NHS in Hackney Providing Cost of Living Support

East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT) and other local organisations shared information, financial and benefits advice and practical tips along with support vouchers and free items to support daily living for the Hackney community to help make ends meet.

Rising expenses have had a significant impact on the lives of millions of people across the country, and the impact has been felt disproportionately in Hackney. According to September 2024 data from the Economic Research Institute, the cost of living in Hackney is 60 per cent higher than the national average. Private rent in the borough has also risen by 11.4 per cent since September 2023, almost 2 per cent higher than the London average.

The in-person stall event was held at the Hackney Opportunity Hub on Bowling Green Walk, in partnership with Hackney Council. The aim of the event was to engage with those who may not be digitally connected; particularly those living in low-income environments or without a home.

The event was organised by the Trust’s People Participation team. This is a service enabling those with lived experiences of ELFT’s services to have a say in how the Trust operates, while also taking ownership of various projects.

Organisations with stalls included:

• Hackney Council Here to Help – Local authority service providing financial and benefits advice.

• Homerton Healthcare Digital Inclusion – Team from Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust providing supportive training and digital buddies for help accessing the NHS app and free mobile SIM cards for residents who cannot afford digital inclusion.

• Hackney Libraries – Central authority responsible for promoting the wide variety of free engagement, creative and supportive activities available within libraries across the borough.

• Bags of Taste – Local charity providing advice on budget-friendly, nutritious cooking.

• Rough Street – Run by Brunch Bunch and Community Closet to provide clothes, bedding and toys.

• ELFT Cost of Living – Providing advice and tips for reducing cost of household bills and making money go further, while still supporting health and wellbeing needs.

• ELFT Membership – Platform for the public, service users and carers to shape plans for the future of the Trust.

In addition, the Trust has provided advice and tips on our website to reduce household bills and other living costs, as well as support to access free and low cost resources locally. This has also included signposting to voluntary sector organisations in the area. Find support online at https://www.elft.nhs.uk/service-users-and-carers/cost-living.

Speaking about the event and support for the local community, ELFT’s Cost of Living Lead, Susan Downing, said: “My purpose in creating this event was to provide an accessible and engaging opportunity for City & Hackney residents with focus on those who are excluded from digital access, better supported in person, and homeless.

“Partnering with Hackney Council, local community services and charities was a vital part of this, bringing together our combined resources to support the wider community as well as ELFT service users.”

Councillor Chris Kennedy, who is the Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care, Voluntary Sector and Culture at Hackney Council, said: "Community events like this are essential in highlighting the invaluable resources residents can access.

“More help can be found at www.hackney.gov.uk/hackney-money-help and those facing financial challenges can also make an appointment to speak to an advisor at the Hackney Service Centre."

A Hackney resident who attended the event said: “There was a broad spectrum of help and support, and the atmosphere was welcoming. Personalised help was accomplished when I spoke to people at each stall. Thank you for such a supportive event!”

Another attendee added: “Everyone was friendly, willing to help and gave useful advice.”

ELFT will continue to work with key partners, including Hackney Council, Hackney Libraries and local support services, to bring cost of living support to communities across the City & Hackney.