The Challenge

Newham faces distinct social and economic challenges, including unemployment, training gaps, and financial insecurity for some residents. The council needed a centralised digital hub where users could access the range of services offered by Newham’s support programmes, from work placement and job training to money management advice and business development assistance in a way that was simple, intuitive, and empowering.

However, key functionality like registration and interactive forms were intermittently unavailable, highlighting the challenges of delivering complex public services digitally while maintaining accessibility and support.

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Solution

Our Newham was developed as part of the council’s wider commitment to supporting residents with practical, accessible resources and guidance. The platform provides:

• A central entry point to multiple support streams including Work, Money, Youth, Business & Enterprise, and Learning & Skills.
• Clear pathways for users to find help relevant to their needs, whether seeking employment, developing skills, or accessing financial advice.
• Registration and login features for personalised support (when available), allowing users to tailor their experience and receive guidance relevant to their circumstances.
• Contact and assistance options including phone, email, and in-person support from Newham Work offices.

The service is designed to be a one-stop portal so residents don’t have to navigate multiple disparate systems to access help.

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Deliverables

Key elements delivered include:

• A multi-programme support platform integrating employment, money advice, business guidance, youth services, and learning opportunities.
• Registration and login system allowing residents to create profiles and access personalised support pathways.
• Contact and accessibility options (email, phone, office support) provided to ensure continuity even when online systems undergo maintenance.

Results

While parts of the online service, such as registration forms, have undergone maintenance and improvements, Our Newham has continued to support residents through:

• Linking local people to employment services and training opportunities, with the wider borough employment service having a track record of facilitating job placements and career progression for residents.
• Offering tailored support across life needs such as debt advice, benefit guidance, and skills development.
• Helping consolidate Newham Council’s offering into a single digital doorway to vital support options, reducing confusion and improving access for residents.