The Methodist Church Tower Hamlets
Social Ministries
In addition to the conventional congregation-based ministry, the Methodist Church has over the years founded a range of social ministries or projects to help meet the needs of this ever changing community. In the 21st Century engagement with the wider community, with emphasis on supporting those marginalised or in special need, continues. The following social ministries exist to serve the local community in the name of the Methodist Church;
Open every day of the year and welcoming homeless and vulnerable men and women each day. Numbers have risen to 650 breakfasts some days. Without any public funding at all. How you can help
Queen Victoria Seamen's Rest 
180 years of service
The Queen Victoria Seamen’s Rest provides accommodation for seafarers, both active and retired, ex-servicemen and other adults. It runs a budget-priced cafe (available to the public) particularly good for an old-fashioned cooked breakfast!
Come in on a Thursday 2-3pm and meet the Chaplain, Rev'd Cameron, having tea with a few friends in the cafe. You will be made welcome!
meets at Bow Road Church on Fridays. The benefits of music and song are being publicised and celebrated more and more. These weekly two-hour band sessions are rehearsals, but also social gatherings and a regular meeting space. You don't have to be good at playing or singing! The project is open to all over 18 but particularly those with mental health problems or suffering social isolation.
Contact Sarah Wilson, Project Leader, via the Circuit Office on 020 8880 7301 - bandforlifeproject@gmail.com
Watch a clip of the Band performing at Canary Wharf
works with older people and carers, offering a full programme of activities, plus advice and support, all designed to improve quality of
life and to address specific gaps in local provision. Founded in 1997, the project continues to develop and expand in line with local need and in discussion with its members. 25 years of service and counting!
See Zacchaeus website for details or contact Debbie:
Contact Centre Manager: Deborah Brady
Based at Bethnal Green Methodist Church
Twitter: @LdnZacchaeus
Facebook: Zacchaeus Project @ZacchaeusMCTH
Circuit community projects at Old Ford
Old Ford Church, Corner of Armagh Road and Old Ford Road E3 2LY, in conjunction with Age UK and Zacchaeus project, runs social sessions every Tuesday 13.30-1500. If you are interested in running a project here, please call us
Warm Space 2023/24
At Bethnal Green Church in the Cafe. Open 10.30 - 16.00 each Friday. No charge for hot drinks.
Hot Meals - Walk In Available locally:
- Whitechapel
Mission 212 Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1BJ -
Serving Breakfast Monday - Sunday 6 -11am. - Methodist Church Tower Hamlets, 1 Merchant Street, London, E3 4LY. Food Cycle serves a hot vegetarial meal service every Friday 7-8pm.
- St John on Bethnal Green, 200 Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, E2 2PA 'Tuesday Night Bites' - Hot meals provided every Tuesday 6-7pm
Food
Bank Drop-in/Open Access (Dec 2023)
Bow Food Bank - currently closed
Neighbours in Poplar- St Matthias Community Centre, 113 Poplar High Street, Poplar, London, E14 0AE.
You should call in advance for requests of support 020 7987 0257Bethnal Green Food Bank Raine's Foundation School Approach Road, London, E2 9LY; drop ins take place on Mondays 08.00-12.30 and Wednesdays 2-7pm. For more information call 020 7739 7586
St Dunstan's. Stepney Green Open for donations and withdrawals: Tuesday 11-3 and Friday 11-3
Volunteers are always needed to help with the Foodbanks
Would you use your skills to assist any of these ventures? Contact the Circuit Office 0208 880 7301
Charity Number 1134888