Hardship Support and Income Maximisation help and advice
Help and advice on money, hardship and more here in Hackney Wick
You told us that you wanted more help with benefits, managing money and payments. So in April 2025 we set up a new Hardship Support and Income Maximisation Project. Delivered at Gascoyne 1 Community Centre, we run it in partnership with Hackney Quest and Gascoyne 1 Residents Association. It works because it is built on trusting relationships and is delivered in a friendly community centre.
We can give you help with:
Benefit checking
Support to apply for unclaimed benefits
Support with council tax or housing arrears
Budgeting
Setting up utilities payment plans
Checking eligibility for Thames Water help
Advice on social tariffs
Signposting for community support (food banks, clothing, community lunches, advocacy, exercise classes etc.
Referrals for specialist advice on housing, debt or immigration/asylum.
Gemma - our Advice Worker making all the difference:
“I found out about the project at the lunch-club. They helped me get onto pension credit and get help with water bills. It’s made a big difference to me so now I tell everyone about it.”
“I was struggling with money and felt all alone with the worry. I didn’t know that I was eligible for help. Gemma has been so helpful - I feel like I’m getting back control of my money.”
“I could not have found help myself but this help came to me.”
Gemma says:
“Many Well Street Common residents are in need. It is very rewarding to help people to manage their income, claim everything owing to them and to make their lives that little bit easier. It is a fantastic community and team to work with. People like coming to the centre and feel safe to ask for help because they know that there is never any judgement. We offer practical help and connect residents with the support they need and much of that is to be found within our community”.