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People Powered Forest Gate & Maryland - Finished

The Big Vote's results are here!

Your Community Neighbourhood has been allocated £200,000 to spend on improvements to the area in 2023-2025.

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 learns in Forest Gate and Maryland can take part.

People Powered Places. Your voices, your choices, your neighbourhood.

Phases

Phases overview

People Powered Places Launch

Our priorities

Our solutions

Submit your project proposal

Projects shortlisting and feasibility

The Big Vote

Successful projects announcement

Project delivery progress

Project showcase & evaluation phase

Celebrate your achievements

Successful projects announcement

November 13, 2023 - December 31, 2023

Over 10,000 residents took part in the Big Vote across Newham!

After due diligence steps were completed to ensure that all votes were correctly cast, projects were ranked according to the number of votes they received, from both the online platform and the paper votes.

Projects with the most votes were offered a grant, up until the total value of the funds available was reached for each Community Neighbourhood.

The top voted projects by people who live, learn or work in Forest Gate & Maryland are as follows:

Congratulations to the 15 out of the 33 projects who have been voted through and good luck with delivery in 2024!

Thanks to all who applied for funding. Please continue to pursue bringing your great ideas to life.

You can continue to follow People Powered Places through the phases to see these successfully voted projects come to life.

If your project wasn't awarded a grant and you would like to find out how many votes you received, please get in touch with your Community Neighbourhood team.

16 issues

Shofa Miah3 years ago 2024 PROJECT COMPLETEDUpdate June 2024We started our FG011X Project in January 2024 - Ahead of receiving the funding from Newham we commenced by using using our resources to continue outreach and engagement. We have had a great response from the local community and the young people interested in attending our project. Our project goals and priorities were: Mental Well Being, Community Safety and Youth Development. We were voted one of the top projects by residents , this meant we were able to gain a lot of interest as soon as we started.To date we have :Run consistent market every Saturdays with Youth Leaders.Able to provide all the youth leaders with lunch at our sessions.Recruited and trained 4 market officers so we can safely deliver the stallSecured a years long contract for our market pitchSourced an in house gardener at a lower cost to oversee the project for the whole project duration.Partnered with all our stakeholders - like Community Garden and youth zone and charities.Connected with the local community hubs and schools and faith groupsWe trained 10 of our team in Mental Health Youth First Aid training and also prepared DBS and other safety measures.We have been consistent on the weekly market and continued with the maintenance and planting activities, every week. There has been a great response on Social media and we have new people following and more interestWe attended People Powered Programmes training and meeting - Our Youth Leaders were also able to give feedback in the meeting. They had training and practice on Public Speaking skills.We did other additional training like Risk assessment, child safeguarding and also first aid.We connect with Public Health Newham and are now in their directory - our FG011x is advertised in community spaces and online.We did visits to Scotland Yard Metropolitan Police Headquarters and discussed our project and VAWG and Community Safety with the Metropolitan police.We met with our Project Monitors and are in touch with them - they really support our project and they all plan to come and volunteer one day in June.We have held various focus groups and consultations on our future work - in order to meet the rest of the outcomes. This included connecting with various organisations to plan our work for Summer , Autumn and Winter.We have a temporary storage space in Forest Gate Community School, which we can access on Saturday.We have also secured storage space for the rest of the year - that we can access everyday of the week.We have created a QR Code and and easy sign up methods by online formsWe have secured dates in The Gate Library for our AVI Circle sessions with a Youth Special organisation.We have managed to find a First Aid Training company, by the recommendation of Public Health Newham, and the courses hope to be hosted in Forest Gate Community School. We also have an event being planned for VAWG in the Forest Gate Community Garden for Summer. Looking for a facilitator / organisation to deliver sessions.We have connected with an organisation to support us with the data and capturing our Youth leaders work, and setting the AVI Circle sessions. Planned to be delivered in Aston Mansfield as agreed.Again - the response has been great and we are very popular and people are praising our project in the community. Our posters are visible in the community and online also.Our popular platforms are Instagram, Linked in, Facebook and slowly starting Tiktok.Since Jan 2024 - Young people aged 11-18 years old:Saturday sessions : 18 sessions (hours : 54 hours )Youth Engagement : Attendance on Saturdays : 275—----Additional meeting and focus sessions:12 meetings - In our head office (Weekdays and weekends) 48 Young people—--10 Virtual sessions - Focus groups and consultative28 Young people—--3 meetings at Scotland Yard with Newham Young peopleKey Milestones Pending for Summer period:Secure Training dates for First Aid responder Courses4 Sessions - 50 young people to be accredited - In person trainingSet dates for the VAWG Workshops and find facilitator and arrange the event datePurchase equipment and gardening resourcesFinish remainder of training with Young people and Market officersAny questions or queries, please email or call:info@ashoksvisioninternational.org07707247150Also please come to see our presentation at The Gate Library20th June 2024 6pm at the People Powered Programme event.Thank you for reading.************************************************************Ashok’s Vision International – We are a Youth Mental Wellbeing Charity based in Newham. Our Charity was set up in memory of a young man who lost his life due mental health and isolation. Since our Launch in 2019 we have been onsite at Woodgrange Market Place, Forest Gate during weekends engaging young people in planting, biodiversity and community engagement activities.Our Mission and Vision: We are creating a world where the elements of Nature, Play and Spirituality support the mental wellbeing of our young people. Our mission is to nurture young people to reconnect with nature and biodiversity, by creating local opportunities to lead on greening and cleaning projects that impact globally.Since our establishment we have been recipients of two Community Assembly Grants 2021 – 2023 (inclusive). Through these projects we have been able to support young people to engage with nature to support their mental wellbeing through Social Action.Every Saturday on average 15 young people have access to sessional workshops related to planting, nature, and mental well-being. As part of the activity, we have access to local planters where we do litter picking, maintenance and planting new seeds and regular watering. To further develop our young people, we also provide opportunities for them to be trained in various areas of personal development and many have benefited from paid internships.Ashok's Vision International Case Study - #PeoplePoweredPlaces - YouTubeOur new proposal for Newham PPP 2023 - 24Ashok’s Vision Youth Engagement CIRCLES is an all Inclusive NEW project. This aims to deliver an innovative holistic and integrated model which has three main elements that will incorporate all three priorities for Forest Gate & Maryland. Based on the success of the last 2 projects we have delivered for Newham. We have consulted with our young people and developed a new model to deliver against the priorities they have highlighted.The Unique Nature of Ashok’s Vision International is that we have 3 levels of Youth Engagement strands: 11 and Under (those who come with parents (may bring along younger siblings Teenage cohort – up to 18 Elite Alumni – University & Work based who continue to remain engaged as peer Mentors Support and Role Models We have a Strategy to engage the existing team and recruit new members via our new proposed project:Ashok’s Vision Youth Engagement CIRCLES: Youth Mental Health & Wellbeing CIRCLES Youth Community Safety CIRCLES Youth Development and Participation CIRCLES As well as working with young people, we will also be working with parents and carers and our local key stakeholders. We hope to capture the key elements needed to keep young people reminded about the importance of looking after themselves and how can you overcome challenges in Newham. Plus how to keep involved and engaged and create some cases studies of the successes, we have seen in our own Youth Leaders journeys.Ashok’s Vision Youth Engagement CIRCLES has been designed by and will be led by our Youth Leaders for the benefit of all young people in our community. The 3 CIRCLES are as follows:1. Youth Mental Health & Wellbeing CIRCLES- ( Priority area: Health & Wellbeing)We will continue our ongoing Nature & Biodiversity activities in Forest Gate with the Youth Leaders and be visible in community outreach engagement and sign-posting with local residents. This will promote the activities we are developing for the local young people to access and participate in. This also fits in with our maintenance agreement with Newham Council’s Highways & Sustainable Team from the last two years.2. Youth Community Safety CIRCLES - (Priority area: Community Safety)Working in collaboration with our established stakeholders and partners such as; Community Garden, Woodcraft Folk and Woodgrange Market Place. We will actively engage with young people to encourage their participation in the following areas:· Youth Mental Health First Aid Training· Violence against Women and Girls Awareness (VAWG)· First Aid responder training· Youth Personal Development workshops led by our Newham based Ashok’s Vision International Alumni Professionals3. Youth Development and Participation CIRCLES -(Priority area: Community development & Participation)Workshops relating to Health & Wellbeing, Community Safety and Development and Participation. Across a variety of Forest Gate & Maryland venues.This will include a wide range of inclusive Community and Outreach events led by Youth Leaders. These events will raise awareness of volunteering, culture, interfaith and intercultural dialogue. The benefits will be how to adopt good habits and behaviours to make Newham a more pleasant place to live for young people, their families and the wider community.Our Youth Leaders at Ashok's Vision International are proud to continue to deliver on the priorities for a Fairer Newham.

