From the Archive

Charity delivers lifeline during troubled times

A charity set almost 50 years to tackle racist attitudes, unemployment and poor educational achievements has become a lifeline for communities struggling to cope with the pandemic.

The Renewal Programme was founded in 1971 out of the desperate need to tackle racist attitudes, unemployment rates and poor educational achievements that saturated the borough of Newham.

Founders Reverends Clifford Hill, Ted Finch and Roland Joiner wanted to inspire marginalised people and communities to sustain themselves independently in the future which has remained at the heart of the charity ever since. 

Over the years, the charity, which is based in High Street North, Manor Park, has continued to provide services needed by the borough and the community, with the continued support of the local authority and businesses. Although a lot has changed since 1971, the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the continuing need for the charity’s work and it has adapted its services to help those most in need. 

The Renewal Programme’s food bank, which was held weekly, increased to a bi-weekly service as donors and volunteers worked hard to make sure people had everything they needed. 

Staff and volunteers between them speak 11, allowing them to help, support and guide a wide range of individuals living in Newham.  

Staff also made Training and education courses, which were originally held face-to-face, available digitally and the charity now delivers 20 ‘English as a Second Language’ classes – a massive amount for a small charity. 

When lockdown was initiated in March, the charity launched Chat Newham; a free community support telephone line to support those affected by Covid-19. It is open for anyone who might be lonely, bored, anxious, grieving, finding it difficult to access resources or who wants to talk. All calls are staffed by The Renewal Programme’s volunteers.

Peter Laing, CEO of the charity, said: “We have been working very hard with many other charities, Newham Council, local businesses and residents to respond to urgent community needs. Yes, these are difficult and challenging times for so many but it has also been incredible to feel the togetherness and willingness of the Newham community to support each other through the pandemic”.

Dominique Holmes, a Newham resident and one of Forest Gayte Pride’s co-directors, said: “Newham is such a diverse community and the range of challenges individuals face means often people can feel unsupported or lost. Chat Newham, and the work completed by The Renewal Programme is a lifeline for those within the borough who need it”.

While the charity was created with the essence of getting together, to encourage the community to be more empowered, at its forefront, the transition, changes and adaptations that have been made since March have enabled the charity to continue playing a significant role in strengthening and inspiring the community.

The Renewal Programme relies heavily on donations to continue providing vital services to the community. If you can donate, you can do so here

Poor housing, low pay and an extremely high debt rate are amongst the many socio-economic challenges the borough deals with and the work The Renewal Programme is paramount to individuals living and working in Newham. 

The five main projects at the heart of The Renewal Programme’s work are:

  • Carers Health Empowerment
  • Supported Housing
  • Training and Education
  • Youth Services
  • Refugee and Migrant Support 

Each project supports a large number of people every single year through advocacy, education, temporary accommodation and positive community activities.

Call Chat Newham on 0808 196 3510, Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm.

Food Bank: 395 High Street North, Manor Park, E12 6PG, Tuesdays and Fridays 11am – 2pm.

Online training & education: https://www.renewalprogramme.org.uk/Blogs/online-learning

www.renewalprogramme.org.uk 


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