Eleona Wai •11 months ago What is The Orange Neighbourhood Project?The Orange Neighbourhood Project is a community-led wellbeing programme created by ONP London community-business to support women in Canning Town and Custom House. It is built around the idea that when women have safe spaces to connect, share, and grow, the whole community becomes stronger.At its heart, The Orange Neighbourhood Project is about reducing isolation and improving wellbeing. Too many women in our area face loneliness, poor mental health, and a lack of support networks. Some are new mothers without family help, others are elderly and overlooked, and many live with disabilities or long-term conditions such as diabetes. Our project recognises that these challenges are different and creates tailored opportunities for women to come together, build resilience, and feel included in their neighbourhood again.What We Are Offering Through The Orange NeighbourhoodIn 2026, The Orange Neighbourhood will deliver a diverse programme of 6 workshops and 2 events every quarter, carefully designed to meet the needs of women in Canning Town and Custom House. We are working closely with a local yoga studio in Canning Town as well as a team of highly trained and experienced instructors, facilitators, and healthcare professionals to ensure sessions are both safe and effective. This collaborative approach means women will benefit from professional guidance while feeling supported in a welcoming community setting.
Mum & Baby Yoga (6-Week Course, Quarterly) - A safe and nurturing space for new mothers to connect with their babies while also supporting their own well-being. Sessions will introduce relaxation techniques that can soothe babies during distress, while also giving mums the chance to meet and bond with other mothers in the community.
25 - 65+ Women’s Wellness Course (6-Week Course, Quarterly) - A structured programme tailored for mature women — from those balancing work and family life to those who are retired. Across six weeks, participants will have the chance to slow down, prioritise self-care, and build lasting friendships. The course creates space for women to connect outside of work, strengthen their wellbeing, and reduce loneliness.
Diabetes Specialist Workshop (Quarterly) - Led by a nurse or healthcare professional, these workshops address the specific challenges of living with diabetes, including diabetes burnout. Each quarter will focus on a different theme, such as nutrition (with meals shared in a supper club-style brunch), or women’s health and menstruation (paired with a tea circle for open conversation).
Pilates Brunch (Quarterly) - An inclusive fitness session for women who want to try pilates but may not be able to afford regular classes. These brunches combine exercise with the opportunity to socialise and enjoy a healthy meal together, creating a supportive environment to explore new fitness habits.
Wellness & Manifestation Brunch (Quarterly) - An intimate gathering with a wellness coach, where women can reflect, journal, and complete guided worksheets. These sessions focus on strengthening self-belief, validating lived experiences, and giving women the tools to set goals and manifest positive change.
Walking Group Meet-Up (Quarterly) - A fun and energising 10k walk around E16, combined with coffee and conversation. This group promotes fitness while offering space for connection and peer support, helping women integrate exercise into their lifestyles in a social and supportive way.
Our ApproachThe Orange Neighbourhood Project is not just about activities — it’s about building lasting networks of support. Women who attend are encouraged to form friendships, join WhatsApp support groups, and stay connected outside of sessions. Over time, this creates a ripple effect, where women begin to support one another, get involved in other community projects, and even go on to lead initiatives themselves.We also work closely with local businesses and community venues (such as Shakti Space, crafted corner, canning town library and supported accommodation services) to deliver activities. These partnerships mean we are embedded in the heart of the neighbourhood, making the project accessible, familiar, and rooted in local identity.Why It MattersCanning Town and Custom House are changing rapidly, and many women feel left behind by regeneration. The Orange Neighbourhood Project ensures women are included in this change, giving them spaces to feel heard, supported, and empowered. By strengthening women, we strengthen families, improve health outcomes, and create more connected communities across Newham.Our Journey So farBetween 2023 and 2025, ONP London has already laid strong foundations in Newham:
Delivered the Orange Neighbourhood Project with Newham Council’s Neighbourhood Small Grants Programme (2023/24).
Expanded with the E16 Orange Women Project, funded by the Aspers Good Causes Fund (2024/25).
Built partnerships with local businesses such as Social Convention, Yapix, Shakti Space, and Rise and Climb.
Hosted activities including Coffee & Chat sessions, Wellness Wednesdays, yoga classes, paint therapy, and walking groups.
Created strong digital networks via WhatsApp and social media, providing ongoing peer support and engagement.
