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A person wearing a cap, safety glasses, and a face mask is using a power tool on a metal structure. The text in the image reads: "Bring literature, art and science to The UP Garden by The UP Garden. People Powered Forest Gate. Your Vote, Your Community, £200,000 to Improve It. Newham London. WE ARE NEWHAM."

People Powered Forest Gate & Maryland

Your neighbourhood has been allocated funding to spend on improvements to the area in 2025 to 2027.

Forest Gate & Maryland Community Neighbourhood is made up of 3 wards: Forest Gate North, Forest Gate South and Maryland.

Get involved in changing your area for the best. Anyone who lives, works or studies in Forest Gate & Maryland can take part.

Your Vote, Your Community, Funding to Improve It.

41 weeks left

Phases

Phases overview

Phase 1: Choose

Choose

Phase 2: Our Ideas Events

Our Ideas Events

Apply

Phase 4: Shortlisting

Shortlisting

Vote

Phase 6: Project Announcement

Project Announcement

Phase 7: Deliver

Deliver

Phase 8: Celebrate

Celebrate

Shortlisting

September 22, 2025 11:00 PM - November 1, 2025 12:00 AM

The deadline for project applications is now closed.

Working group members and Council services are now reviewing project applications and shortlisting the projects that match the priorities, the essential criteria, and are feasible within the timeline. Once the shortlisting phase is complete, projects that have been shortlisted will be taken forward to the voting phase which will start on Saturday 1 November.

The Big Vote runs from Saturday 1 November to Sunday 30 November. Anyone who lives, works or studies in Newham can vote for their 10 favourite projects in one neighbourhood of their choice. There are four ways to vote:

Forest Gate & Maryland's Big Vote event on Saturday 1 November, 1.30 - 4pm at Stratford Library
Online on Newham CoCreate - check back here from 1 November to be able to vote
Dropping in to Forest Gate Library
Finding us at an outreach voting session:

Saturday 8 November, 11-1pm at Woodgrange Market, E7 0NQ

43 ideas

Madison Hambrook10 months ago Forest Gate deserves a project that uplifts, inspires, and heals. Breaking the Frame is more than a theatre show—it is a movement to empower young people, bring communities together, and create a safer, healthier, and more vibrant neighbourhood.Over several weeks, we will deliver inclusive workshops, music and dance rehearsals, songwriting, beat-making, and health & fitness dance classes. These sessions will be open to all ages and abilities, from young people to senior residents, ensuring no one is left out. Every participant will have a chance to learn, express themselves, and improve their physical and mental wellbeing in a safe and supportive environment.The project will culminate in a professional theatre showcase at Millfield Theatre, where young people from Forest Gate and surrounding areas will perform powerful original pieces in dance, music, spoken word, and multimedia. Their performances will reflect real community issues—identity, resilience, migration, mental health—while celebrating creativity and unity.Why this matters for Forest Gate: Health & Wellbeing: With the rise of fast food culture and growing mental health challenges, we are offering healthy, creative alternatives—fitness through dance, safe spaces to talk, and confidence-building workshops that strengthen body and mind. Community Safety: Recent stabbings in Forest Gate have left many residents feeling unsafe. This project gives young people a positive alternative to the streets, reducing risks by engaging them in structured, exciting, and skill-building activities. Environment & Public Spaces: By using community centres and theatres as hubs for creativity, we transform them into inclusive, welcoming spaces where people of all ages can connect, celebrate culture, and feel proud of where they live. The impact: Young people will gain professional skills, mentorship, and confidence to build brighter futures. Parents and senior residents will see safer streets, healthier choices, and stronger community ties. Audiences of all ages will experience the pride of seeing Forest Gate’s talent on stage, celebrated and supported. By voting for Breaking the Frame, you are voting for a project that tackles mental health, improves wellbeing, reduces crime, and makes Forest Gate a safer, healthier, and more united place to live. Let’s break the frame together—and build a future where our young people shine.

