We'd love to hear from you.

One of our supporters

How much of my donation goes to your work?

Grace Mensah · Chief Executive

89p of every £1 we spend goes directly on our programmes. The rest covers the essential costs of raising funds and running a safe, well-governed charity. Our full accounts are published every year.

One of our supporters

What is Gift Aid?

Margaret Doyle · Older People's Services Lead

If you're a UK taxpayer, Gift Aid lets us claim an extra 25p from the government for every £1 you give, at no cost to you. Just tick the box when you donate; you need to have paid at least as much tax as we'll claim in that year.

One of our supporters

Can I choose what my donation pays for?

Josh Turner · Volunteer & Events Coordinator

Yes. You can give to a specific programme, such as the food bank or youth mentoring. Unrestricted gifts are especially valuable, though, because they let us respond wherever the need is greatest.

One of our supporters

Can I leave a gift in my will?

Mei Lin Chen · Head of Fundraising & Partnerships

Gifts in wills fund around one in ten of everything we do. Any gift, of any size, makes a difference. We recommend speaking to a solicitor, and our team is happy to have a confidential chat.

One of our supporters

Do I need a referral to use the food bank?

Olu Adebayo · Chair of Trustees

Not for your first visit. Just come along on a Tuesday or Friday. After that we'll usually ask an advisor, GP or support worker to refer you, so we can make sure you're getting all the help you're entitled to.

One of our supporters

Is your help confidential?

Grace Mensah · Chief Executive

Always. We only share information with your permission, unless we're worried someone is at risk of serious harm, in which case we follow our safeguarding policy.

One of our supporters

How much time do I need to give as a volunteer?

Margaret Doyle · Older People's Services Lead

As little as two hours a month. Many of our volunteers give a regular weekly shift, others help at events a few times a year. We'll find something that fits around your life.

One of our supporters

Do I need any experience or checks?

Josh Turner · Volunteer & Events Coordinator

No experience is needed for most roles; we provide full training. Roles working with children or vulnerable adults need a DBS check, which we arrange and pay for.

One of our supporters

Who runs Harbour Light Community Trust?

Mei Lin Chen · Head of Fundraising & Partnerships

We're an independent registered charity governed by a board of volunteer trustees from the local community. Day to day, a team of 18 staff works alongside more than 400 volunteers.