Our user-led advice and advocacy approach places people at the centre of support, addressing the root causes of poverty and enabling long-term financial stability and independence.
Our Impact in Numbers
- £618,993 secured in confirmed financial gains, strengthening household income
- 957 people supported through advice and person‑centred services
- 104 benefit appeals submitted, with 48 concluded during the year and a 94% success rate
- 92% of expenditure invested directly in frontline service delivery
Who We Supported
We reached communities experiencing the highest levels of disadvantage:
- 91% Brent residents
- 96% from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities (above Brent average of 84.8%)
- 74% unemployed
- 61% identified as disabled
- 85% of working age
- 46% women
- 9% required language-specific support
People supported came from diverse backgrounds:
- Africa (30%), Asia (22%), Middle East (19%), Europe (9%), Western Balkans (7%), Caribbean (7%), British (4%), Other (2%)
This profile highlights overlapping barriers linked to economic exclusion, migration, health, and systemic inequalities, reinforcing the need for culturally competent and sustained support.
How We Supported People
- 79% supported to secure welfare benefits, helping stabilise household income
- 10% received intensive, person-centred support to address complex barriers
- 11% received targeted housing advice to prevent homelessness
Welfare Benefit Rights Advice
- 756 people supported with welfare benefit advice
Demand continues to be driven by financial hardship, complex systems, and barriers to accessing disability-related support.
Primary Areas of Support
- Universal Credit (56%) – underpayments, migration challenges, digital barriers, sanctions
- Personal Independence Payment (23%) – assessment issues, incorrect decisions, appeals
- Resident Support Fund (5%) – emergency financial assistance
- Council Tax Support (3%) – managing local tax liabilities
- Other benefits (13%) – including Housing Benefit, Pension Credit, ESA, Attendance Allowance, and others reflecting complex needs
Source: AdvicePro case management data, 2024–25
The Difference Made
Economic Security
- 87% increased household income
- 93% strengthened budgeting confidence (n=11)
System Navigation
- 98% strengthened understanding of welfare rights
- 57% improved ability to manage Universal Credit online (n=7)
- 86% developed understanding of claimant commitments (n=7)
Capability and Wellbeing
- 82% developed financial literacy (n=11)
- 98% experienced reduced isolation and stronger social connection (n=85)
Based on case closure surveys and feedback
Community Participation
- 6 volunteers contributed 484 hours
- Equivalent to £9,680 in social value
This contribution strengthens community engagement and extends organisational reach.
Impact Summary
Together, this impact demonstrates BHCAC’s vital role in reducing financial hardship and supporting underserved communities to achieve greater financial stability and independence.