Nahimul Islam3 years ago Update December 2024 (Project Completed)We have been addressing the following local neighbourhood priorities:Health and Wellbeing – We have been providing Free session to young people from poverty-stricken backgrounds to address health inequalities and educating members on ways to stay fit and healthy.Community Safety – Whilst delivering sessions we are doing outreach to find more young people on the streets to make the streets safer and create leaders amongst our participants to ensure they look after the community.Youth Empowerment – Our sessions are youth led and the young people are empowered. We provide support to all our members, and they are given opportunities to feedback and lead.Community Development and Participation – Although we predominantly deliver fitness sessions, we are creating individuals to become leaders in their community. We deliver some social action workshops, bring on some members for work experience and increasing participation but having them bring in other members of the community.To date we have carried outreach, promote and advertised the project via leaflets, posters, social media accounts and have left a sign outside the gym too. We have achieved over 100 members attending weekly and all of them being retained. We are delivering 2 x 2hr sessions weekly and young people are really enjoying the project.Our sessions are delivered every week Tuesday 5pm to 7pm and Saturdays 3pm to 5pm. We have also started delivered extra sessions every Sunday 8am to 10am for girls. All sessions are delivered by Level 3 qualified Personal Trainers who are all safeguarding, first aid, and DBS checked/qualified. The sessions are risk assessed and all health and safety protocols are in place. The sessions are accessible for all and inclusive for all people. When individuals join, they all receive an induction, a welcome pack of hydration drinks and protein bars as well as a MBG T-shirt. We have safeguarding measures in place by having 2 staff members always present, cameras in place, rules explained to young people as part of induction, and mentoring carried out.The costs we have included as part of the project contribute significantly to the sustainability of the project, sustainability of the members and also to enhance the project in becoming more attractive and healthier.We have bought all participants t-shirts for the duration of the project to promote equality. As many young people are from poverty-stricken backgrounds, we understand many feel ashamed to come gym with clothes ‘different’ from others. By giving them all the same t-shirts, we are eliminating obstacles of clothing. The marketing budget is to attract members from the local area, create content and promote the work. With any 2-hour sessions young people will fatigued or tired, thus we have decided to order everyone protein bars and protein water as hydration refreshments. This will allow all members to give it their all in our sessions. For safeguarding purposes, we bring in cleaners prior to all session to ensure the place is clean and young people friendly. Ensure dry space to prevent slippery surfaces and gyms are known to have a lot of bacteria thus we prioritise cleaning to ensure no young people falls unwell. As for staffing all sessions are delivered by 2 qualified staff and 6 volunteers. The admin staff is there to complete the registers, send email reminders, register new young people and carry out all paperwork necessary.Proposal 2023:Muscle Basin Gym is a calisthenics-focused gym made for our community to be able to access the health benefits through calisthenics at an affordable cost. The gym aspires to be inclusive of all ages, genders and provide a pricing strategy that strives to tackle income inequality. We are here to provide a service that takes away the financial burden keeping fit can sometimes bestow up us. Our business plan incorporates community workshops, holiday activities and projects for beginners to start their fitness journey. Whilst the pandemic had crushed fitness goals and threatened the physical/mental well-being of many, our founders sought to bring inspiration and educate millions across the world about the beauty of keeping fit through calisthenics. We recognised that going to the gym is more than just chasing gains, it's about building and being part of a community that strengthens each other through unity.With the current economic climate along with the fact that 49% of children in Newham are living in poverty – one of the highest rates of poverty in the UK, many young people find themselves struggling to access gyms. This is leading to many young people being forced to neglect their physical fitness as a means to survive. As excess weight is associated with a wide range of health problems in both childhood and later in life, reducing obesity in Newham is a key public health priority locally. We look to provide a solution to this by providing free access to our gym and resources to support the continued health and wellbeing of young people in Newham and other deprived areas in London. We aim to deliver 2-hour health and fitness workshops taught by professional fitness instructors twice a week at Muscle Basin Gym to young people aged 14-18. We will be delivering our fitness workshops every Wednesday and Friday from 4pm-6pm. Each workshop will be split into two-parts. The first 30-minutes will be theoretical where participants will receive advice on diet and nutrition as well as being educated on how to live a healthy lifestyle. The remaining hour and a half, the participants will be physically training and exercising under the guidance of our fitness instructors. Young people will engage in a variety of calisthenics exercises such as push-ups, crunches, and burpees. Young people will also be able to use our competition-grade calisthenics rig, which is professionally designed to consist of pull-up bars, freestyle bars, dip bars, and a Swedish ladder, where they can perform different movement and exercises. As well as engaging in non-equipment-based exercises, young people will also be able to utilise our state-of-the-art gym equipment to work on their fitness.

