The rising cost of living in London and the ongoing housing crisis continue to put immense strain on families, individuals, and communities, particularly those in Camden. As financial pressures grow, access to reliable support and guidance has never been more crucial.

In response to this urgent need, we launched SPARC (Solving Problems And Removing Constraints) project with the London Irish Centre (LIC) in March 2024. Every Tuesday at Castlehaven, residents can book free 1-1 advice and guidance sessions, offering expert support on benefits, bills, form-filling, and other essential financial matters.

Since launching, our weekly Advice & Guidance sessions have become an essential support system for the wider Camden community. They provide a safe, welcoming space where residents can access free, personalised advice to navigate financial difficulties with confidence.

This partnership was made possible in early 2024 when Castlehaven secured funding from Camden Council‘s Cost of Living (CoL) Response to launch free financial advice sessions, giving Camden residents access to expert guidance and a stronger support network to help them through the current cost of living crisis. 

Since launching, our weekly Advice & Guidance sessions have become an essential support system for the wider Camden community. They provide a safe, welcoming space where residents can access free, personalised advice to navigate financial difficulties with confidence.

This partnership was made possible in early 2024 when Castlehaven secured funding from Camden Council‘s Cost of Living (CoL)to launch free financial advice sessions, giving Camden residents access to expert guidance and a stronger support network to help them through the current cost of living crisis.

Making a Tangible Difference

Advice & Guidance Sessions Impact

Reached out to 117 Food Bank Members:

Between March and December 2024, we successfully reached out to 117 food bank members, offering them essential information and access to our Advice Service. This outreach has enabled us to provide tailored support to those who needed it most.

Secured £40,541.20 in Additional Benefits:

London Irish Centre advisors helped secured a incredible £40,541.20 in additional benefits for our Food Bank users and members, helping to ease the strain of the ongoing cost-of-living, offering families much-needed relief.

Referred 50 people for Further Support:

Through our comprehensive assessments, we referred 50 individuals for additional services, ensuring they received ongoing assistance to address their unique needs and improve their overall well-being.

Making a Tangible Difference

 

Advice & Guidance Sessions Impact

Reached out to 117 Food Bank Members:

Between March and December 2024, we successfully reached out to 117 food bank members, offering them essential information and access to our Advice Service. This outreach has enabled us to provide tailored support to those who needed it most.

Secured £40,541.20 in Additional Benefits:

London Irish Centre advisors helped secured a incredible £40,541.20 in additional benefits for our Food Bank users and members, helping to ease the strain of the ongoing cost-of-living, offering families much-needed relief.

Referred 50 people for Further Support:

Through our comprehensive assessments, we referred 50 individuals for additional services, ensuring they received ongoing assistance to address their unique needs and improve their overall well-being.

The collaboration between Castlehaven and the London Irish Centre represents a proactive and impactful response to the challenges posed by the rising cost of living. By providing accessible and personalised guidance, the initiative empowers residents to navigate financial complexities, access essential benefits, and secure their financial well-being.

The SPARC Project will be completed on Friday 2nd May 2025, with the final 1-2-1 sessions taking place at Castlehaven on Tuesday 31st April 2025.

After this date, clients will be referred to the London Irish Centre to meet with advisors there instead of at Castlehaven. This transition marks a positive outcome of the SPARC project, ensuring that this valuable service will continue, and that Camden residents continue to have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.

To book a session with an advisor from the London Irish Centre, please email info@castlehaven.org.uk or call 0207 485 3386.