Maria Galea10 months ago Overview:The Girl Football Project – Newham 5–15 is a grassroots community initiative aimed at increasing participation, skill development, and confidence among girls aged 5 to 15 through structured football sessions in the London Borough of Newham.Objectives: Provide regular, accessible football training for girls aged 5–15. Create a safe, inclusive environment where girls can enjoy physical activity and teamwork. Encourage long-term engagement in sport and promote healthy lifestyles. Build pathways for talent development, from recreational to competitive levels. Key Features: Weekly training sessions delivered by qualified female and male coaches. Age-specific training groups: 5–7, 8–11, and 12–15. Focus on fun, confidence-building, and skill progression. Opportunities to play in friendly matches, festivals, and local leagues. Collaboration with schools, local clubs, and community organisations. Impact: Increased football participation rates among girls in Newham. Improved physical fitness, social skills, and mental well-being. Empowered young girls to take on leadership roles in sport.

Misty Dampier10 months ago Since its founding in 2016, the Forest Gate Community Garden has transformed a neglected space in an economically deprived area of London into a thriving green haven. As one of the few accessible green spaces in the neighbourhood, it has become a vital community hub—supporting wellbeing, reducing isolation, and bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds. The 10th Anniversary Celebration will honour a decade of grassroots achievement and community resilience, while energising future engagement. Over half of the cost of the requested funding would be the cost of street closure, which is necessary to preserve & protect the garden. Additionally, £1000 would be dedicated to the cost of a marquee in case of inclement weather.The event will include gardening workshops, musical performances, food sharing, children’s activities, and storytelling, all co-created with local residents and groups. It will recognise volunteers, celebrate cultural diversity, and welcome new visitors. By showcasing the garden’s social and environmental impact, the celebration aims to strengthen community pride, build new connections, and encourage sustainable participation. It is not just a social gathering—it’s a catalyst for long-term community growth, inclusion, and wellbeing.

Vanessa T10 months ago Motive Social is an inclusive, impact-driven, Community Interest Company (CIC) that was established in 2024 to motivate, support and encourage marginalised groups to increase their real-life social interactions. We achieve this through the facilitation of a diverse range of monthly events, activities and outings.Ultimately, we're on a mission to reduce loneliness, minimise isolation and improve wellbeing. Our overarching goal is to identify the various barriers that exist which prevent people from thriving socially and provide engaging, actionable solutions to them.Having facilitated a community social event, activity or outing every single month since June 2024, talking directly to members and reviewing post-feedback questionnaires, I have identified a number of barriers that are preventing people from thriving socially.I am applying for this grant to fund an engaging, interactive and results-driven learning and development programme of workshops, to address these barriers with actionable solutions.Motive Social Elevate is focused on education, upskilling and equipping individuals with the tools and resources they need to live healthy, active, fulfilling and rewarding social lives, thus reducing loneliness, minimising isolation and enhancing wellbeing.The project aims to deliver a diverse range of monthly interactive workshops, covering different themes, over a 12 month period. Each of the workshops will focus on a different theme / topic that has been identified as an area that if left unaddressed, often leads to isolation, alienation, separation and loneliness.Some of these themes include:- Finance- Confidence- Employment- Accessibility- Grief…to name a few.A huge driver behind this project idea is my desire to help and support those groups of people that would love to be sociable, but don’t know where to start, who to turn to and how to put themselves in a position where having an active social life is no longer just a figment of their imagination...and show them that they can ELEVATE!Please check out and follow @motivesocialofficial on Instagram and TikTok to see the sort of stuff we get up to and stay in the loop :)

Laura Glendinning 10 months ago Woodgrange market set up by residents 13 years ago needs a bit of refurbishment in order to work at capacity. Some new gazebos will make all the difference £2410 is all we need. Environment and Public Space - Every Saturday the market transforms a little area of Forest Gate into a community space where people gather. This helps with social isoaltion and encourages community cohesion. The market is a creative space which provides local employment and some retail not available elsewhere locally. It is a public space where events can be held on an annual basis for example Forest Gayte Pride and the Christmas light switch on. Health and Well being - Woodgrange market offers homemade, organic and freshly cooked produce, this gives customers a more healthy choice. Mental health is improved by social interactions and a community experience. Many people volunteer in the market every week. A youth mental health charity meets in the market every Saturday. Community Safety - Creating a community hub where people feel they have ownership and are valued provides a safe place to be, it can also strengthen community resilience against crime and anti social behavior.

