“Our neighborhood is building because we've taken that time to go and talk to people, get to know people, do the street interventions, have the conversations, and it's almost like dare to dream" Josie Moon, East Marsh United
Peers, neighbours and supporters gathering at Metroland Studios, Brent
In late November, a group of 40 community innovators, neighbours and supporters from around the country gathered at Metroland Studios, generously hosted by People and Place peers Turab and Arwa.
With live DJing from Sophie of Sister Midnight Community Venues we shared a meal lovingly cooked by the talented Lounge Cafe, a community interest company based in Wembley. Together, we reflected on what’s been a powerful year of innovative community-led action and learning: a year of sparking new connections and welcoming new peers into the fold.
What might this energy unlock next?
Peers, neighbours and supporters gathering at Metroland Studios, Brent
Hani Salih in conversation with community innovators
In the comfort of the Other Cinema’s cosy space in Metroland Studios, we heard from community innovators Lenny based in Catford, Tim in Downham, Arwa based in Kilburn and Deana in Coalville, in an informal panel discussion facilitated by Hani Salih.
“the community building comes first, and music for us is the way that we're bringing people together and using it as a lever for for social change, and for making our little corner of the world a better place” Lenny Watson, Sister Midnight Community Venues
Lenny and Arwa both spoke to the role of culture in their organisations and the community engagement this can unlock – as well as the grapple with accessing space. Deana reflected on the role of a community art gallery in bringing people together.
“One of the things that we created was a gallery. Everybody said, you can't build a gallery in Coalville. What we've now created on our ground floor is a creative community hub. You walk into a shop space which has now got over 100 makers, all creatives from Coalville” Deana Bamford, Coalville C.A.N.
Tim continued the theme of bringing people together and sparking connections, with his widely shared belief that every person in a neighbourhood has something valuable to contribute – and sharing with the room the ancient African word ubuntu, which means “we achieve our best through community, through others”.
Working towards community-led retrofit, repair and stewardship
After a tea-break, the POWER team, who are working to install solar panels on every building on the street where they live, treated us to a snippet of their feature documentary. Introduced by Hilary of POWER STATION, the video entitled ‘Meet the Street’, portrayed the residents of Lynmouth Road, Walthamstow and their vision of ‘Every Street A Power Station’.
The video sparked a panel conversation where Hilary was joined by Josie Moon of East Marsh United, Amandeep Kalra of Carbon13 and Kiki Mager of Good Ancestors Movement.
Josie shared the story of East Marsh United and their efforts to take small steps to galvanise their community by cleaning the streets, hosting street parties and gutter cleaning to gradually foster a culture of repair. The importance of finding allies and partners in local councils was emphasised, and Amandeep reflected on these challenges, having worked within a local council. Kiki of Good Ancestors Movement discussed the importance of finding the right structure for funding. Accessing the right investment is another major challenge on the road to community-led retrofit and repair.
Many innovators want to see more and more buildings in long-term community stewardship. For those at the start of their journey, one question they often grapple with is: How can we build a critical mass of engaged people? Hilary built their critical mass in Leytonstone by ...
“just going door to door, and just that consistency, and not being afraid to make bold promises. People don't want mediocrity, they want something to hold on to. Some vision of some, other alternative future that's better, that we can make together.”
Josie left the room with a powerful call to action to make lasting change for generations to come:
"You have to find a way of always looking at the light if you can. It's not easy, but it's one person at a time, one kid, one woman, one family, one house, one dog, whatever it is, one at a time. It's slow work, which is why that idea of being a good ancestor is important, so just keep going”.
Comunity-led retrofit and repair panel, speakers from lefft to right are: Naomi, Kiki, Josie, Deep, Hilary
Mycelial happenings
Several innovators spoke about the Mycelial Network of Community Asset Developers; an emerging peer network of people activating and stewarding land and buildings in their places. The movement, which Footwork is supporting to co-facilitate along with many others, seeks to build relationships and solidarity, and evolve the funding and support ecosystem to radically shift who owns and transforms our neighbourhoods.
“The People Place programme has been an amazing journey, connecting me with inspiring people across the UK and showcasing incredible examples of change. With support and the growing momentum of the Mycelium Network, it’s clear this is just the beginning” Deana Bamford, Coaville CAN
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