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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

Phase 1: People Powered Places Launch

People Powered Places Launch

Phase 2: Our priorities

Our priorities

Phase 3: Our solutions

Our solutions

Phase 4: Submit your project proposal

Submit your project proposal

Phase 5: Projects shortlisting and feasibility

Projects shortlisting and feasibility

Phase 6: The Big Vote

The Big Vote

Phase 7: Successful projects announcement

Successful projects announcement

Phase 8: Project delivery progress

Project delivery progress

Phase 9: Project showcase & evaluation phase

Project showcase & evaluation phase

Phase 10: Celebrate your achievements

Celebrate your achievements

The Big Vote

October 21, 2023 11:00 PM - November 13, 2023 12:00 AM

The Big Vote is now open!

Anyone who lives, learns or works in the Community Neighbourhood of Forest Gate & Maryland can vote for their 10 favourite projects.

Make sure you vote for 10 projects before submitting your vote. You can modify your vote until 12 November at 8pm when the voting phase closes. There are 34 proposals to choose from in Forest Gate & Maryland. They have been shortlisted by your working group. Now, it's your time to vote!

You can only vote in your Community Neighbourhood, and you can only vote once. Make sure you indicate a valid postcode and door number from the Community Neighbourhood area when you vote.

Here is a quick video to voting online:

You must be 13 years old or over to use Newham Co-create and vote online. If you are under 13 and wish to vote for projects, you can do so at your local event or at a library with adult supervision.

Want to hear directly from residents and local organisations about their proposal? Register to attend your local event on Saturday 21 October. You can also vote in person at the event instead of voting online.

Prefer to vote in person? You can vote in person at any of the local events or at your local library. Check with your local library to find out more and when in person voting is available.

Forest Gate & Maryland has a total budget of £200,000 for this cycle.

If you have more questions about how the Big Vote works, check the FAQ below. If you need support, contact your Community Neighbourhood.

The Big Vote FAQ.pdf

(752.8 KB)

Community Neighbourhood contact details.pdf

(256.3 KB)

33 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.

Mark Anderson3 years ago Finesse Skating is applying for funding for the following reasons:1. **Physical Fitness:** Roller skating is an excellent way for children to stay physically active during the holidays. It promotes cardiovascular fitness, improves muscle strength, and enhances balance and coordination. It's a fun alternative to traditional sports, encouraging children to exercise without even realizing it.2. **Social Interaction:** The coaching sessions at Shipman Youth Zone brought together children from various age groups. This offered them a chance to interact with peers they might not typically encounter, fostering new friendships and social skills. Roller skating is a shared experience that encourages teamwork and cooperation.3. **Skill Development:** Roller skating is not just about gliding around; it involves learning specific techniques and maneuvers. Through Finesse Skating's coaching, children had the opportunity to develop and refine their skating skills, boosting their self-esteem as they achieved new milestones.4. **Confidence Building:** Learning a new skill, especially one as exciting as roller skating, can significantly boost a child's confidence. As they mastered the art of skating, they gained a sense of accomplishment and self-assuredness that can extend into other areas of their lives.5. **Healthy Habits:** By introducing children to roller skating at a young age, Finesse Skating Ltd instilled healthy habits that can last a lifetime. Roller skating can become a lifelong hobby, encouraging kids to choose active and healthy pastimes over sedentary ones.6. **Safety Awareness:** Roller skating also teaches important safety lessons. Children learned how to wear protective gear and the importance of following rules and guidelines while skating. These safety-conscious habits extend beyond the rink and contribute to overall safety awareness.7. **Fun and Enjoyment:** Perhaps the most important benefit of all is the sheer enjoyment children experienced during these sessions. Roller skating is a thrilling and enjoyable activity that can create lasting memories, making the summer holidays more memorable.

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

Ciji Varughese3 years ago According to the Ageing Well Strategy:- 20% of residents (circa 80k people) are over 50.- By 2050, Newham is predicted to have highest 50+ population across NE London.- Men in Newham can expect to live in good health into their 50s.- Women in Newham can expect to live in good health into their 60s.- After this, Newham residents likely to experience ill health and disability- Men in Newham have poorer life expectancy compared with the rest of London and England.Project will offer exercise (1) for people living with heart disease and other chronic health conditions, and (2) chronic health prevention for anyone generally over the age of 50. Project will also offer social contact and opportunity to make new friends in a safe and friendly environment. Project will be for everyone in the ward, and specifically target hard to reach groups such as the BME community through introducing accessible forms of exercise utilising recognised sport such as cricket and football but adapted to be accessible for all regardless of age, gender or ability. Sessions will consist of both mixed and gender separate to access those ordinarily 'invisible' in the community to feel more comfortable participating in single-sex spaces. Supporting participants well-being through creating safe spaces (exercise sessions) for people to meet, exercise, have fun and make new friends and tackle isolation. DodgyTickers is a peer-to-peer based programme. This means participants will be provided opportunities and encouraged to get involved more widely to support the sessions. Training will be provided and include: Being a Ambassador, How to Referee or Umpire, Managing Admin, Organising Sessions, First Aid & Mental Health Training, etc.Additional - Development Opportunity for young people to develop digital skills to support programme through website, and app build, and producing social media content, and general volunteering to get involved in the project and develop new skills.This project is subject to permission being granted by the owner of the premises if successful