Donna Clarke10 months ago At Samba4Fun we use music as a vehicle to promote and enable individual and community wellbeing and foster understanding within the diverse, local communities in which we live. We facilitate safe spaces and inclusive learning environments in which people can develop new and existing skills in partnership with others, increasing personal resilience and adaptability and thereby enabling positive personal growth and development.Our project, FAB!, aims to enable local people to access the wellbeing benefits of group music-making free at the point of delivery.Forest Gate is steeped in musical history. The Uppercut hosted the likes of the Small Faces, Otis Redding, The Who, and Jimi Hendrix. The Princess Alice hosted the first Rock Against Racism gig. Forest Gate is also considered by many to be the birthplace of Jungle and Drum n Bass. FAB! seeks to add to this musical legacy reflecting the wonderfully diverse make-up of our local community and strengthening the ties and bonds between us. We hope that your vote will help us to grow and sustain Samba4Fun for the ongoing benefit of Forest Gate.In the words of Bob Marley, ‘One good thing about music is when it hits you, you feel no pain’PEOPLE POWERED PLACES funding will allow us to deliver:Free weekly samba drumming sessions for local residentsFree workshops in the communityPerformances at community events, upholding Forest Gates's unique music legacy

Derek Smith10 months ago Forest Gate Festival has been running every year since 2000, apart from two covid years. 2025 was a bumper year, with visitor numbers estimated to be over 4000. We had over a hundred stalls: community stalls, health stalls, arts and crafts, groups for young people, sport and food spanning the globe. There were two stages with many local entertainers (choirs, soloists and bands). Kay Rowe nursery ran sessions for under 8s: play activities, stories, a play, plus a bouncy castle. On the street were art and physical activities for older children. Also on the street, we had a drumming band, stilt walkers and a dog show. The festival is a day out for the community, for neighbours to meet neighbours, and to greet friends you haven’t seen over the year. In 2026, we want to build on what we already have and to raise the health and the well being aspect, with more health stalls, activities such as balanced diet & cooking demonstrations, Tai chi, self defence, dance, and activities that assist bringing people out of loneliness such as art, poetry, gardening, and various sports (cycling, football, table tennis, walking, boxing, running, a climbing wall etc). We want a fun festival in addition to enhancing the health of our locale.

Neloufar Taheri10 months ago Whitehall Place is more than a pathway – it’s a daily route used by schoolchildren, families, and residents. Despite its importance, it suffers from fly-tipping, rat infestation, poor lighting, and anti-social behaviour. A neglected environment sends a signal of disinvestment, contributing to a sense of abandonment and a lack of belonging for local youth.We aim to transform this unsafe cut-through into a vibrant, clean, and creative community route—restoring pride in place and improving wellbeing for local people and youth. Our Kahani CIC — founded by two brothers with roots spanning three generation in Newham —is working with Forest Gate Community School, local artists, residents and council teams to transform it into a safe, green and welcoming route.The project focuses on a 100-metre Community Wall along the school boundary that brings youth creativity to the heart of the street. Co-designed artwork, ceramics, local photography and interactive elements will be paired with solar wayfinding, improved lighting and climbing greenery to create a continuous, well-kept streetscape. This partnership aims to give students a voice in shaping their environment. This will transform a space associated with neglect into one of care and creativity. Alongside the wall, we will coordinate lane clean-ups and a clearer refuse plan to reduce fly-tipping and hazards, and open up access to nearby creative studios and a community garden for workshops, exhibitions and family events.What this delivers: an upgraded public space; visibility and “eyes on the street”; calmer school journeys; and increased confident footfall that supports nearby traders. In year one we expect to engage over 1,000 people through co-design, installs and events.Funding will cover workshops, artist production, materials, lighting, greening and project management — enabling residents and young people to turn an overlooked cut-through into a source of pride for Forest Gate.This initiative is a model for how overlooked back roads can become front lines of community transformation. We believe every street can become a space where local ideas grow, communities connect, and pride in place is rebuilt.