Derek Smith3 years ago Update July 2024The street festival was a day out for the community, with over a 100 stalls, with community groups explaining their activities, lots of food from a range of communities, arts groups, sport, mental health groups, and lots for children, with Kay Rowe catering for under 8s, and lots more on the street. There were art activities, dance, and all the entertainment on our two stages (choirs, bands, and soloists). We estimate that over 3000 attended throughout the day. There are currently 10 people on the committee of Forest Gate Festival. We had 16 volunteers on the day involved in: cleaning up, assisting lost children, giving information on what is going on and where. Project proposalForest Gate Festival has run a yearly festival on Osborne Road in Forest Gate since 1999. The average attendance is around 3500 throughout the day. At the 2023 Festival, there were 121 stalls made up of community groups, faith groups, arts and crafts, youth groups, bookstalls, foodstalls etc. We had two stages with bands, soloists and choirs, the majority of these from the area. Along the street were many performers to keep up the festivity. Kaye Rowe ran activities for under 8s. We included a play street for the first time, receiving very positive feedback.This year, we want to enhance our art input: art for children on the play street, and an art workshop on the main street for grown ups. For children, it would comprise a painting workshop and another of making using recycled material. The play street is especially important, taking children away from screens and encouraging them to play and to do art with other children.For adults, there would be a painting workshop for anyone who wants to have a go, from complete beginners to the more experienced. We will have an Asian dance workshop, displaying what can be done first of all, and then a teaching element for those who’d like to try it themselves. Dance after all is art, being skilful, rhythmic, and colourful. We will extend the range of workshops so that older age groups, disabled people and various minorities can participate.Art brightens our community, with displays in the library, at the market, community centres and the community gardens. It is therapeutic for the individual, allowing self expression and reflection, and is encouraged by mental health practitioners. Being creative in art, music and dance gives purpose to our lives, especially in a group where members can encourage each other. It’s a grey world without art. Our festival aims to encourage creativity in the community, to brighten up our locale.We will assist local groups to be part of our festival by offering more stalls at a community rate (£10). The more that come, the more we share.This project is subject to permission being granted by the owner of the premises if successful

Nishat Tahsin3 years ago Project Name: Arbery Pottery: Come and play with clayArbery Pottery - Woodgrange RoadDelivered by Ceramicists: Michelle Mtinsi, Leanne Vieira Commins and Nishat Tahsin Our project is looking to improve : Mental health and wellbeing Community development and participation We hope to give the local residents and community of Forest Gate the opportunity to be able to learn and explore through clay at our new ceramics studio opening between Forest Gate and Wanstead Park Station. Running over the course of a year, we will teach free pottery workshops once a month. This will culminate in an open studio exhibition to showcase and celebrate the participants’ creations, serving as an opportunity for reflection on everyone’s achievements.In order to deliver these workshops, we’re applying for funding to cover the cost of materials and equipment needed for the making and firing of ceramics, such as a kiln and workbenches.Our project aims to introduce pottery as a fun, relaxing, tactile experience where people can learn and socialise together as a community. Pottery can be described as a form of the “effort driven reward circuit”, this is where using our hands to create something, triggers and releases happy chemicals to our brains like dopamine. Whether you regard yourself as a crafty person, artist or just someone who enjoys learning new skills, research has shown that hands-on activities can make a positive difference to our lives and decrease stress hormones.We hope to deliver our programme of workshops to residents attending local schools and charitable organisations; we’re passionate about making our craft accessible and inclusive to as many people as possible, in particular those who face barriers to accessing the arts. Our vision: Create inclusive, accessible creative workshops Improve the mental health and wellbeing of residents through creative activities Reach up to 300 participants during the course of this year-long project Keep our craft alive through teaching

Myanah Saunders3 years ago Find a video of our year with People Powered Places fundingUpdate March 4th What have we done so far? Our shelter is well under way. The roof is on, next step the flooring. Our young Woodchips visitors appreciated it during Saturday's rain.Join us for any of the Friday hour long sessions from now until October. Spend an hour learning about gardening and enjoying nature.Our Project: Help us to uncover our full potential.Situated in the heart of Forest Gate, we have gone from strength to strength; but we could do more. We see our garden’s future as a thriving, nature-rich environment that could benefit more people - improving their mental and physical wellbeing and personal connections by providing activities in nature throughout the year.Physical changes will make the site more user friendly, expanding the range of users. We plan to build a bigger covered area for protection from the weather, thereby facilitating more activities throughout the year. New hand painted signage will help visitors find their way around, while additional wheelchair pathways will enable everyone to enjoy all the garden offers.The vulnerable, isolated, those with poor physical or mental health often find it difficult to make use of the garden. We would like to address this. Our new Outreach and Engagement Co-ordinator will actively make connections with different local groups. We will broaden the range of activities to include a Gardening Club, wellbeing focused workshops, and a variety of nature inspired creative activities to help reduce loneliness, improve confidence, and help people feel more connected to nature and one another.Visit Us

CHIGOR CHIKE3 years ago This project has been completed. People feel safer around the premises as lighting has been installed and the area is no longer dark at night. It is noticeable that there is less antisocial behavior in the area. Lighting has been installed at different levels and different points in the premises that comes on after dark. We are in the process of installing a metallic barrier to codon-off a particular area that is a favourite spot for those loitering after dark.

Paul Amuzie3 years ago Project has been completed - December 2024Br8ke The Silence Project Summary1. Project Activities: Men's Circles: Safe spaces were created for young men aged 16-20 through Men's Circles in multiple venues: St. Anthony's Forest Gate, Emmanuel Church for over 18s, and Forest Gate Library for younger individuals. Venue Partnerships: Collaborated with St. Anthony's Forest Gate, Safe Bonds School, and Forest Gate School to provide accessible locations for the circles. Promotional Activities: Awareness-raising efforts such as flyers, school assemblies, and faith organisations were used to encourage participation. Volunteer Recruitment: Secured five volunteers, including school staff and teachers, to promote the program and support participants. Workshops and Webinars: Completed webinars on storytelling and vulnerability for men and two workshops on mental health and leadership for young people. 2. Local Priorities Addressed: The project addresses community well-being and safety by providing safe spaces for men to discuss mental health, contributing to the reduction of loneliness, and promoting open dialogue. The circles also enhance community safety, as untreated mental health issues can lead to negative outcomes like self-harm or violence. Early intervention through these discussions helps prevent such risks. The project also works with local mental health services and substance abuse services to offer further support, thus promoting a safer community environment. 3. Project Beneficiaries: Total participants: 50 men Volunteers: 6 Demographics: Gender: 80% male, 10% female, 10% prefer not to say Age groups: 30% under 19, 20% in their 20s, 10% in their 30s, 10% in their 40s, 20% in their 50s, 5% in their 60s, and 5% prefer not to say Ethnicity: 40% Black (20% African, 20% Caribbean), 20% Asian, 10% mixed ethnic, and 10% White 4. Main Outcomes: Mental Health Support Network: Established sustainable men's circles that offer peer support and promote mental well-being. Increased Awareness: Raised awareness of mental health and available support services among young men. Reduced Stigma: Provided a platform to reduce stigma around mental health discussions. Sustainability: Demonstrated potential for the men’s circles to continue beyond the initial project by securing volunteers. 5. Community Impact: Improved Social Cohesion: Created stronger connections within the community by fostering relationships through the men’s circles. Empowerment of Young Men: Equipped young men with knowledge and resources to make positive life choices. Strengthened School-Community Collaboration: Enhanced ties between schools and the wider community. 6. Challenges and Solutions: Turnout and Consistency: Low attendance was addressed by using personalized, 1-on-1 outreach, increasing engagement. School Participation: Logistical and safeguarding challenges were addressed by building lead time into the planning stages. 7. Unmet Objectives: Volunteer Training: The project could not fully train leaders to continue running circles independently. Sustainability via Subs: A plan for participants to pay small subs was not fully realized, but the group is likely to continue at St. Anthony’s and Emmanuel Church with venue support. 8. Highlights of People Powered Places Programme: Two circles are strong enough to continue with existing volunteers. Additional workshops were held to influence how other community groups approach men's mental health. 9. Recommendations for Future Circles: Use participation metrics and surveys to track engagement, attendance, and outcomes. Implement interviews and other qualitative methods to gather deeper insights into participants' experiences.

