Tower Hamlets Equalities Hub
The Tower Hamlets Equalities Hub represents the 7 Equalities Networks in Tower Hamlets which exist to ensure that the voices of residents with protected characteristics are heard within local decision making structures.
The Equalities Networks:
The Equalities Networks are funded by the local authority and have a track record of 3+ years of working together through the Equalities Hub (facilitated by THCVS), working with a unique intersectional approach. Five of the equalities networks with a local disability group have recently come to the end of the Cornerstone Project, a 2-year National Lottery-funded project that worked through the Networks, with the local authority and a resident panel to understand equalities impact assessments and how to embed them in decision making. This culminated in October with a learning event to launch the good practice guide. The Equalities Networks also supported their networks to jointly contribute to a survey with Local Voice on the impact of cost of living increases on Tower Hamlets communities.
The Networks:
The Tower Hamlets Women’s Network is a collective of local women and staff or volunteers in Tower Hamlets based not-for-profit organisations. The network is facilitated by account3. They meet regularly to share information and discuss issues that affect women, issues that are selected and prioritised by the members. These frank communications underpin our efforts to work together to seek solutions to local challenges.
Age UK East London supports an Older People’s Reference Group (OPRG) in each of the boroughs we work in: City & Hackney, Newham, and Tower Hamlets. The OPRGs exist to empower older people by providing a platform for their voices to be heard, enabling them to shape the services they rely on, and offering them the opportunity to influence decision-makers. Through collaboration, connection, and action, the OPRGs support older people to play an active role in driving positive change across their communities.
Apasen has been working with Tower Hamlets Council to address inequality and improve local community cohesion. Working in partnership with residents, the council and voluntary organisations within Tower Hamlets. They aim to reduce inequalities faced by disabled people, in order to improve everyday experiences and life chances for individuals and the community.
The Tower Hamlets LGBT Community Forum is a project that aims to bring together LGBT+ people (and allies) who live, work, study or socialise in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets to discuss and have an influence on issues which affect the local LGBT community, as well as network, socialise and meet other local LGBT people.
The Forum holds monthly meetings where members come together to issues that affect the local and national LGBT community, and meet other local LGBT people for both networking and socialising. The Forum also organises quarterly social events for members, and undertakes research into the experiences of local LGBT people so that LGBT voices are heard and represented in local policy making.
Tower Hamlets Inter Faith Forum exists to celebrate the significant contribution that faith organisations play in the lives of Tower Hamlets residents, and to facilitate better communication and understanding between different faiths in the borough. The forum meets every two months, and is led by a small steering group.
The Tower Hamlets Ethnic Minority Network is a locally driven initiative in Tower Hamlets coordinated by The Limehouse Project and Women Inclusive Team. It aims to raise the profile of local Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities by providing platforms to share lived experiences, explore current challenges, and shape policy discussions within the borough.
The network hosts quarterly network meetings where residents, charity groups, and community organisations gather to exchange ideas, highlight needs, and explore solutions together. Furthermore, the network keeps members up to date with developments, resources, and local events relevant to the ethnic minority community via their quarterly newsletter.
Coming soon.