A Hackney Downs church has launched a ‘Humanitarian Day’ initiative offering a range of hands-on services to local residents, free of charge.
The first event was organised on 1 November by Kingdom Ambassadors Centre, a Pentecostal Christian church, providing free healthcare checks, haircuts, financial advice and food to the community.
“People can come in and get a free service and feel the love of the community”
Event organiser Sikemi Odukoya, 23, said: “We really wanted to demonstrate the practical sides of how the love of God can be portrayed, which is what the Humanitarian Day is about.
“We wanted to create a day where people can come in and get a free service and feel the love of the community.”
Ms Odukoya, a social worker, works directly with families who are impacted by the cost of living crisis and would benefit from the event’s support.
“I know families, single parents that are really struggling… and we thought how best to help the local community than through this day.”
The church relocated to Hackney Downs in April and its presence has already been welcomed by many in the area.
Local resident Jackson Palmer, 26, said: “I’m feeling the pressures of the cost-of-living, especially ahead of winter, so an event offering support like is really important for the community.”
Ms Odukoya also detailed the wider community outreach Kingdom Ambassadors Centre has been doing since moving premises.
“We have been around the Hackney Downs area and Dalston to tell business providers and homeless shelters that we are offering the support and it has been taken on really well.”
The free healthcare services available, provided by healthcare professionals, on the day aimed to relieve the strain on local GPs.
“We know how long waiting lines are, if someone wants to get a basic check-up, they can do that,” Ms Odukoya said.
The next Humanitarian Day event is set to take place in the New Year.
Joshua Haining is a freelance news reporter for The Daily Telegraph. He has written previously written for The Times and The Northern Echo, where he reported on news and culture.