Neighbours in Poplar came into being in October 1969, when some concerned local people gathered many senior citizens and held a Christmas party in Pope John House. This proved very successful and highlighted a need that needed to be met. Neighbours in Poplar has now evolved into a charity organisation that promotes and develops community cohesion. Neighbours in Poplar now provides a broad range of services and activities for the local community in Tower Hamlets particularly local elderly people who experience living alone and in isolation.