general advice services

Advice for older people on health, money, finding care, housing etc.

National advice line 0800 678 1602, 8am-7pm every day of the year.

Age UK East London 020 898 17124 329

Queensbridge Road E8 3LA Mon-Fri 09.00-17.00

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300 Mare Street E8 1HE

020 3855 4472 (this is not an advice line) 

No appointments are at the Mare Street address. You need to go to the Hackney Service Centre, 1 Hillman Street E8 1DY on Wednesdays and Fridays, 09.30-12.30. Demand is high so arrive early. There is plenty on information online at

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Check national CAB website for online advice and information on benefits, work, debt, housing, immigration, health etc.

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Supports people aged 18 years or older, living in Hackney (in all types of accommodation) or who are placed outside Hackney in temporary accommodation to retain their tenancy.

Also offers a volunteering and befriending service to empower people to gain skills and reduce isolation.

Agencies can make referrals, or you can self-refer. Call 0800 953 4044

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Free and independent legal advice on housing, immigration/asylum, and welfare benefits.

Legal advice line 0208 985 5236, Mon-Wed 10.00-12.00. If you can’t get through, email admin@hclc.org.uk providing details of your legal problem.

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A guide to practical support, and how to apply for it, to help with the rising cost of living. It includes housing and rent, utility bills, help with food and groceries, community lunch clubs, local warm places, free exercise and sport etc.

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Free legal advice for refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants to help clarify rights and options relating to immigration, housing and health.

Priority is given to migrants who are destitute, homeless or on a low income. To access help, you need to complete an online enquiry form.

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Run by Hackney Council to help residents who are in financial crisis. It is a single point of access and aims to ensure that residents are claiming all the benefits they are entitled to. It offers support in rent arrears, rent deposits, access to one-off cost of living help, Council Tax debt, help with removal costs.

To receive support from the service you need to fill out (yourself or with help from a support worker) the Money Hub form.

If you are unable to apply online call 0208 356 3111 or visit the Hackney Service Centre 1 Hillman Street E8 1DY to complete the referral form.

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Run by the Trussell Trust in partnership with Citizens Advice. Advisers offer support to those struggling to afford essentials like food, heating and toiletries. Can advise on entitlement to benefits and grants, help with benefit claims and how to get emergency support.  

Free advice line 0808 208 2138. Mon-Fri 09.00-17.00

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156 Hoxton Street, N1 6SH

For free legal advice on welfare rights, housing, employment, homelessness and debt. Check website for drop-in service which is held in their office and at selected GP surgeries.

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Free legal advice for people on low incomes with problems such as unpaid wages, welfare advice, and housing and social care issues for families with children with life-limiting and other serious disabilities and illnesses.

You can search online for local free advice clinics. 

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Marie Lloyd Centre, 329-31 Queensbridge Road E8 3LA

Provides a range of services to support people to stay in their home, including advice on making home adaptations, help for hoarders, providing home safety checks, digital confidence and home based exercise tuition and strength and balance classes. Also runs Hackney Dudes, a social club for men (07957 432098).

Call 0330 380 1013. Mon-Fri 09.00-13.00 

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Free counselling and support service for young people aged 16-25 with their mental health and emotional needs.

Offers practical advice and information around issues including employment, education, finances, benefits, housing and training. Also offers therapeutic support and psychoeducation through groups, which can also reduce social isolation.

Call 0208 986 4016 or self-refer at https://family-action.org.uk/services/off-centre-hackney/

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Pott Street E2 0EF

Free immigration advice over the phone.

Call 0207 749 7608/7605 on Wed 14.00-17.00 or Thurs 10.00-12.30.

Drop-in clinics second Wednesday of every month from 09.00 (arrive very early).

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Advice and information about the law and women’s legal rights

Family law: 020 7251 6577 / Criminal law: 020 7251 8887 / Immigration and asylum: 020 7490 7689 / Sexual harassment at work 020 7490 0152 Check website for opening hours

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Provides information and advice on housing, homelessness, eviction, rent arrears, repairs, benefits, mortgage repossession, risk of harm in your home etc

Emergency Helpline 0808 800 4444 Mon-Fri 08.00-18.00

Runs a wide range of projects including health and well-being coaching for young people, the Sharp End - a community programme for people aged 50+, Bump Buddies for women who are pregnant or who have children under school age, a daily lunch club at the Waterhouse restaurant, support to those affected by stroke, and a range of courses and activities.

Call 0207 033 8500

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Housing, mental health and welfare advice and social support for veterans, service personnel and their families. Forces Line 0800 260 6767

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(NB: these are examples and other services can be found online)

Tarjimly (range of apps) https://tarjimly.org/howitworks

Clear Voice https://clearvoice.org.uk/services/

Hackney Council refugee, migrant and asylum seeker service 
Translated health information and support services  
https://hackney.gov.uk/refugees

Praxis https://www.praxis.org.uk/interpreting

Doctors  of  the World  https://www.doctorsoftheworld.org.uk/translated-health-information/?_language=