Poplar HARCA

The awards panel chose Poplar HARCA for the ’Stronger Communities’ Award for its accessible and transformative learning provision. They were also chosen as an example to other housing providers in showing the role they can have in providing opportunities for adults to gain skills for work and life. The provision is delivered in trusted spaces, such as community centres and food banks. And it is consistently supporting vulnerable adults find purpose, build supportive relationships, and change their lives. The Hive, a flagship employment and training hub, engaged over 2,000 residents last year, 250 of whom were supported into work – many overcoming barriers such as no UK qualifications, lack of digital access, or language challenges – making it a pillar of the local community.

With over 100 supporters, the Get the Nation Learning campaign seeks to spotlight the benefits of lifelong learning on society and the economy. The awards are an important part of this, shining a light on people and organisations getting the nation learning and recognising examples of adult learning that support healthier futures, stronger communities, more opportunities, regional growth, and richer lives.

Babu Bhattacherjee, Chief Communities Officer at Poplar HARCA, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to receive the Stronger Communities award. At Poplar HARCA, we know that housing is about so much more than bricks and mortar – it’s about creating opportunities for people to thrive. Through our employment and training hub, we’re helping local residents build skills, gain qualifications, and move directly into meaningful work. Adult learning is at the heart of strong, connected communities, and this award is fantastic recognition of the role housing providers can play in bringing people together and supporting their ambitions.”

Stephen Evans, Chief Executive of Learning and Work Institute, said:
“Poplar HARCA are a fantastic example of the role housing provider play in supporting lifelong learning and skills, making sure these opportunities are accessible to the people who might need it most. Their work in building relationships with residents and offering accessible learning provision has made an exceptional difference to the community. They are very worthy winners of the ‘Stronger Communities Award’ at the Get the Nation Learning Awards this year.”

Faruk Miah MBE, Principal/Head of Idea Store Learning, Tower Hamlets, said:
“Housing providers play a pivotal yet often under-recognised role in supporting adult learning. Their trusted relationships and direct access to residents—many of whom face barriers to traditional education—enable them to identify learning needs and create safe, accessible spaces for classes and workshops. By supporting holistic wellbeing, Poplar HARCA help foster sustainable tenancies and stronger communities. Our collaborative approach with Poplar HARCA includes co-designing tailored programmes, sharing resources, coordinating outreach, and maintaining feedback loops to ensure continuous improvement. We actively support the Get the Nation Learning campaign, as learning transforms lives, reduces isolation, and aligns with our mission to empower individuals and tackle inequality. Adult learning is fundamental to building stronger communities: it promotes social cohesion, civic engagement, economic resilience, and improved health and wellbeing. Through partnership, we can maximise the impact of adult learning for individuals and communities alike.”