Promiscuous cooks and the art of overcoming isolation

It’s Friday, and earlier today I attended Cllr Marcel's workshop which looked at how new and developing technology can help challenge the issues of isolation and risks of loneliness amongst older people. For a tech-embracing, early adopting, digital native this was of course an exciting opportunity, if a little overdue. Still, it’s on the table and some seriously helpful, progressive people were contributing, so I’m glad that it is happening, and happening properly.

 

Around me were people from very diverse backgrounds – businesses (inc. Barclays with Tea and Teach, Ebay, Adapt2Digital), Councillors and officers, and community groups and organisations. EMAG shared information about their tablet training sessions, AgeUK are offering training and support in using technology, and INS are working with their clients on similar projects. The list goes on.

We ‘mapped’ opportunities, threw around some bright ideas, and found some common points of agreement about how to support older people in embracing tablet technology. There was a clear sense that marketing of current training and support for older people needs to be improved – a key approach would be to pull all the marketing of provision together in to one shared space. You can prove how useful that would be – just try googling ‘ipad help in Richmond’ – RACC have a course that pops up underneath all the Apple related results, but it’s hard to see any of the local courses, drop-in sessions, support etc on offer to help people get the most from their tablets. A single webpage/site that has been optimised for search engines would help these courses reach their audiences better. I look forward to seeing how this develops.

My personal 'bright ideas' (and it’s kind of my blog, so I’m going to take the liberty of sharing them…) include informing hairdressers, PCSOs, Care Providers and any other services that go in to older people’s houses, about local courses on offer, and how they can be accessed. For example, a hairdresser might explain to Mrs Jones that the community centre up the road offers friendly support – so she could perhaps dig that Android tablet out that she got for Christmas, and see if they can help her start to use it – to talk to those children or grandchildren she misses, or share the pictures of weddings she wasn’t able to get to…

And what about retailers? I bet there are hundreds of tablets purchased every year in Richmond, bought by ‘stuck-for-ideas’ offspring to give to ‘less-than-tech-savy’ parents (or grandparents). At the point of sale, a retailer could offer information on local courses so that the recipient knows where to go to learn about this new thing they've been given. And let’s ask Apple if they’ll deliver any of their workshops here in Richmond, much better than trekking all the way to Covent Garden..

Other ideas included intergenerational support - a great opportunity, offering kids hungry for volunteering opportunities the chance to help people who want to learn. There are safeguarding concerns to manage, but they are not insurmountable.

And despite my (slightly arrogant) comment earlier, I also learnt things today. I heard about Breezie for the first time. A Richmond based, app/hardware company that simplifies and condenses an internet experience .. .bringing together browsers, social networks, Skype etc. into one useable app.

And finally, what about Casserole Club? Described by the presenter as offering 'promiscuous cooks' an opportunity to show off their great skills, while overcoming awkward Britishness and the reluctance to knock on your neighbours door… ‘diners’ benefit from great food and regular, meaningful engagement with someone from their local area. Excellent stuff.

Beware the FOG...

Some conversations, emails and social shares from the past week or two have featured some almost Hollywood-worthy references. Testimony to how diverse the work of community Links can be, I've uttered the words 'Fatberg', 'Nexus Inception', 'Using Mosaic', 'The Business Association' and 'The Vacancy Panel'.

Despite sounding like a collection of things that would go comfortably alongside names like Steven Spielberg, John Grisham and Keanu Reaves this bewildering assortment of utterances have all very much been part of Community Linking in some small or major way. Here's how:

Fatberg. Despite sounding a little like an apocalyptic sci-fi terror, a very real 'fatberg' lurks beneath

Fatberg lurks below...

the streets and homes of Richmond Upon Thames. Like it's forbearer in Kingston, the Richmond 'berg is a large wad of wet wipes and FOG (Fats, Oil, Grease apparently...), that has congealed into a pretty disgusting blockage in the sewers under the borough. Thames Water have asked Richmond to help us spread the news, and how home owners and businesses can help resolve the issue. For some, it’s quite an exciting ‘thing’, however the several hundred residents that have experienced a back-flow of sewerage in to their homes will be very grateful to their neighbours for taking responsibility for what they put down the drain. Moving on...