rich barton3 years ago Project has been completed (Dec 24) VARIOUS SCHOOL LOCATIONSWhat’s the Point?”Seeks to educate and empower young people to change the culture of youth violence.· 63 pupils have directly arrived at a ‘teachable moment’ and have participated in presenting this to their peers and received a certificate of completion by December· 5 different schools have made a commitment to keeping each other safe· 63 pupils now have the potential to save a life by responding to a knife wound with emergency first aid· 740 children and young people now have a good understanding (with no prior knowledge) of Joint Enterprise – most said they would think carefully about the friends they choose and not be persuaded to partake in criminal activity· Schools have reported that individual students of concern were showing better relationships with staff in some cases· Pupils understand the statistics and likelihood of injury or fatality of those who choose to carry knivesInitial ProposalWe have successfully run 17 projects in primary and secondary schools in Newham over the last 3 years. Residents from Canning Town/Custom House and Stratford/West Ham voted for us in previous Community Assemblies to launch a new project in their schools. Once completed, we have been able to secure further funding from outside the borough to keep these project continuing in those areas.We would like to share the success of WTP and launch the project in a third area of Newham to meet the local priority of keeping children and you people safe.Over a number of weeks in the term, we work intensively with a small group of 10 participants in 6 local schools. We bring in community visitors who have life experience of the impact of knife crime. They meet with the young people to share their stories helping them to work together for a common cause. We recruit our visitors from the local community including ex-gang members and victims of knife crime. We also provide visits from positive local role models - entrepreneurs, musicians/performers, sportspeople etc - who can share about the consequences of their decisions growing up around gangs and knives. The group also get the opportunity to meet and speak with police officers, paramedics and other members of the community. This gives them a broader understanding of the issues, helps build bridges and equips the students with life changing skills. One young person was able to prevent their friend from dying from a stab wound as a direct result of receiving first aid training on the course.This course saves lives!“WE NEED MORE OF THIS. MORE THINGS LIKE WHATS THE POINT TO HELP US THINK ABOUT THE WAYS THINGS ARE. THEY DON’T HAVE TO BE” Yr 10 student 2019, LDEUTCUPDATE JUNE 2024We have now begun the project in 50% of the schools we bid for:Earlham PrimaryPark PrimaryColegrave Primaryand so are on course to reach 360 children this term in yr5 & yr6.We have made contact and are in negotiations with 2 secondary schools - St Bonaventures and Stratford School Academy to start the project in September with Yr10.We have continued to work with our partners at Ben Kinsella Museum, Street Doctors, G4G, The Met Police, and our amazing local specialist volunteers.

Susanne Rauprich3 years ago Project Update August 2024We have set up a community resource for Newham, based in Forest Gate. We have purchased 20 gazebos for public use. These are available for hire or to borrow (depending on criteria) by any organisation or resident group in Newham. The gazebos are very high quality and sturdy and weare able to supply weights and sides if required. Project Proposal 2023: As our community develops, we are having more outdoor events, last year we had our first Green Fair, we also had street parties, and lots of annual events. All of them needed a gazebo to protect traders and customers from rain or sun. Our proposal is for a gazebo hire / borrow resource. Gazebos are expensive to hire, and most events have only a small budget or sometimes none. Woodgrange market lent their gazebos to 12 main events last year and lots of smaller ones. Having a central resource would allow people to use up to 20 gazebos for their event. Whether you are having a small or a large event these gazebos could make an outdoor event less stressful and more enjoyable to the organizers and the customers . If the event has a budget then a small hire fee will be charged which will be used to maintain the gazebos if the event does not have a budget the gazebos can be borrowed. Did you go to one of these events last year, then vote for this project? This project is subject to permission being granted by the owner of the premises if successful

Fiona Leckenby3 years ago Completion update - December 2024 The project has ended up being a complete joy. It has engaged members of the public who have appreciated what I’m trying to do. Many have stopped and congratulated myself and others, while we work on the planters, but I have also received texts and emails. A group of children from a local mosque helped over a weekend and local shopkeepers offered refreshments like drinks and fruit to them.The local community have also been able to support by propagating plants, assisting in the physically building of signs, creating designs for the signs, planting up and clearing the planters, whatever the weather.Now that the planters have been be cleared and replanted, they are easier to maintain. They will only need a bit of cutting back, weeding and clearing from time to time. Apart from 1 planter, outside the Coop, the litter issue has much improved.The main outcomes are that the high street looks much smarter and people are no long wound up by the state of the planters. My PlanOur street planters need to be maintained, if not the results can be worse than not having them at all - we've all seen them full of rubbish and dead plants. Instead of inspiring those walking past, it can give a sense that a community really doesn't care.I plan to change this by investigating the origins of planters in the area and either offer support to those who have worked hard to put them in place, or simply take over the maintenance. I will do this with a network of corporate companies, schools and local charitable organisations or cultural groups, in order to make it a sustainable operation. I will organise monthly maintenance sessions, providing equipment and refreshments for all taking part.My vision is to create something a little different for the planters, they could be themed and used to educate people about nature, highlight different cultures, herbal remedies, or simply promote good causes in the area. The bases of the planters could also be used to hold artwork from schools or other local organisations. It would be lovely to create something that catches the eye and makes people smile as they walk past.Integral to the whole project is the participation of the local community, it will give them a chance to meet new, like minded people and to be part of something worthwhile.For the amount of £4,800 please support me to improve the environment in some small way. This project is subject to permission being granted by the owner of the premises if successful