Zahra Jones3 years ago The Earlham Grove Gathering comprises four street party style events during the year that bring together local residents from Earlham Grove and its surrounding areas. It aims to help neighbours get to know each other better, some of whom may never meet otherwise. It fosters a greater sense of belonging and community, particularly for those isolated and / or seldom heard. Following two previous events that were very well received and proved really impactful, I have committed to regularly organising this event going forwards. This funding will help to increase the frequency of these gatherings, enable more creative and participative elements and will promote local artists, musicians and businesses. This project is subject to permission being granted by council if successful

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.

Gwen Rahardja3 years ago Becoming Belonging will spread awareness of how our emotional states impact our health, just as diet and exercise do. It will highlight how trauma lives in our bodies, and the need for body-based ways to work with it.It meets all three of the ward’s priorities:· Health and well-being (as seen in the ACEs study, stored trauma increases the risk of many health conditions like diabetes and heart disease)· Participation (because our nervous system state, often a result of stored trauma, will affect how able we are to participate)· Safety (because stored trauma can affect how safe we feel, and also how safe we can be for others)Becoming Belonging will distribute simple practices and prompts to residents in easy-to-digest, bite-size pieces, over the course of the year.The cards will invite residents to pause and slow down, and experience a moment of connecting with themselves. It will also invite them to return to the material, repeating the experience, over and over again. Cards will also be available in community hubs like Forest Gate Library.Residents will be invited to offer their experiences of the project at the Becoming Belonging website, which will also host more information and resources.

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

Roshan Shah3 years ago Music can be a powerful tool for combating the mental well-being challenges young people may face in several ways. They will learn drumming and music, which will contribute to the following factors. 1. Emotional Expression: Music provides an outlet for young people to express their emotions, whether it's through playing an instrument, writing lyrics, or simply listening to music that resonates with their feelings.2. Stress Reduction: Engaging in music, whether through playing, singing, or listening, can reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. It can lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and help calm the mind.3. Social Connection: Music often involves collaboration and group activities, which can foster a sense of belonging and social connection, important for mental well-being.4. Creative Outlet: Creating music allows young people to tap into their creativity, which can boost self-esteem and provide a sense of accomplishment.5. Mindfulness: Practicing music can be a form of mindfulness, helping young people focus on the present moment and alleviate anxiety.6. Cognitive Benefits: Learning and playing music can improve cognitive skills such as memory, attention, and problem-solving, which can indirectly benefit mental well-being.7. Self-Expression: Through lyrics, young people can express their thoughts and feelings, helping them better understand and cope with their emotions.

Emma Daly3 years ago ‘Yoga healing for all’ is a project aimed at supporting Newham’s vulnerable and impoverished residents by giving access to free yoga classes, in a stunning private yoga studio that are curated specifically to address mental and physical well-being. We will run 4 separate courses over the course of the year. 1) Introduction to yoga, pranayama breathing and guided meditation2) Yoga for stress relief and anxiety reduction3) Yoga and sound baths4) Yoga flow for energy Our aim is to continue to create an inclusive space where all members of the community can come together, practice yoga and make connections. ‘ Yoga healing for all’ started as a singular free Community and Beginners yoga class which supports refugees from Stratford’s hotels and clients referred to us from Newham’s Team Joy App. I began this project in January of 2023 which has run up until until now. The application for funding is necessary to sustain this class expand by providing an additional class that includes yoga and sound bath. The funding we require to provide payment for yoga teachers and the renting studio space.The costing for studio space and teacher payment is less than the average hourly rate in London.

