Quaker Social Action

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Quaker Social Action

Charity. From homelessness to funeral poverty, food security to wellbeing: we take practical action against poverty.

We exist to resource, enable and equip people living in poverty in east London and beyond. We put people at the centre of what we do, striving to find practical and creative solutions to the problems which affect people living on a low income.

30/09/2026

Big news for housing policy: new powers for councils could reshape how England tackles homelessness.

Councils will now get 60 day’ notice to bid on social homes before they’re sold privately, and housing associations will no longer be able to turn away homeless families without a valid reason. Public services will also be required to flag early warning signs of a housing crisis, so support can step in sooner.

These changes matter because the scale of the problem is real: almost 180,000 children are currently living in temporary accommodation in England, a number that’s risen sharply in recent years.

At Quaker Social Action, we see the impact of housing insecurity every day through our work with people affected by homelessness. Giving councils more power to act is a meaningful step – but it only makes a lasting difference if it’s followed through with real investment in housing supply.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4xUFB2j

25/09/2026

We’ve reached a milestone: more than 10,000 people supported through QSA’s Down to Earth (helpline).

Every one of those people came to us during one of the hardest moments in their lives - facing a funeral they weren’t sure how to afford. From free, confidential 1:1 guidance to practical information and signposting, we’ve been there to help ease that burden.

As Sophie Clarke, Down to Earth Co-Manager, reflects:

“More than 10,000 people supported through the Down to Earth helpline is a huge milestone. We’re proud that, for over 15 years, Down to Earth has been there to provide practical advice and compassionate support to people facing the financial challenges of arranging a funeral. Every person behind that number matters, and we’ll continue to be here for the people who need us.”

Thank you to our incredible Down to Earth team, whose care and dedication have made every one of these conversations possible - and to everyone who has trusted us and supported this work along the way.

17/09/2026

This National Inclusion Week, we’re reflecting on what inclusion means at Quaker Social Action.

As Claire Brandon, our Head of Services and EDI, explains:

“For QSA, inclusion is just as important as equity and diversity in our commitment to EDI. Across our services, we work hard to include anyone who wants to participate. That means working with an interpretation service at Down to Earth, so speakers of other languages can still get 1:1 funeral support – and hosting Cook Up sessions at venues with a lowered cooking station, so anyone who needs to sit can still take part.”

Inclusion isn’t just a value we hold – it shapes how our services are designed and delivered, every day.

15/09/2026

There's more than one reason to register to vote.

Whatever your circumstances - including if you don't have a fixed address or a National Insurance number - you're entitled to register.

Being registered also comes with benefits beyond the ballot box. According to the Greater London Authority, being on the electoral register can improve your credit score, make you eligible for jury service, and shape how local services are planned in your community.

At Quaker Social Action, we believe everyone should have a say in the decisions that affect their lives.

This London Voter Registration Week, run by the GLA, is a reminder that your voice matters.

Find out how to register: https://bit.ly/4r8G27g

10/09/2026

Some positive news for families this school term: The new Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act is now in force – schools are capped at just three branded uniform items, over 2,000 free breakfast clubs have opened, and free school meals have expanded. Together, these changes could save families up to £1,000 a year (Department for Education, GOV.UK).

At Quaker Social Action, we welcome any change that eases the pressure on families already stretched thin by the cost of living. It's a genuine step forward – and one worth celebrating.

No family should have to choose between school supplies and putting food on the table.

Full details: https://bit.ly/4yyjYpq

02/09/2026

A bookshop on a boat. A library on wheels. Together, they're doing something special.

Quaker Social Action is excited to announce a partnership between Word on the Water (Word On The Water - The London Bookbarge), the much-loved book barge moored behind King's Cross, and our Turn a Corner mobile library. Donations made at Word on the Water now go directly to Turn a Corner, bringing books, comfort, and connection to people experiencing homelessness across London.

30/08/2026

Today is National Grief Awareness Day – a good moment to talk about something rarely discussed: the cost of dying.

According to SunLife’s Cost of Dying Report 2026, 15% of UK families experience serious financial hardship paying for a funeral, needing an average of £2,365 more than they’d planned for. Funeral poverty is more common than most people realise, and it often hits hardest when people are least able to cope with it.

Down to Earth, a Quaker Social Action service, exists to help – offering free, confidential support for people struggling with funeral costs.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4qJRhDg

21/08/2026

5 years of showing up for people affected by homelessness - with time, patience, and genuine connection.

It’s never just been about books. It's a chance for people to feel seen, heard, and connected - and none of it happens without the team who made that possible.

Today, we’re celebrating them.

12/08/2026

Hot weather doesn’t affect everyone equally. For children experiencing poverty, overcrowded housing, unaffordable appliances, and unequal access to green space can make it far harder to stay safe and well.

Quaker Social Action hosts 4in10: London’s Child Poverty Network, campaigning to close that gap and we're not stopping until it does.

05/08/2026

5 years of Cook Up, and counting.

Swipe through to see the impact we've made together – and here's to many more years of cooking, sharing, and providing support.

Cook Up is one of the ways Quaker Social Action works to build stronger, more connected communities.

Address

17 Old Ford Road
London
E29PJ

Telephone

+442089835030

Website

http://www.quakersocialaction.org.uk/

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