Aldgate Connect Community Fund supported community projects with £25k

Since launching in 2022, the Aldgate Connect Community Fund has helped to support some truly impactful community projects across Aldgate. The Fund has provided vital funding and resources to a total of 17 projects, driving positive change to our local neighbourhood and communities. So far, the Fund has benefited over 2,100 people across Aldgate.

Our 2024/25 edition of the Fund supported 6 impactful community projects, contributing a total of £25,520, and sought to address and focus on a range of community needs and projects which:

• Aim to address climate change and how our urban environment needs to adapt to support a greener and more sustainable world
• Support people to enter good work and education in order to become a cohesive and prosperous neighbourhood
• Develop skills through upskilling, skills sharing and training local people into employment
• Support mental health and wellbeing through sport

Discover the incredible charities and organisations we supported, and the impact from last year’s Fund:

Transforming the Lives of Young Patients and Carers, The Renaissance Foundation

The Renaissance Foundation supports young carers and patients aged 12-18 in London. These often overlooked young people face challenges that affect their education and wellbeing. With Aldgate Connect BID’s support, they were able to continue delivering their programme of 100 annual activities focused on science, business, wellbeing, and more – helping participants build confidence, skills, and brighter futures.

Creative Spotlight, Learning Through The Arts

The Creative Wellbeing Project supports families experiencing isolation and mental health challenges, particularly following the Covid-19 pandemic. Through weekly two-hour workshops in creative writing, textiles, printmaking and crafts, participants benefited from improved mental and physical wellbeing, social connection, and a sense of community. The arts were used as a tool to explore and share experiences, helping individuals feel less isolated and more empowered. Aldgate Connect BID’s funding went towards facilitators, venue hire, materials, and promotion to ensure the programme reached those who need it most, and helped to successfully deliver 13 sessions.

‘Yes, Chef’, Kitchen Training Programme, Providence Row

Based in Aldgate, the ‘Yes, Chef!ʼ project supports homeless individuals facing complex barriers to employment and education. Over 10 weeks, participants gained hands-on culinary experience in a real kitchen while working towards Level 2 Food Hygiene certification. The project helped improve confidence, communication, and teamwork skills, providing a pathway toward independence. Delivered by the Employability & Progression team, this programme has had a lasting impact on participantsʼ skills, wellbeing, and future prospects, with over 60 clients impacted.

Financial Literacy Day for 150 Primary School Students, The Switch

The funding from Aldgate Connect BID helped place-based charity The Switch to equip over 150 young people in Tower Hamlets with essential money management skills. Through a whole-day interactive event, pupils explored topics such as spending, saving, tax, credit, and enterprise, supported by business volunteers from diverse backgrounds. In a borough with the highest child poverty and free school meal rates in the UK, this project provided young people, 90% of whom are from BAME backgrounds, with vital knowledge to navigate their financial futures and break cycles of disadvantage.

Job Club, SocietyLinks Tower Hamlets

This project supported both adults and young people in Tower Hamlets near the BID Area to move closer to employment. In an area facing high unemployment and educational inequality, particularly among the Bangladeshi/ Pakistani community, SocietyLinks offered tailored support through CV writing, interview preparation, digital skills, and accredited training. Across 40 sessions, young people were encouraged into apprenticeships, volunteering, and work experience, while adults, including those who had never worked, received one-to-one guidance to build confidence and readiness for employment.

After School Club, Treasure Sports Club

This project delivered a free after-school boxing club for children in Aldgate and Tower Hamlets over the course of 12 months. It provided a safe, supportive space where young people could develop new skills, build confidence, and improve their mental and physical wellbeing. By offering a positive alternative to antisocial behaviour and potential gang involvement, the project helped strengthen community ties and reduce isolation. Funding from Aldgate Connect BID covered hall rental, equipment, staffing, and outreach, ensuring over 100 children could access regular structured activity at no cost, easing financial pressure on families and promoting healthier, more connected lives.

We are pleased to announce we will be launching the next edition of the Aldgate Connect Community Fund shortly, and are excited to support more impactful projects.