The charity works closely with local residents, providing the support and opportunities needed for people of all ages to reach their full potential. CL’s strong connection to the community enables them to understand what works locally, and they use this knowledge to influence national policy. As part of Catch22, CL shares the mission of empowering individuals and strengthening communities from the ground up.

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Community Links believes everyone can thrive when they have three key things: good people around them, a secure place to live, and a meaningful purpose in life - what they call the '3Ps'. The charity’s range of services and programmes are designed to address the challenges that prevent people from achieving their best, as they strive towards a world where no one's potential is limited by their health or social circumstances.

During 2024, CL reached 80,000 people through its various programmes. The charity helped over 1,400 clients with legal, debt, and welfare benefits advice, helping them generate an income, through additional welfare benefits and addressing their debts, of £2.1 million.

CL works with partner organisations to provide holistic support to patients suffering from serious mental illness. During the year, their Community Connector team helped over 900 NHS patients. Over 300 of these patients were additionally supported through workshop and group-based activities, from a creative arts course to a domestic violence survivors peer-led walking workshop. Others were referred to CL’s housing, consumer, welfare benefits or employment advice services.

One of CL’s key programmes, Community Clicks, is aimed at residents in Newham aged 50 and over. This digital skills and social inclusion programme helps  participants develop everyday digital skills, such as booking online medical appointments, online banking, shopping and staying connected with family and friends. At the end of the programme, each participant receives a tablet, ensuring they can continue to build these skills and stay engaged long after the course ends. There were 245 graduates of the programme during the year, with 93% of participants reporting feeling confident using digital tools at the end of the 12-week course, compared to only 26% at the start.

To learn more, visit community-links.org and catch-22.org.uk.