Keanu : Not in Twickenham

Alas, there is no Keanu somersaulting through Twickenham in 'Nexus Inception', rather this was a meeting I attended to welcome planning consultants Nexus back to the borough as part of our next phase of Village Planning. Shortly we will be launching the 'Supplementary Planning Documents' for Whitton and Heathfield, and Kew, as well as starting work on the public consultation on new 'SPDs' for Barnes, East Sheen and Mortlake. Keep up to date here: https://consultation.richmond.gov.uk/

'Using Mosaic' was a briefing I attended to learn about how our community engagement team could be better at targeting our efforts more effectively.  Mosaic is a collection of information made available to Richmond Council (and other local authorities) that gives us a better idea about ‘who lives where’. Not quite the Orwellian nightmare that some might imagine, it is more a useful indicator to us for how we should tweak our communication with people across the borough. For example, in some areas we know that the local population may not be so tech savy, or indeed using the internet at all – so we would need to consider using traditional approaches like door-knocking or leafleting. In other areas we know there are many young professionals living who don’t read the local paper, and do most of the communicating on-line, through social media. This video gives an example...

De Niro : not in Strawberry Hill

The Business Association. Sounds a bit like something Robert DeNiro would have played a key part in, with dodgy deals, intimidation tactics and a few (?) illegal activities. I’m pleased to clarify however that there is no Mafiosi sentiment here, and I am really excited to announce that Strawberry Hill now has its’ own Business Association. Over the past 8 months or so I have worked with local businesses to gauge interest, create a constitution and (as of this week) hold an election and first meeting. Strawberry Hill will be an interesting place for a business association to function, as it has two quite diverse groups to represent – there are the 15 or so ‘high street’ traders, with shops, hairdressers, cafes and restaurants, and then there are the estimate 100+ work from home freelancers who may be looking for opportunities to network locally.

Finally, The Vacancy Panel could (in my mind at least) carry a menacing undertone, lifted from a John Grisham legal thriller. Nothing of the sort however. All vacancies at Richmond Council must be considered by this panel of councillors and a member of the HR team. Why has this come up…? Due to the continuing work on village plans, and our commitment to engaging more people in this important process, Community Links is recruiting a specialist officer to help with the consultation process. More news on this anon!

It's not all weddings, funerals and christenings...

Community Links work with all sectors of the community, including faith groups. Mamta Khanna had a chat with Reverend Derek Winterburn, Vicar of St. Mary’s in Hampton.

MK: Rev Winterburn, please tell me about the projects you are involved in.

Rev D Winterburn: I am the Vicar of St. Mary’s Parish Church, Hampton and Area Dean of Hampton. I serve as an ex officio trustee at the Hampton Fuel Allotment Charity and the Hampton Parochial Charity. I am trustee of MTV Youth Club and Governor at the Hampton School for Boys and the Chair of Trustees of St Mary’s Hampton, Church of England Primary School (a free school). 

What is the Hampton Parochial Charity?

The Hampton Parochial Charity runs Jubilee House on Ashley Road, Hampton Relief and the School of Industry. Of these, the School of Industry Charity makes grants enabling young people (under 21, and who live in Hampton/Hampton Hill) to study at college or enter a trade. In situations where there is financial hardship at home, the charity might be able to help with tuition fees, travelling or maintenance expenses.  

Out of all the projects you are involved in, which one is closest to your heart and why? 

The MTV Youth Club and the St Mary’s School Hampton are closest to me because of the sense of ownership and the initiative that came from within the Parish Church. These projects are putting into action The Church of England’s vision to care for everybody who lives in the Parish. We went door to door to connect with people who live in the estate off Oldfield Road and to ask residents what the needs of the community were if the Church could help them. It was our way of connecting with people directly. 

Most homes responded by asking the Church to do something for young people in the neighbourhood. Based on this need, we began the MTV Youth Club in 2012. The youth club supports young people between the ages of 8-16 through club work, and connects some of them to local businesses. We not only support 16 year olds to find work but also encourage them to stay in work by problem solving through support and advice. 

St Mary’s School has now been open one year; it has been very successful. We are looking forward to doubling in size in September (from 30 to 60 children). The School has land around it which we hope to develop with woodlands, a pond and allotments.  We envision the school becoming a community hub: where older people and young people can all come to benefit from the activities.

Where would you like to be, 5 years from now?

