Category: Blogs

From Research to Real Change: Co-Creating Emotional Support in Tower Hamlets

In this blog, Mehjabin and Nasrat reflect on their journey through a unique pilot project in Tower Hamlets, one that began with youth-led research into the emotional impact of the cost of living crisis, and grew into a series of collaborative workshops and community-building sessions. Blending lived experience, skill-sharing, and intergenerational dialogue, the project offered…
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Don’t miss the launch of Toynbee Talks The Mind-Body Connection with Anisha Joshi

Are you curious about the link between your mind and body? How emotional stress, anxiety, and mental health challenges manifest physically? If so, then you won’t want to miss this unique and insightful speaker session with renowned osteopath and expert Anisha Joshi, hosted at Toynbee Hall. As seen on ITV’s This Morning, Anisha Joshi is…
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BNPL Regulation Is Welcome – But Lenders Must Do More

“Buy Now, Pay Later has crept into the mainstream – and for many, it’s become a default way to shop. But while it’s pitched as flexible and interest-free, the reality for too many people is missed payments, mounting fees, and unaffordable debt.” The numbers speak for themselves: usage has tripled in just three years, with…
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Why Play Matters: Creating Joyful, Safe Spaces for Children in Tower Hamlets

At Toynbee Hall, we believe every child deserves a chance to play, explore, and grow but in Tower Hamlets, nearly half (48%) of children are growing up in poverty. For many families, both time and money are in short supply. That means fewer opportunities for extra-curricular activities, and limited access to safe, outdoor spaces for…
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A Visit Rooted in Justice: Minister Sarah Sackman KC MP Returns to Toynbee Hall

A proud moment for Toynbee Hall as we welcomed Sarah Sackman KC MP, Minister of State for Courts and Legal Services, back to where her legal journey began, our Free Legal Advice Centre. This wasn’t a formal visit with handshakes and speeches. Sarah spent time with the people who make Toynbee Hall what it is:…
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Celebrating National Recognition at the Credit Strategy Credit Awards 2025

Last night was a truly special moment for Toynbee Hall’s Debt Free Advice team. We were proud to be shortlisted for not one, but two prestigious national awards at the Credit Strategy Credit Awards 2025: Although we didn’t bring home a trophy this time, being recognised alongside leading organisations such as StepChange Debt Charity, IE…
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Insights From Financial Support Relationships Workshop at Aston University

By Kwang Lin Wong On June 2nd, I had the privilege of attending the Workshop on Financial Support Relationships hosted by the Centre for Personal Financial Wellbeing (CPFW) at Aston University. The event brought together academics, advice and financial organisations to explore the dynamics of informal financial support relationships, with a focus on low- and…
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UK Spending Review 2025: A Step Forward, but Gaps Remain for Low-Income Communities

Photo by Norbert Levajsics on Unsplash The UK government’s 2025 Spending Review outlines significant investments aimed at addressing pressing societal issues. There are many welcomed steps being put forward in this review but while initiatives like expanding free school meals, increasing social housing, and enhancing winter fuel payments are commendable, critical gaps persist, particularly in support for low-income…
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Debt Free Advice Welcomes FCA Executive to Toynbee Hall as Survey Reveals 13 Million Facing Financial Strain

Debt Free Advice welcomed a senior official from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to its flagship advice centre at Toynbee Hall this week, as new national data confirmed the growing scale of financial vulnerability across the UK. Sarah Pritchard, Executive Director for Supervision, Policy and Competition at the FCA, joined Debt Free Advice Managing Director…
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More Brits Are Saving, But Millions Still Live One Crisis Away from Debt

New figures from Chase, the consumer banking arm of JPMorgan Chase, show that 69% of adults in the UK have changed their spending habits to try and save more money. Almost half of those surveyed said they’re doing so to build an emergency fund, with others saving for holidays, retirement, or simply to prepare for…
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