Volunteers from charity Islamic Relief have jumped into action to help spruce up communal areas at homeless centre Caritas Anchor House, which recently made headlines after being hit with a one million pound tax bill.

Weeding, planting and painting was carried out by the group of young altruists who helped bring a new lease of life to shared spaces, including the garden and lounge, creating a tranquil environment for residents.

Caritas Anchor House, based in Barking Road, Canning Town, provides accommodation to single homeless people as well as supporting them with life skills from job guidance to personal rehabilitation.

Islamic Relief is best known for its work in international development, and currently supports projects in over 40 countries around the world. The group’s efforts in Newham forms part of the charity’s new UK Community Programme initiative.

Heather Knight, Head of Islamic Relief’s UK Community Programmes, said: “This day of action has been a fun way of introducing our new programme to our volunteers, and provides a meaningful way for them to give back to their local communities.

“With one in five people now experiencing poverty in the UK, we recognise that there is a real need for assistance, right here on our doorstep.”

Caritas Anchor House welcomed the volunteers on as part of their Wellbeing Programme.

Linda Maytum-Wilson, director of operation, said, “Our programme was designed to involve our residents in planning a shared environment – inside and out – that promotes good physical and mental wellbeing.

“Without the volunteers from Islamic Relief UK, we would not have made the progress we did. In one day we have together transformed our communal areas and created a community space for reflection and calm.”

To find out more about Caritas Anchor House, click here or call 020 7476 6062. To find out more about Islamic Relief, click here or call 0800 520 0000.