming. Accessing the help they’re entitled to can make a real, tangible difference to family life. 

“Income support isn’t just about money”, an adviser reflects. “It’s about dignity, breathing space, and the chance to focus on health, family and the future.” 

This work allows residents to reclaim their wellbeing and start planning for the future. It gives them the space to apply for jobs, take up training, or simply regain their confidence after periods of extreme stress. 

The bigger picture 

Income deprivation is not caused by laziness or lack of effort. Residents are often working multiple jobs or providing unpaid care, yet the system to help them itself is a barrier. The complexity, length, and administrative burden of forms can trap people in an endless cycle of stress and poverty. 

“When you help someone access what they’re entitled to,” an adviser reflects, “you’re not just solving a problem – you’re restoring stability to a household. You’re helping people to be able to put food on their tables or buy new school shoes. The impact is massive.” 

Frontline experience shows that support is vital. Simpler, fairer systems, earlier intervention, and long-term funding could transform lives. Until then, advisers remain essential, helping residents navigate forms, reclaim benefits, and regain a sense of control over their lives. 

In Tower Hamlets, where four in ten households live on low incomes, advice is not optional – it’s a lifeline, giving residents the breathing space they need to get back on their feet.