S Brown3 years ago June 2024 Update: Phase One of the project is complete, with the installation of the mural brightening the school site as well as the view from the train line.350 pupils provided the stimulus for the artwork by writing explanations of how they see wellbeing. Their ideas were interpreted by artist Angry Dan, who completed the mural at Easter, before returning to support children create limericks of their own.The mural sparked conversations with parents, carers and visitors, and is intended to help adults consider and articulate what wellbeing looks like for them.Phase Two of the project is to extend the school garden towards the back entrance to the school, installing a fruit orchard and herb garden. Alongside the existing school garden, this will serve as a location for free adult workshops for the whole community, which will be advertised across the borough.This work has been delayed by the departure of our lead gardener. However, having recently found an excellent replacement, we anticipate these workshops to take place throughout the summer.Original Bid:Godwin Wellbeing for All is an ambitious, multi-faceted initiative to help improve the wellbeing of the school and wider Forest Gate community through a suite of arts- and nature-led activities and projects. This includes poetry workshops and the creation of a large, brightly coloured mural by local artist and illustrator Angry Dan (www.angrydan.com) using poetry to engage both children and adults on issues surrounding mental health. The mural will be visible both in school and from the Gospel Oak to Barking trainline. This environment-enhancing proposal will run in tandem with the installation of a mature bush fruit orchard and enhanced herb garden located near the back entrance of the school and onto Godwin Road, providing healthy produce, sensory and uplifting planting for wellbeing, gardening and volunteering opportunities, and the narrative for a series of 10 school and community workshops by local RHS trained gardener, garden author and editor, and arts educator Sonya Patel Ellis (www.abotanicalworld.com). The school has already made huge progress in providing access to greenery and wellbeing through their Godwin Gardening for All initiative and aims to be a borough-leader in providing creative and nature-based education alongside the curriculum.

laura zotova3 years ago Project has been completd - July 2024 (check out project progrees below)Initial ProposalI would like to run “Nature Builders”, regular workshops to help children connect with nature through arts, crafts, games, practical skills, story-telling, and mindfulness activities.I have been passionate about the power of nature and connecting to it all of my life. I previously worked as a childminder, and know the importance of teaching concepts of sustainability, creativity and self-care from an early age whilst their minds are most open. For the past year, I have been working as a Forest School facilitator for the past year and will become certified as a Forest School leader by the end of 2023. I have seen first hand how much those children thrive at that Forest School, in terms of their physical and mental health but also their social conscience and that humans must share this world with its wildlife.I am applying for funding as Forest Schools are typically over-subscribed and not affordable for the majority of families in Newham. My workshops would give local children a chance to experience the benefits of Forest Schools. I would help them to explore and educate about local urban nature, their habitats, why we need them and how we can help them survive, engage them with arts, crafts and games using elements from nature, use songs and story-telling to educate them about British wildlife, gather in a sharing circle to discuss feelings and do mindfulness activities, and also teach practical skills (e.g. tying different knots, building basic sheltered dens without tools).I will be asking for £5000 to deliver these sessions (along with an assistant) over the 2023/2024 academic year, to include all administrative, publicity, research, development, evaluation, materials and necessary expenses.I think it would cover the priorities in the following ways:Health & Wellbeing - the workshops will specifically include mindfulness and well-being activities to improve/maintain good mental health, and incorporate games and activities that provide exercise so will tackle physical health also. There are general mental health benefits to socialising in a group, whilst providing free activities for families helps to reduce stress in the current costs-of-living climate.Community Development & Participation - the workshops would help to bring together parts of the community and help form new friendships. We would hold workshops in community gardens, in which case the workshops may increase their visibility and attract more volunteers to their spaces.Community Safety - the workshops will take place in the public realm. The more that public spaces are visited, the safer they feel (and the same is true of places that are looked after - as mentioned above under ‘Project Impact’, we will be teaching children to look after their green spaces).UPDATE - MARCHNature Builders has had a very successful start. 28 children across 10 local schools registered and were given places for the workshops, which run twice a week after school.We have completed the first half-term (February-March), and covered a range of topics including Imbolc (Spring festival), the Spring Equinox and equinoctial Earth Day, and various skills including shelter-building, foraging, nest-making, and whittling twig pens and making oak gall ink.UPDATE - MAYWe have completed the second half-term (April-May), and covered a range of topics including Earth Day (the environmental campaign day) and Beltane (May Day), and various skills including balm-making, nettle cordage, felting, and whittling.Nature Builders had a very exciting half-term, because the community gardeners at The UP Garden (where we are mostly based) built a bug hotel for the children to furnish, and prepared a low planter for them to grow food in - they planted edible flowers, carrots and peas. It is wonderful for these two generations to come together on such projects.Even more exciting is that the BBC came to film one of our sessions as part of their feature on The UP Garden (where we are mostly based), so Nature Builders was on The ONE Show!UPDATE - JULYWe have completed the third and final half-term (June-July), and covered a range of topics including the life cycle of bees and Summer Solstice, as well as various skills including making lemonade, tea bags, and end-of-term medals from tree discs and hand palm drills.The children were most excited about their two long-term projects: seeing which insects visited their bug hotel which included a striped Jersey Tiger Moth, and harvesting nasturtiums and peas from their planter.I am thrilled to have been awarded funding from People Powered Place, which allowed me to offer Nature Builders for free to 33 children across 10 schools.FEEDBACKThe feedback I received:“O loves the Nature Builders sessions… He’s really enjoyed exploring the Up Garden in a more structured way - exploring new parts through all the activities and games you organise. I am enjoying the additions to his vocabulary as he learns more new words, but more importantly I love all the fun he has! You and Anand have such a wonderful way with the children - O is so at ease with you (it’s the first ever class we’ve been able to leave him even for a short while) and really looks forward to Monday afternoons. Thank-you so much.”“Firstly they are an excellent opportunity for E to have time in a garden when he wouldn’t normally get this. It has extended his friendships as he is attending with other kids, often older which has helped his confidence. It’s also clear that it is a great experience for him as he is always happy when the sessions are on and and if one is cancelled his little face drops.”“I can honestly say that Monday is A’s favourite day of the week, purely due to nature builders. He has always loved nature - and giving him an opportunity to connect with nature through learning has opened his eyes to the beautiful world that we live in. Thank you Laura and Anand for bringing the sessions to us.”“Laura it’s so clear how much love and energy you pour into every session and you engage with the kids in a really magical way ❤️ Thank you so much for working so hard to put on these sessions for our wonderful community. On a personal level, your kindness and gentle support and encouragement with A has meant a lot, which we’ve not often seen for him when trying different clubs and activities. We will all be there on Monday to celebrate Nature Builders family ❤️”“We love how delighted you and Anand are to see the kids (and parents!) each week and it's the one after school event each week that we know our kiddos love and always come home with a smile on their face from. Thank you SO much!”“Hi Laura, our routine has changed and L isn't able to attend Nature Builders any more - I want to thank you for the sessions she's been to and really hope we may be able to join again in the future because it was lovely to see her settle in and grow in confidence even in a short time. I hope you can pass on our place to another child. Thank you again.”“Love it!! ❤️ Nature Builders is so beautiful. A can come home from school so wound up but she always comes back from yours with a smile and a skip in her step 🥰”“N has really enjoyed it! We are so happy as he has thrived ❤️ all thanks to you and Anand for creating a beautiful space.”“It is such a beautiful space that you create for the children (and adults!!) - R has thoroughly enjoyed it. He has always loved being outdoors but he has got a new level of confidence and interest that is so beautiful to see and be around. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts ❤️❤️❤️”

