Alternatives Trust East London

Who we are

Alternatives Trust East London is a small charity that transforms the lives of vulnerable families in the London Borough of Newham through its effective, holistic support. Founded in 1994 as a Pregnancy and Counselling Centre, its charitable objectives are the mental and physical health of women particularly in relation to pregnancy and birth.

The charity gives long-term, intensive support to over 100 women and their young families with complex needs each year through its We Are Family programme (WAF), with positive outcomes for wellbeing, integration and parenting. Along with growing social enterprises that increase the employability of service users, the WAF Community comprises the main part of Alternatives’ work. Alternatives also offers counselling; advice and support; and work with young people around relationships, sex and parenting.

We believe anyone can be a good parent given the right support, and we aim to provide that support. As a result of our intervention, people will make choices with confidence, experience recovery, demonstrate good parenting and life skills, and respect themselves and others. The way we work is summed up by: listen - care - support.

We have:

• A passion to include everyone
• A desire to treat everyone equally, respecting differences
• A commitment to healthy relationships
• A deep sense of hope that things can change and be transformed