The UP Garden Forest Gate10 months ago PROPOSALThe UP Garden would like to ensure sustainability and community by: increasing its biodiversity and sustainability by investing in a range of plants (and related equipment) that can withstand climate change challenges, thus attracting more wildlife to The UP Garden in particular pollinators; providing a full calendar of events aimed at all of our communities which offer opportunities for learning as well as strengthening multi-generational connections, and improving how those events are delivered in response to community feedback about shelter and volunteer feedback about task efficiency e.g. gazebos, parasols, etc; attracting more daily visitors and improving accessibility by way of sustainably-recycled picnic benches which have imprinted board games table-tops and which allow wheelchair access, as well as equipment to maintain the various offerings available to our daily visitors; and engage local residents in a project to explore the history of the estate in which The UP Garden is located and nearby areas, through a series of workshops, culminating in a permanent display available to the public. Volunteers will be involved in delivering this project, and the nature of various components means that the community will continue to benefit from them long past this funding scheme's deadline. Accordingly, we consider that our project provides excellent value way beyond the amount sought.PRIORITIESThis project helps to address: ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC SPACES - The UP Garden is open every day, all day, to all, for free. This public space will be improved through enhancing our offerings to make them more biodiverse, sustainable, more accessible, and more engaging to different groups; HEALTH & WELLBEING - our visitors include those who come to garden, to peacefully enjoy being around nature, to play (e.g. our piano, mud lab, foosball table, etc), and to socialise, all of which are beneficial to mental and physical health; COMMUNITY SAFETY - the more interesting, attractive and accessible The UP Garden is, the busier it is as well as the surrounding estate. This reduces the likelihood of anti-social behaviour and improves the feeling of safety in the area. CONSULTATIONWe have been consulting our community at our events over the course of 2025. The above is based on the feedback and suggestions received, and we are therefore confident that there is a public need for our project.THE UP GARDENFor those not yet familiar with us, lots of information is available at www.theUPgarden.org or you can follow us on social media @theUPgarden. To see our previous project which shows through monthly updates how it was successfully delivered, check out bit.ly/theUPgarden2023.

Jacqui Livingston10 months ago “I’ve got stories in me, but I’ve never had the chance to speak them out loud…’ - Consulted participant With Newham’s rapidly ageing population, there is a risk that integral stories, grassroots activism and rich cultural heritage will become lost in time. Living Legends seeks to change this narrative.Delivered by Jazanne Arts in partnership with local cultural practitioners, Living Legends is a creative storytelling project. It is designed to honour and amplify the voices of Newham’s elders through the recognition of their individual and collective contribution to Newham over the last 60 years. The project invites elders aged 60+ to engage with themes of migration, work and family through a series of reminiscence workshops. Through drama, music, poetry and writing sessions, these voices will be preserved. This will culminate into a professionally produced legacy book and public launch with live events and online resources throughout the process.Living Legends provides an invaluable opportunity to recognise the local legends living amongst us whilst offering opportunities to strengthen personal community connections, build self-esteem and develop new creative skills. By doing so, the project directly combats isolation, supports wellbeing, and strengthens visibility, value, and trust across the Forest Gate community and beyond.

Madison Hambrook10 months ago Voices of Newham is a youth-led music and wellbeing project designed to transform the lives of young people aged 11–25 in Forest Gate and Maryland . Delivered at Forest Gate Youth Centre, the project offers a powerful alternative to the negative influences many young people face. At a time when drill music and postcode wars dominate, creating pressure, division, and unsafe environments, Voices of Newham provides a positive platform for creativity, connection, and community pride.Through weekly workshops in song,writing, rap, beat-making, recording, and performance, young people will gain access to professional music equipment, studios, and mentors who can guide them towards expressing themselves with uplifting, constructive, and socially conscious lyrics. Participants will learn to tell their own stories, build resilience, and become positive role models for their peers.This project tackles the three top priorities in our neighbourhood: Health & Wellbeing: Young people will develop coping tools for stress, anxiety, and trauma, while building confidence and self-esteem in a supportive, non-judgmental space. Youth Empowerment & Role Models: By learning creative and leadership skills, participants will be empowered to mentor others and show that young people can be a force for good. Community & Safety: Voices of Newham creates safe, inclusive spaces where postcode barriers are broken down, young people collaborate across divides, and residents come together through performances and showcases. Community voices who took part of the summer project at Forest Gate: “I’ve seen too many young people feel trapped by drill music and negative lyrics. Voices of Newham gives them a chance to create music that lifts them up, not drags them down.” — Local youth worker “Before joining, I didn’t think anyone cared about what I had to say. Now I’m writing my own songs and performing them — it’s given me confidence I never had.” — 16-year-old participant “It’s wonderful to see young people performing with pride instead of fear. It makes me feel safer and more hopeful for our area.” — Senior resident By supporting Voices of Newham, residents will be helping to create a safer, stronger, and healthier community. Together, we can ensure Newham’s next generation grows up with pride, resilience, and positive voices that truly represent our borough.

Sabrina Mohammed10 months ago Young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Forest Gate have told us loud and clear: they need a safe, inclusive space where they can belong.Too many SEND young people in Newham face bullying, harassment, and exclusion. After COVID and the closure of NEON and Newham College programmes, opportunities have disappeared. Parents and carers have shared with youth workers that their children are now left at home, feeling isolated and losing confidence. Attending courses and youth sessions used to be their chance to socialise, develop skills, and feel included — but now these opportunities are gone.Safe Space, Strong Futures will change that.This project will run two days a week at Forest Gate Youth Zone, creating a safe and welcoming environment tailored to SEND needs. It will provide: Art therapy and creative sessions to support emotional wellbeing. Physical activities to keep young people active and reduce stress. Trips and outings to help build independence and life skills. A sensory-friendly space, with the right equipment and trained staff. Support from youth workers, CAMHS, and volunteers, ensuring sessions are safe, professional, and inclusive. What makes this project powerful is that it is youth-led. I am a young person with Down syndrome, and I know first-hand how few opportunities exist for SEND young people once we leave school. With other SEND youth leaders, I will help shape the programme to make sure it meets our needs and gives us a voice.The benefits will be life-changing: Health and Wellbeing: reducing isolation, improving mental health, and building confidence. Community Safety: giving vulnerable young people a safe alternative to being left out or targeted. Public Spaces: making Forest Gate Youth Zone truly inclusive for all. By voting for Safe Space, Strong Futures, you are voting for a fairer, healthier, and more inclusive Forest Gate. Together, we can make sure SEND young people are not left behind — but instead, have the same opportunities as everyone else to thrive, connect, and build strong futures.Here are some testimonials of the needs for this project.“Since my college programme stopped, I’ve just been at home. I want somewhere safe to go, to meet people like me and not feel left out.” – Young person with SEND“I just want to do normal activities like art, trips, and sports, but in a place where I don’t feel judged.” – Young person, Forest Gate“When the adult courses ended, my son lost his only way of meeting friends. He spends too much time isolated now. This project would give him back his independence.” – Parent of SEND young person“Families like ours need this. We want to see our children happy, confident, and part of the community, not shut away at home.” – Carer from Forest Gate

Madison Hambrook10 months ago Project Description:Rolling Forward is a youth-led roller skating project based at Forest Gate Youth Zone. We want to transform this centre into a safe, inspiring hub for young people through the power of roller skating. Our aim is to provide a positive alternative to the streets by offering structured, supervised sessions where young people can learn, practise, and develop as skaters—whether they are complete beginners or already experienced.In Forest Gate, too many young people say they have “nothing to do” locally. This leaves them at risk of boredom, isolation, or worse—falling into unsafe activities or anti-social behaviour. At the same time, families often struggle to find affordable opportunities that keep children active, healthy, and motivated. Rolling Forward is designed to meet these needs directly.With funding, we will purchase professional-quality roller skates, helmets, and pads, and hire a trained facilitator who can safely guide both beginners and advanced skaters. Alongside weekly sessions, young leaders (all under 18) will take responsibility for mentoring, organising, promotion, and supporting their peers. This ensures the project is not only youth-focused, but youth-led—giving young people ownership, leadership experience, and pride in their community.The key features of our project include: Weekly roller skating sessions for all levels, running from March 2026 to February 2027. Youth leadership roles in finance, mentoring, planning, and promotion, developing skills for the future. Safe, structured activity at Forest Gate Youth Zone, reducing risks of street crime and anti-social behaviour. Wellbeing support through active, creative expression that helps reduce stress and improve confidence. Community showcase event in February 2027, celebrating young people’s progress and bringing families together. The impacts will be long-lasting: At least 60–80 young people directly engaged, with wider benefits reaching parents, siblings, and residents. Improved physical fitness and mental wellbeing for participants. Stronger sense of pride and ownership among young people, who will see themselves as part of the solution. Safer, more positive use of Forest Gate Youth Zone and surrounding public spaces. By supporting Rolling Forward, you are supporting our young people, our safety, and our future. This project is not just about skating—it’s about creating opportunities, building confidence, and making Forest Gate a healthier, safer, and more vibrant place to live.

Panagiotis Skoutelis10 months ago Dear residents of Forest Gate and Maryland,We the children at Colegrave Primary School are asking for your support to improve our playground! We take our mental and physical wellbeing very seriously at Colegrave, and we believe that an improved playground would have an even bigger positive impact on our school experience. We chose improvements that will give us more diverse opportunities for play and exploration. We are asking for new equipment which will help improve our breaktime and lunchtime, by giving us a break from lessons. We would like to ask for:- A new climbing frame which will give us more options for climbing and adventure. We already have a climbing frame but it is not big enough for everyone, so it can get a bit crowed. - A trampoline because it can improve our jumping skills and our exercise. We believe it would help us greatly by giving us an opportunity to release energy! - Two new huts, one for an outdoor library for quiet reading space and one for arts and crafts. All of our readers would love for a place to get to relax with their favourite book. All of our artists would love to have a space to be creative, outside of lessons.Thank you very much for your consideration. Voting for our project would make hundreds of kids happier today, and many many more kids happier in the future!

Rani Chowlia10 months ago To bring local people together to participate in building relationships and to help improve their mental health and overall well being - predominantly the over 40's in the community To educate, engage, encourage and to empower local people to help themselves to maintain their general well being, all the whilst creating a safe space for those in need To support local people who have experienced trauma in their life i.e. bereavement, living in isolation, advice advocacy referral service to be provided at a later date To invite Health Professionals in to partnership with us going forward

Juliet Cochrane10 months ago We propose a natural play space in Forest Gate North, on Wanstead Flats (off Capel Road), co-designed with local families. Using natural materials such as logs, boulders, willow tunnels, sand, and balance beams, it will provide a safe, stimulating environment to climb, swing, explore, and socialise, while respecting the natural environment we all cherish on the Flats.With over 1,000 children living nearby—including pupils at Woodgrange Infant and Godwin Junior Schools—there is a clear need for nearby play. This part of the Flats currently offers no climbing or play opportunities, and the walk to Dames Road playground is often too far for young children, especially after school when they are tired or hungry. Our project directly addresses this gap for families living in the streets off Capel Road and beyond.Benefits include: Child development: Boosts balance, coordination, confidence, and social skills. Health & wellbeing: Encourages outdoor activity for children and families. Community connection: A hub for families and neighbours. Environmental engagement: Fosters respect for nature. Neighbourhood pride: A space residents value and protect. This project will transform the lives of local families and honours children’s right to play.

Vicky Remmie10 months ago Generationz in Style is a creative intergenerational project which aims to bring young people together with their older neighbours across Maryland and Forest Gate through sustainable fashion and textiles. The project uses clothing upcycling workshops to:To promote environmental sustainability by rducing textile waste and raising awareness of the climate impact of fast fashionEncourage young people's creativity and skill development through design, sewing and intrepreneurshipStrengthen intergenerational connections by providing opportunities for dialogue, collaboration, and sharing learning. The project will culmunate in a unique sustainable fashion event that aims to showcase the power of reuse and highlight the importance of adopting circular economy practices and approaches.

Davis Williams10 months ago “I saw my bredrin get stabbed right outside the school gates. Broad daylight. We were just laughing a minute before. Then he dropped. Everyone ran. The next day, people were posting RIPs like it was normal. I didn’t cry. I didn’t talk. I just stopped feeling. From that moment, I decided it’s safer not to care.” — Young person, Manhood Academy GlobalThis is what too many young people in Newham are living with — knife crime, trauma, and silence.Across the UK, over 100,000 children go missing every year, and too many are lost to violence before they ever get a chance to grow. Every statistic is a broken story, every silence a wound our community feels.At Manhood Academy Global (MAG), we believe the opposite of going missing is being seen.Our Cultural Heritage and Identity Programme (called My Life Matters by the youth) is about reconnection — rebuilding belonging through heritage, healing, and human connection.We’re turning barbershops and youth hubs into safe sanctuaries — spaces where young people sit with elders to talk, listen, and remember who they are before the streets, the system, or social media define them. Together, they’ll: Deliver six interactive workshops across Newham Record 50 oral histories with elders, barbers, and community leaders Produce a 12-part community podcast series Create a public performance celebrating African and Caribbean culture and resilience Over 300 residents will take part directly, with thousands more engaged online.Through storytelling, chess, and shared reflection, we’ll bridge generations, break silence, and transform pain into purpose.Because when our young people know where they come from, they stop losing their way. When they feel seen, they put the knife down. When they feel rooted, they rise.🖤 Please vote for usLet’s turn trauma into transformation, and make Newham a place where every young person’s life truly matters.

Stella Howard10 months ago Dance for Health brings free, inclusive and accessible dance to Forest Gate for adults with movement and balance difficulties, including age-related symptoms, neurological (such as Stroke/Parkinson's), and physical disabilities..The project offers: Weekly community movement classes for adults of all abilities/disabilities - held in a local Forest Gate venue Three 6-week drop-in workshops in partnership with local GP surgeries, supporting patients to build strength, balance, and movement confidence. Delivered by local resident Stella Howard - who works across Great Ormond Street Hospital and Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and lectures in Arts & Health. This project blends gentle movement with social connection. By bridging health environments and community spaces, the project will support health and wellbeing, whilst developing local social connections to support mental wellbeing.Encouraging a healthier, more inclusive, and connected community where everyone can move, connect, and thrive!

Shaheen Valli11 months ago Supporting Humanity’s Over 60s programme is dedicated to improving the health, well-being, and lifestyle of over 60's, vulnerable, and isolated individuals in the community. Our workshops provide a safe, inclusive space where participants can access support, build connections, and take part in meaningful activities that boost both physical and mental health. The core purpose of the project is to reduce social isolation, help individuals get out of the house, and foster a sense of belonging and value. We aim to create a community where over 60's feel safe, seen, supported, and loved. Our workshops include sessions on healthy eating, understanding medication, gentle exercise, and emotional well-being, helping attendees gain confidence in managing their health and improving their quality of life. We currently deliver sessions at Katherine Road Community Centre and are now expanding to Durning Hall in Forest Gate, where we’ve secured a five-year lease. With this additional space, we will introduce gardening projects and art therapy sessions, both proven to support mental well-being, reduce anxiety, and encourage creative expression. These activities also foster teamwork, purpose, and joy. The venue is a publicly accessible space, manned 24/7, creating a safe and secure environment. We also work closely with local police, who attend workshops to educate participants on scams, fraud, and personal safety contributing to a wider sense of community safety.

