Corporate help crucial to IDCF community work

IDCF chairman Howard Dawber, who also works for Canary Wharf Group, said: "The need is still there. In a recent survey, Tower Hamlets was number one in terms of economic opportunity, but 436th out of 438 in terms of job readiness. Many of our residents are held back by low skill levels and/or lack of English.

"Our aims for the next year are to encourage unemployed people into further education, training or jobs; to deliver more basic skills, including ESOL; social activities for elders; constructive activities for young people outside of the school day and to encourage providers to work in partnership to ensure an effective, joined-up approach."

The sentiment was echoed by Jim Fitzpatrick, MP for Poplar and Canning Town.

He said: "It's easy to forget whilst Tower Hamlets moves up the league table because of people moving into nice houses that, just across the road, we have estates where poverty is still rife.

"IDCF can help corporates engage with the local community. You can do it direct but it's burdensome in terms of administration."

The IDCF provides grants, manages projects and builds capacity to improve opportunities for residents. Mr Dawber outlined some key achievements over the past year.

These included 2,200 young people involved in projects to promote social and personal development, 300 elderly residents given food bags at Christmas and 34 upgrades made to community buildings.

Jess McNicholas, European community affairs manager for State Street, told the business audience: "IDCF is our local partner and expert. It has its finger on the pulse of the local community.

"It has worked with us to develop our employee volunteering programme and helped us build some fantastic relationships. Our community support programme would not be where it is without them."

IDCF is still looking to raise £30,000 this year to support its summer activities programme for young people, £40,000 for elders services, and £25,000 for ESOL courses.