Sue C3 years ago December 2024 - project has been complted. Read update on project progress below. Final update AAP:• Elderly have something positive to do instead of feeling isolated in their flat and pleased they adopted one of the 14 metal planters. It was noted that it can be very depressing when feeling lonely and therefore, being responsible for one of the planters, planting flowers that blossom, digging and weeding, talking to others who have adopted aplanter and ultimately seeing the outcomes of their hard work, the achievements and the joy, has immensely improved their mental health and well-being as well as physical health.• The children who now regularly tend a planter with their parent/s and how it has changed their lives.• The area immediately outside HP entrance was dull, full of weeds and the metal planters were shabby looking, paint peeling off, full of weeds and generally no care and attention. Fast forward and post all the days and hours of sheer hard work by project lead, volunteers and residents the area is totally transformed, makes people smile on entering the flats and feedback is positive. Not forgetting the support from MN whoorganised the removal of the unsightly and unused posts, negotiated the donation and installation of two water butts, moving one of the planters to a more suitable position and the installation of two noticeboards. The area is beautifully transformed and with the installation of an accessible planter, will enable others to join in.Large planters Leytonstone High Road:• It’s been encouraging to see different people attending the community gardening events as well as those who regularly attend. The events have proved important in ensuring the maintenance of the planters including weeding and planting seeds and new plants.• Social media has proved very useful advertising the community gardening events, AAP scheme as well as gaining feedback that includes the following:• Looking stunning guys, well done!• We made a difference (volunteer)• Looks lovely (AAP)• Great work, well done• Looking fabulous – well done to all• This looks so good – so proud of you all and the volunteers (Pics of metal planters)• Walked past yesterday and it looks so beautiful• Beautiful• Amazing• It was so much fun, and I loved recycling all the boxes (joint event with food bank)• These look amazing, well done - I’ll come round today and take a look (referring to pictures of therevamped metal planters)• Well done• I have quite a lot of plants to bring (referring to community gardening event) and give away. I’llbring them on Saturday.• Making a difference to so many people's lives and seeing the impact as a result of the changes, is what the main aim of the project was all about. Post project the work continues and use of the WhatsAPP group, project email and Facebook page means communication avenues are in place. Continuation of the work at HP means that communication is key to forging relationships to enable building on what’s already been achievedInitial proposalOur project 'Maryland Grow for All' has a focus on greater access to gardening for all with all of its associated health, wellbeing and social benefits.We aim to :- install wheelchair accessible planting on Leytonstone Road, close to the existing planters.- offer sensory planting to make gardening more accessible to people with sensory disabilities- revitalise the unused metal planters at Henniker Point with opportunities for local people to 'adopt a planter' to bring fresh life, vibrancy and colour and uplift our high street.The project is to offer inclusive and accessible community gardening opportunities to local families and residents. The project will: Offer opportunities for gardening for people with disabilities and access needs, as well as people who don't have garden access. Improve the area and the high street for everyone, offering an uplifting and inspiring resource - Improve the appearance of underused, eye-sore planters outside the flats at Henniker Point Build community connections, bringing together local and wider communities, provide and build interaction, wellbeing and community with mental health and social benefits for all. Offer an inclusive space for social interaction and build connection. Community Development and Participation:We want to increase participation and access to a wider group of people, including people with disabilities, including physical disability and mobility needs by offering inclusive opportunities for gardening in the local area.We want to engage wider group of people in gardening by offering opportunity to access currently under-used and unsightly planters for people who don't have access to gardens. Health and Wellbeing:The project promotes health and wellbeing by:Bringing people together in shared community activitiesBuilding connections between people of all ages and backgrounds. Supporting people to develop skills and confidenceTime in nature and gardening has recognised benefits for mental and physical health offering an uplifting and inspiring resource that creates a sense of possibility and empowermentCommunity Safety:Improved cleanliness and amenity as well as building community connections will improve local perceptions and experience of safety when using the high street. The planters from the previous year’s project at the start of the project. January, February 2024: Completion and submission of mandatory documentation: Safeguarding policyRisk assessmentPublic Liability InsuranceProject Plan. February 2024Seeking permission from Newham departments:Highways Department for Accessible planterHousing Department for upgrade and allocation of metal planters in front of Henniker Point. Community gardening eventsCommunity Gardening Saturday 13th January Info about success with our application for fundingOngoing maintenance 4.2.24 Maintenance 14.2.2420.2.24Community planting and gardening event 24.2.24 We planted broad beans, calendula and a rose.1.3.243.3.2411.3.24 Maryland Community FacebookMaryland Community Facebook 4.3.2415.3.24 Maryland Community Facebook plus Community noticeboard at Maryland station.Maryland Facebook 20. 3.24 Community gardening event 23.3.24Approximately 500 leaflets printed and distributed:To all Henniker Point residents (door to door leafleting)School crossings – Maryland and St FrancisProvide leaflets to Lollipop lady who lives Henniker PointLeafleting residents around Bow StreetSpeaking to local businesses re sponsoring one of the planters; David Daniels,Bakery shop (donated £5), Maryland BarbersLeafleting Maryland StationNotice board Maryland StationLeaflets placed in Stratford LibrarySocial Media: Facebook and InstagramWhatsApp: sent to approximately 50 peopleEmail: sent to approximately 40 people including local schools Event attended by 7 adults and 8 children from Henniker point and community :Potting and seeding completed by children with difficult due to weather conditions 2 new women from the local community brought their children and donated seeds; tomato and sunflowerHenniker point resident and her son attended and helped with planting seedsWe planted ginger, calendula and poppy seeds.4 attendees expressed an interest and provided their details to sign up to adopt a planter – 2 from Henniker Point and 2 from the local community. Maryland Community Facebook 28.3.2430.3.24 Permission received from Newham Housing Department for metal planters to be painted and to be allocated to Henniker Point and local residents for ‘Adopt-a-planter’ scheme. Plants donated by resident at Peter Heathfield House Maryland Community Facebook 2.4.24Facebook 9.4.24 Maryland Community Group Facebook 11.4.24Ongoing maintenance CleangreenE158 May · This Saturday pop along and join in the fun! Everyone welcome adults and children. The children love potting seeds and taking them home to water them and watch them grow. Everything is edible.9.6.24Wonderful donation of painting equipment from a Maryland resident to support our project: paint brushes and trays, plus a huge bag of paint covers with lots of seeds donated by her work colleague.Very much appreciated, thank you!!!

