Barnardo's free helpline to support Ukrainian families

Barnardo’s have a helpline to provide support and care to anyone fleeing the conflict in Ukraine.

You can call the helpline on 0800 148 8586. English, Ukrainian and Russian speakers are available.

The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 10am–8pm and Saturday, 10am–3pm.

You can also use the dedicated email address ukrainiansupport@barnardos.org.uk or visit the Barnardo’s website.

Getting involved in council decision making

Local councils

Local councils, are made up of councillors (and sometimes Mayors) who are elected by the public in local elections. They work with local people and partners, such as local businesses, the voluntary sector and other public sector organisations including the police and health service to agree and deliver on local priorities.

Decisions are put in place by council officers who deliver services on a daily basis.

The Council will also work with the governmentLondon Mayor, Members of Parliament (MPs) and similar democratic bodies as required.

Tower Hamlets Council

Tower Hamlets has an elected Mayor and 45 Councillors who decide on the budget, policies and priorities for the council. The Mayor and Councillors are elected for four year terms by the local community to represent its views.

The council also regularly consults residents and local businesses about important issues, such as transport or planning.

Registering to vote

In Tower Hamlets, you can register to vote:

  • online
  • by post - call the Electoral Services on 020 7364 5000 and ask to be sent a form. 

Decision making

The Mayor and his Cabinet are responsible for most policy decisions but there are a number of public decision making meetings and bodies responsible for particular issues such as planning or licensing.

Every council must publish:

Getting involved

To get involved in the council you can:

Council services

Local Councils are responsible for a range of vital services for people and businesses. Among them are well known functions such as:

But also lesser known services such as: