For most of the women who attend the centre, it is the sense of community, friendship and mutual support that they value most. Mitra, 23, spoke little English and described her life before attending the centre. ‘I always stayed at home while my husband was out at work. I would watch T.V all day and sit crying. It was really bad, but now, coming here, it is much better’.

The Church Urban Fund subsidises the parent’s group coordinator, Yinka Ariyo. She says ‘My aim is to bring the women in this community together, to create relationships with them and to help them adapt to life in England. We want to equip them to be independent – just giving them money is not enough, but if we teach them skills, they can stand on their own, earn some money where possible and feel they are also contributors, not just dependent on benefits.’

Canning Town Outlook also offers a range of practical services including English lessons, sewing and craft classes and a weekly parent support group where childcare is provided to enable mothers to attend.