Sarah Balaam3 years ago June 2024 Update:Our project has been running really well we have had 3 stalls at Woodgrange market and 2 stalls at Emmanuel church. We deliver 1000 leaflets around the Forest Gate area the week before, advising the times and where the stall will be held. We have had a very good turnout. Our next stall is on the 22nd June 9am-12pm at Henniker point. We request people to bring the leaflet along with them to collect their free bag of food however we have also been approached by a number of local homeless people and other residents in need which we have been able to take their details and also provide them with a bag of food.The monthly food bank has highlighted the scale of deprivation amongst older people and they appear to be quite hesitant when approaching us whilst apologising.We have tried to link them up with neighbourhood team where required.Project Proposalwe would love to extend our service not only to supplying food banks with free food but to have pop up stalls around the Forest Gate area to reach more of the community that are vulnerable and elderly that are in need of a free bag of food and they don’t have to travel as far to collect it. We would love to have 1000 leaflets printed and distributed in the surrounding area of where the pop stall would be so maybe one month in the high street one month in the local church the leaflets would go out a week prior to the stall giving the location date and times of the event with also our social media page on it and contact number so if they would like to continue collecting at the different locations they can also follow our page or ring to find out where the next stall would be that way we can move about the Forest Gate area reaching more of the vulnerable people/families and elderly by leafleting different parts each time with the local location for the food stall. Our priority is the health and well-being of newham people and if we can help them by supplying them some free food then let’s do it.This project reached many Newham residents we gave away over 2000 bags of food which was worth over £60,000 and 120 Hampers which made the residents very happy one lady said it was her first ever Christmas gift. It has been an absolute pleasure to complete this project and reach so many people, we have had many helping hands which we appreciate we are so pleased that this project was a great success.

Stella Howard3 years ago Inclusive Rhythms: Dance, Art, & CommunityJanuary 2024 - Project Completion UpdateInclusive Rhythms saw the delivery of 7 monthly workshops, June to December 2024, at The Gate Library. The family orientated workshops were specifically designed to be inclusive, so children with Special Education Needs (SEN) and/or physical, learning difficulties could take part, and feel supported. Each session has encompassed a range of activities that encouraged Gross and fine motor skills Creative explorations Working with others Turn taking The content of the movement sessions focused on fundamental movement skills of Locomotor skills: Jump, hop, skip, gallop, etc. Non-locomotor skills: Balance, bend, twist, etc. Object control skills: Catch, throw etc. Over the 7 sessions 92 people participated, of which 1/3 had a disability, and 2/3 were under 18. Highlighting the family nature of the sessions.Project update- September 2024Inclusive Rhythms has started!! Monthly sessions are now being held on the second Saturday of the month, 14:00-15:15, from June - December 2024.Dates: Saturday: 8 June, 13 July, 10 August (venue Forest Gate Community Garden), 14 September, 12 October, 9 DecemberTimes: 14:00 - 15:15Where: The Gate Library, Forest Gate. Project Description: Inclusive Rhythms: Dance, Art, & Community, is a monthly creative movement, music, and art workshop for primary aged (5-10 years) disabled children and/or children with a special educational need (SEN) and their families or carers.The project will provide an inclusive and supportive environment for SEN and/or disabled participants to explore movement range, creativity, and connection to others in a safe and supported environment.Monthly sessions will run from March - December 2024. The workshops will be team taught by SEN experienced artists from two artistic disciplines.Goals: Offer artistic opportunities to SEN and/or disabled children and their families Encourage movement range and skill Encourage creativity and self expression Support family bonding, through playful interaction Funding will make this opportunity free to all participants and their families.

