This year in October the Newham Solidarity Fund turned 5! We began during the depths of COVID as part of the Newham Mutual Aid network, inspired by neighbours organising to care for one another. Witnessing the urgent need for direct financial support in our borough, we set out to build a sustainable, community-led fund rooted in solidarity, not charity.
Newham is home to extreme inequality. Alongside luxury developments, we have the highest rate of temporary accommodation in the country, with over 7,300 homeless households, more than 60,000 residents receiving Universal Credit, and around 20% of the population considered vulnerable. A core principle of the fund has always been redistributing wealth while enabling neighbours to make their own financial decisions. Since opening in 2020, thanks to you, we have now raised and redistributed over £65,000 — including a £1,000 contribution just this month ❤️
Over the last five years, and throughout 2025 in particular, our communities have continued to be failed by national and international politics. We’ve seen people demonised and attacked by those who profit from division. At the same time, we’ve witnessed amazing solidarity and commitment from neighbours choosing to be part of something radical, meaningful and rooted in care.
As a group, we’ve weathered a lot — founding members moving away, new members joining, exhaustion, setbacks, and hard conversations about whether we could keep going. We decided we must, because we know the fund reaches people at the point they need it most.
Earlier this year Satyam, Varsha and Sameer Bholah, who now contribute to the fund after once receiving support, shared:
"At a time when everything felt uncertain, Newham Solidarity Fund became a light in the darkness. Each £50 they gave carried the warmth of a community that truly cares. It wasn’t just money — it was dignity, compassion, and hope. Today, I give back with gratitude, knowing how much a small act of kindness can change a life."
Stories like this are echoed across our recipients, including those displaced, with no recourse to public funds, or unable to manage unexpected costs.
Over the holidays, the Newham Solidarity Fund team and our accounting service will be taking a short break. December payments will be made early, with any final payments for new applicants going out on Wednesday 24 December. Payments will resume after 2 January 2025. Our list of additional support remains up to date and can be shared with anyone who needs it.
Please continue to spread the word — whether to those who may need support, those able to donate, or anyone interested in volunteering as we’d love to strengthen our admin team!
With Christmas just round the corner, you can also support the fund by purchasing our Solidarity Not Charity merchandise via our Etsy shop, with all proceeds going directly back into the fund.
That's all for now, we wish you all a joyful and restful holiday season and a happy new year. See you in 2026!
Thank you very much for your help :) PS I submitted a request just now just to be before the holidays, just because of what you said and not to try to apply for it too fast. Hope that's ok but feel free to delete it if not. Also, I think it would be helpful to send out the list of useful organisations when you next send out an email to everyone, it is easier to find when they are all together. I will share it with my fellow disabled and marginalised community
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Thanks,
Lisa (typed by my support worker)