Abdulkadir Mohamed10 months ago All-Sides Sports Club is bringing the community together through fun, inclusive sports for children and young people aged 3–14. Our project offers a wide range of sports activities designed to get young people active, build confidence, and develop teamwork and life skills—all in a safe, welcoming environment.Many local families face barriers to accessing sports, whether due to cost, limited opportunities, or lack of inclusive sessions. Our project removes these barriers by providing affordable, accessible activities for all abilities, including children with additional needs.By taking part, young people improve their physical health, boost their mental wellbeing, and build strong social connections. Families benefit too, enjoying a sense of safety, community engagement, and opportunities to get involved through volunteering and coaching.This project also strengthens the local area by promoting safe use of public spaces, encouraging respect for the environment, and creating positive opportunities for young people to thrive.With your support, we can continue to make our neighbourhood healthier, safer, and more connected—giving every child the chance to enjoy sport, develop skills, and be part of a stronger community

Dudley Thompson10 months ago We aims to improve health and wellbeing and enhance community safety in Forest Gate by empowering local residents to take charge of their health, support one another, and co-create a safer, more connected neighbourhood.Health inequalities are a growing concern in Forest Gate, with a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and stroke risk, particularly among Black and South Asian communities. Many residents lack access to culturally appropriate, practical information about managing these conditions and making healthy food choices.Our project will deliver workshops on stroke and diabetes awareness, supported by local health professionals and trained volunteers. Sessions will focus on prevention, early detection, and self-management. In parallel, we will run a series of interactive healthy cooking classes, teaching residents how to prepare affordable, nutritious meals using familiar ingredients, with an emphasis on reducing salt, sugar, and saturated fats.In response to concerns around community safety, our project will also bring people together through safety walkabouts, local forums, and workshops to identify safety concerns (e.g. poor lighting, fly-tipping, anti-social behaviour) and develop community-led solutions in partnership with local authorities.

Joy Canter10 months ago Newham Community Resource LibraryWe are proposing a new Community Resource Library in Forest Gate to support grassroots groups, residents, and local initiatives across Newham. This project will provide gazebos, tables, chairs and other essential event equipment for low-cost or free hire, enabling community groups to run inclusive, accessible activities in public spaces. From cultural festivals to health outreach, gardening workshops to youth-led pop-ups, the Library will help unlock creativity and connection.Hosted by One Newham, a trusted local organisation, the Library will be easy to access, with an online booking system and community-led management. It will also offer guidance on event planning, safeguarding and promotion, helping residents build confidence and skills.This project responds directly to community feedback calling for more shared resources, support for small groups and better use of local spaces. It will strengthen networks, reduce barriers to participation, and make it easier for residents to bring their ideas to life.We invite you to support this project and help us build a more vibrant, collaborative Forest Gate and wider Newham. Please comment, share, and vote!

Kevin plummer10 months ago The parakeets Performance Project aims to give a voice to the adult SEND community of Newham through music, songwriting, dance and drama. Up to eighty adults with learning disabilities will benefit from the four weekly workshops which are planned to take place at Forest Lane Lodge.Having good wheelchair access, disabled toilets, easy parking space and being a detached building makes the venue an ideal space to run a sustainable project of this type.By working alongside other community groups, putting on shows and uploading videos to our website, we plan to build our web presence and reach more people.The classes invite a wide range of abilities from mild learning disabilities to profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD).Musical instruments, electronic and acoustic, are used in improvisational exercises. Every three months we will invite a select audience to showcase our work.This project is about health and well being for adults with learning disabilities and carers. A collective sense of joy will emanate from the project which will send warm ripples throughout the borough.

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Past events

People Powered Forest Gate & Maryland: The Big Vote
Event date: November 1st, 2025 from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM.
Stratford Library
89 registrants
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People Powered Forest Gate & Maryland: Our Ideas
Event date: June 30th, 2025 from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM.
Forest Gate Library
Online meeting
41 registrants
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