The UP Garden Forest Gate3 years ago This project has been completed. Read progress updates below...AUGUST 2023: PROPOSALThe UP Garden would like to bring literature, art and science to the community in the form of: a book exchange. We have inherited a vintage phone box which we want to transform into a weather-proofed shelter for people to donate and take/borrow books either to read at The UP Garden or at home, to encourage reading for pleasure and improve literacy; a community piano. Pianos are considered a gateway to learning other instruments, but their size and cost mean most people do not have access. We want to buy a second-hand one and build a weather-proofed cabinet to encourage more interest in music and learning to play; and a nature trail. We want to buy rubbing plaques featuring UK wildlife to place around for visitors to find and learn from via paper checklists which could include educational information. All of these allow visitors to enjoy The UP Garden independently and at their own convenience, encourage existing visitors to come more often, and hopefully attract new visitors. They also enhance the space generally.Moreover, The UP Garden want to use a small portion of funds to participate at more third party events during 2024 to help more Newham residents discover The UP Garden.Volunteers will be involved in delivering all four elements of this project, so we are only seeking £4,000 to do so (well below the maximum £20,000 we could apply for). This is very good value for a book exchange, community piano, and nature trail, which will be available to anyone all day, every day, for free, and for long past this funding scheme's project timescale (31 December 2024).PRIORITIESThis project helps to address: HEALTH & WELLBEING as maintaining interests like reading or playing an instrument is beneficial to mental health, as is being sociable and around nature (which this project also encourages). COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & PARTICIPATION as it will require volunteer help and, once delivered, will encourage more visitors to The UP Garden. The more that local residents socialise, this increases the community’s sense of belonging and getting on well together. The vintage phone box book exchange, community piano, and rubbing plaques, also provide talking points, thus encouraging socialisation across cultures. COMMUNITY SAFETY as the more attractive The UP Garden looks, and the more reasons there are to visit, the busier it is as well as the surrounding estate. This reduces the likelihood of anti-social behaviour and improves the feeling of safety. CONSULTATIONWe have been consulting our community. We have had queries relating to a door for the book exchange to protect from rain (this has already been factored into the design) and the noise of the piano (there are various measures which we will be exploring). The response has been overwhelmingly positive.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.DECEMBER 2023:CONFIRMATION OF AWARDThank you to everyone who voted - we have been awarded funding and are very excited to make these lovely ideas a reality! There will be opportunities to get involved over Spring and Summer 2024. The easiest way to keep updated on those is to follow us on instagram, facebook or twitter @theUPgarden, or pop in to see us in person during our Social Weedia sessions which are every Wednesday 4-5pm).JANUARY 2024:PROJECT PLANNINGFour of The UP Garden's Committee members put themselves forward to lead our PPP project, and met to agree the broad strategy, timelines and who would be responsible for each of the project elements.Whilst the Project Leads cracked on with their tasks, the Project Manager started working their way through the paperwork: gathering documentation for the Council's administrative requirements, drafting templates for project work, and creating the year-long project planner required to keep this project on budget and on schedule!FEBRUARY 2024:NATURE TRAIL - COMMUNITY INPUTWe consulted with the community to help us design the nature trail by asking them to vote on their favourite wildlife designs. This was done in-person at one of our event days, and an online survey was also circulated for anyone who could not make it on the day. The nature trail team also started designing how the rubbing plaques will be affixed to our existing furniture.The book exchange team have started planning out the preliminary renovation work on the phone box, whilst the community piano team have been researching designs for the weather-proof cabinet.MARCH 2024:COMMUNITY PIANO - COMMUNITY INPUTWe engaged with the community to help us research how to design the cabinet for the community piano, and have been having discussions with a Forest Gate artist to potentially create some exciting artwork to go on it.We also consulted with a Manor Park furniture designer (who has already renovated a phone box) for advice for our book exchange.We received our first instalment of funds, so we have purchased the rubbing plaques for the nature trail, and have been trouble-shooting some logistical issues on how they will be affixed.If you would like to help with this project, here is our Schedule of Sessions and you can register for pre-book sessions here.APRIL 2024:BOOK EXCHANGE - PREPARATIONWe have started preparing the phone box for renovation. It's in a worse state than anticipated so the glass-clearing and surface-rubbing is taking up a lot of sessions. Once that's done, we can move onto priming and painting it, then tackling the inside.We continue to design the cabinet for the community piano, whilst the nature trail is ready for installation and will be unveiled at our Springtide event.MAY 2024:NATURE TRAIL - COMPLETEDWe showcased 4 of the rubbing plates at our stall at the Green Fair on 6 May.We installed and unveiled our nature trail at our Springtide event on 27 May, which can be enjoyed in a variety of ways both online and without technology - people can scan a code to try a particular hunt, or scan the plaque codes to read educational information about that species of wildlife, or they can hunt for all 16, or they can create etchings from the plaques.We continue to prepare the phone box for renovation, and are troubleshooting and fine-tuning the design for the cabinet for the community piano.JUNE 2024: COMMUNITY PIANO - DESIGNINGWe have been working through different designs for the cabinet to keep the piano dry taking into account practicality, access and budget.We continue to prepare the phone box for renovation.We also presented an update of our project to hundreds of local residents at the 'Our Projects' event on 20 June.JULY 2024:PARTICIPATING IN OTHER COMMUNITY INITIATIVESA small portion of funds was allocated towards participating at other events during 2024 to help more Newham residents discover The UP Garden. In addition to the stall we hosted at Sustainable Newham's Green Fair back in May, we finished this element of the project in July by hosting stalls at Forest Gate Festival and Frames Of Mind's Cycle Street Party.We continued cleaning and sanding the phone box, and finalising the materials list for the piano cabinet. The nature trail will be publicised at all of our weekly Friends of Urban Nature events over the summer.AUGUST 2024:NATURE TRAIL - COMMUNITY USEIn addition to its everyday availability, the nature trail was publicised at all of our family activities sessions over the summer. Most families preferred to engage with it just by searching for all 16 and making rubbings with thin paper and graphite pencils, but some also used smartphones to access the educational information.The glass-clearing and surface-rubbing of the phone box has nearly finished and is being primed and painted, ready for installation of the glass panes. The materials for the piano cabinet have been delivered and cut to size, and await transport to The UP Garden so the cabinet can be built on site.SEPTEMBER 2024:BOOK EXCHANGE - PREPARATION WORK COMPLETEDThe phone box has now been primed and painted, and the glass panes installed. The next step will be to design the internal floor, shelves layout, and door.The materials for the piano cabinet await construction at The UP Garden, and we are now researching a suitable piano within budget.There is a small chance the community piano will be ready to be unveiled at our Autumntide event, but it is more likely that both will be unveiled at our Wintertide event instead (per the contingency plan in our original timeline).OCTOBER 2024:COMMUNITY PIANO - CONSTRUCTIONVolunteers built and painted the weatherproof cabinet, and a local artist donated their time to paint the external surfaces to turn it into a 3D artwork. The piano was donated by a Forest Gate resident. It was made in the early 1900s, a 10-minute walk from The UP Garden. We held a soft launch at our Autumntide event where it attracted all ages. We have further finishing touches to complete over the next month.The phone box awaits installation of the shelves and door, and should be ready to be unveiled by our Wintertide event.NOVEMBER 2024:BOOK EXCHANGE - COMMUNITY INPUT; COMPLETEDVolunteers installed the vinyl decal signage, internal floor, shelves, and external signage, whilst carpenters fitted the bespoke door. The public donated books ready for its unveiling at our upcoming Wintertide event.Unfortunately, simply moving the weatherproof cabinet for the piano about a metre to its final position revealed how uneven the ground was, which caused significant leaning. We also discovered an issue with the materials ordered. We used the savings from discounts and donations from elsewhere in the project to pay for a carpenter to rectify and fortify it, and it should be ready in time for its Wintertide relaunch.DECEMBER 2024:COMMUNITY PIANO - COMPLETED; COMMUNITY USEThe rectification of the weatherproof cabinet for the piano was completed, and the artist returned to add artwork to the internal surfaces so that it looks just as cheery when opened. It was relaunched at our Wintertide event where it again attracted people of all ages. One of our volunteers has since witnessed a member of the public visiting The UP Garden purely to come and play the piano.The book exchange was also unveiled at Wintertide along with a speech, and has received lots of positive comments.PROJECT COMPLETEDWe give huge thanks to: the hundreds of people who provided input both online and at our in-person workshops, voted for this project, provided advice or recommendations, or have supported or engaged with our project in any way; the businesses who were involved - we tried to use Newham (or East London) suppliers wherever possible to contribute to the local economy. The carpenters, sign-makers, artist, timber merchant, piano owner, mover, and tuner, all gave discounts or donated services/items - the total savings are estimated to be around £2,500; the 25 volunteers who in total have donated well over 500 hours to delivering this project, which equates to £6,925 of free labour (based on the London Living Wage), or £9,975 if taking into account the proportion of skilled labour that would have attracted a much higher hourly rate. As the nature trail, book exchange and community piano should last for many years to come, we look forward to the thousands of visitors to The UP Garden each year getting to enjoy these new features. We have since won separate funding for an additional weatherproof shelter for the community piano cabinet to give it extra longevity, construction of which is already underway and should be completed over the next month or so. We will provide an in-person update at the "Our Neighbourhood" event on 22 January 2025, and will continue to post about the nature trail, book exchange and community piano from time to time on our Instagram/Facebook/Twitter @theUPgarden.

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'Our Neighbourhoods' Forest Gate & Maryland
Event date: January 22nd, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
The Gate Library
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'Our Projects' at Forest Gate & Maryland
Event date: June 20th, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
The Gate Library
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The BIG vote Stratford & West Ham, Forest Gate & Maryland and Plaistow
Event date: October 21st, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Stratford Library
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Support clinic - How to do a consultation
Event date: July 24th, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
Virtual
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Support clinic - How to cost your project
Event date: July 20th, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
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Support clinic - How to submit a project application for residents
Event date: July 13th, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
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Our solutions
Event date: July 3rd, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Forest Gate Library
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Support clinic - How to submit a project application for voluntary, community and faith sector groups
Event date: June 27th, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
Virtual
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Our priorities
Event date: May 15th, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Forest Gate Library
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People Powered Places Launch
Event date: April 27th, 2023 from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
Stratford Library
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