Davis McQueen3 years ago Rip Fitness recognises that one in every five residents of Newham is over the age of fifty, and its mission is to educate this demographic about the age-related changes that occur in the structure and function of muscles, as well as how the addition of resistance exercise may help avoid frailty while also improving mobility and independence. My project will have a total of forty-eight fitness sessions held throughout the year. During these sessions, participants will alternate between sitting and standing exercises, primarily focusing on upper and lower body training and exercises focusing on balance. Eleven workshops on the importance of strength, flexibility, and physiotherapy for the treatment of age-related ailments and dementia will also be held during the course of the year. These fitness programmes and workshops will encourage involvement with meaningful dialogue through the shared experience of cultural activities, remembering, and an atmosphere that is beneficial to older people to enhance their health and well-being and decrease feelings of loneliness. Funding for this community project will go towards compensating staff members who are specialists in their disciplines to assist me in organising and leading these sessions and workshops.This project has seeked permission from Forest Gate library to run sessions, if successful

Raffaella Ravaioli3 years ago A series of FREE Community workshops that will aim to fight isolation in the Forest Gate Community creating engaging opportunity for all the participants.This project with all its themed workshops will give the participants a chance to show their passions combining art, music, discussing health and well being topics, sending a positive message about physical and mental health through video creation.We have asked for permission to run the sessions at Forest Gate library.

Sheila Maharaj3 years ago This Project is spread across two groups in the Community.It will focus on the Priority of Health & Wellbeing for minority communitiesa)The first part refers to Seniors Coffee Club which caters for the elders who visit the Centre on a once weekly basis. Elders will meet up : engage in regular yoga and pranayama sessions: listen to talks by visiting speakers: social interaction::seminarsb) The second part of the project will be another group aimed at Indian students in East London( who attend the Centre) which would provide a peer group platform to promote social and emotional networks. The groupwork entailed will serve as containment and safe space to discuss academic and social pressure as well as managing stress. It will be a talking group with the occasional specialist speaker on issues such as housing :finance: mental health. This will be a fortnightly group.

Umar Naveed3 years ago The Companions project addresses a pressing concern within our community— the isolation and loneliness experienced by senior citizens in Newham after retirement. Sadly, our previous efforts to alleviate this issue have proven unsustainable without vital funding. This prompts our application for support.Specifically focusing on the Forest Gate and Maryland areas, Companions strives to enhance the Health and Well-Being of our senior citizens, a target demographic often overlooked. As they transition into retirement and their familial responsibilities diminish, many find themselves grappling with a sense of disconnection and reduced purpose in society.The essence of Companions is to establish a recurring social club that brings together these seniors. Through this initiative, they can engage in discussions, partake in gentle exercises, enjoy snacks, and ideally, share a nourishing hot meal once a week. Additionally, we envision organizing dedicated days when health professionals visit, to educate them on prevalent health concerns within the South Asian community, including Diabetes, Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, and Dementia.The funding we seek would enable us to reinstate and sustain Companions, reigniting a source of solace and connection for our senior citizens. By nurturing this project, we not only combat loneliness but also actively contribute to improving the overall well-being of a marginalized yet significant segment of our communityThis 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

Balbir Kalsey3 years ago

Manjit Kaur3 years ago The Name of Project -Silver Connections: Fostering Wellness in Solitude The purpose of the project "Silver Connections: Fostering Wellness in Solitude" is to address loneliness and promote mental health among elderly residents who are living on their own. This project aims to create a supportive community and provide resources and activities that encourage social interaction, emotional well-being, and a sense of belonging for these individuals. This will be mainly aimed at Asian elderly Women for women who live on their own. They will come to Forest Gate Library once a week to meet, yoga, have a hot meal, have company of each other. This will not them feel lonely.This project is subject to permission being granted by council/library team 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.

Hannah Gilberts3 years ago Unlock the wonders of nature and language with the Multilingual Outgoing Project in Forest Gate and Maryland! 🌿🗣️Are you eager to explore the great outdoors with your child/ren while they embrace a new language and uncover the beauty of Newham? We're here to make it happen! Join us, a dedicated local residents' group, in enhancing our community's involvement and sense of belonging.Our mission is clear: to foster community cohesion, satisfaction, and active participation in Forest Gate and Maryland. Picture your family enjoying Nature Walks, Outdoor Language Classes, Picnics, Cultural Food Tastings, and more. Immerse yourselves in a world of languages and cultures, promoting inclusivity and bonding among neighbors.But we can't do it alone! Your insights matter. Share your language preferences and activity choices in our survey to help shape this transformative project. Together, we'll enrich our community's health and wellbeing, combat loneliness, and create a vibrant, caring neighborhood.Your voice counts—let's make Forest Gate and Maryland an even better place to live!Multilingual Out Going Project Survey:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1AjSAxr3_TP6V37GFgQI9-88NIAkfw0-eSIkFRCqNP-4/edit

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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 5:00 PM to 7:00 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 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Stratford Library
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Support clinic - How to do a consultation
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Support clinic - How to cost your project
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Support clinic - How to submit a project application for residents
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Our solutions
Event date: July 3rd, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Forest Gate Library
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Support clinic - How to submit a project application for voluntary, community and faith sector groups
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Our priorities
Event date: May 15th, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Forest Gate Library
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People Powered Places Launch
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Stratford Library
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