My dream would be that the school would be full and thriving, MTV will be in its own dedicated building and we will have a nursery attached to the primary school. The school will become a community hub where community members will find activities of interest to them. 

What inspires you on a daily basis?

I do what I do because I feel called by God to serve the people of Hampton. It may sound rather 'theological' but that's my inspiration. Coming to the parish a good number of years ago this was the question that I, the churchwardens and the bishop were asking. We came to the conclusion that 'yes', it was God was bringing us together. At key moments along the way, not least in the initiative to start St Mary's school, I have felt this again and again. 

What are the challenges you have faced in running the youth club and launching St. Mary’s School?

Time! Putting together the initial bid for the school application and then moving forward to opening was exhilarating but very time-consuming. There was a huge amount to learn about the process and working collaboratively meant so many meetings and networking. The launch of MTV Youth was supported primarily by a colleague - and again finding time was his key challenge. Clergy have some flexibility about choosing how to use their days, but there some things that cannot be postponed - Sunday comes round regularly!

Which projects do you need most support for (Volunteering, etc.)? 

St Mary's School continues to need my attention; we continue to appoint new staff, recruit new children and await Ofsted. But as an organisation it is becoming more self-sufficient. However one aspect of wider interest is the surrounding grounds area. The school is keen to work with the wider community including MTV Youth to develop these as a resource for everyone. Obviously there are educational priorities but we hope that our neighbours and others will find something here for them. MTV-Youth always welcomes adult volunteers (after DBS clearance) to work with the young people at the Friday club night and the fund-raising team is open to ideas and people. 

A message for residents

My message to residents is that St Mary's Church, School and MTV Youth, all local people, are trying to serve others. We don't see ourselves as anything other than Hampton people working together for the benefit of everyone - and in that way we share God's love for all. As Jesus said 'love your neighbour.'

How to harness the power of the Gloriana, and I don't mean the rowers..

It's been an interesting week in the Borough of Richmond Upon Thames, with regards to 'community engagement'. My role is to support, facilitate (or just plain 'make happen') local people getting involved in their area - this might range from setting up and running a pop-up youth club (not had that one yet, any offers?) through to just letting them know that there's an opportunity to have their say on whether to allow a local volunteer group to establish a small orchard in Hampton.
Many will have heard that quite a number of local residents have become very engaged around the Gloriana Boathouse proposals. To me, it's interesting how proposals which involve a building (be that school, housing or boathouse), or would visually change the landscape in some way, really motivate, incentivise and catalyse groups of people in to action.
What's less clear to me is why something else that has huge importance to people's lives, in terms of welfare or education, gets comparatively little attention. Concurrent with the Gloriana consultation there are consultations on the borough's Sexual Health Strategy, and developing Special School Provision. A consultation on setting up a Childminding Agency has just closed.
Sexual Health and conception are topics that are important to many people, for often quite diverse, even opposing reasons. Similarly, are people generally uninterested in the conversation about how we can ensure that home-based care for children is of a high quality?
It might be cynical to say, but if Richmond CCG were to propose building a new sexual health clinic on a park in the borough, I wouldn't be surprised if many more people would be putting their view forward on the matter.
I believe the challenge for the Community Engagement Team is to find ways to make these opportunities relevant to residents in the way that the construction of a boathouse on the bank of the Thames is. It is tangible, it is novel, and you can 'see' it (well, I guess you kind of have to imagine it), and it captures the imagination. Discussions about sex and sexual behaviour is not only uncomfortable for some, it may also be seen as a matter of personal choices (as opposed to a very public building development).
The Community Links Teams are thinking of ways to help people learn about and participate in these consultations, including using innovative on-line and off-line methods. For example, try our Pinterest board which we have just set up. We are also considering running a few 'drop-ins' for those who are less comfortable doing things on-line, to learn about how to use the consultation finder.
The challenge is not specific to Richmond, and we know that engagement in public matters is generally low across the country. I welcome suggestions for tackling the 'engagement' challenge we face.

What's On in Richmond upon Thames - Summer Fairs

Last weekend Mamta and Lynette enjoyed Chestnut Sunday and Richmond May Fair. Inspired by these great events we thought we'd look forward to the borough's Village Summer Fairs and public events. This is just a slice of the action, there is so much more going on in London's most attractive borough!  The beautiful Royal parks, historic houses, theatres, museums & galleries all have their own events so please take a look at the Visit Richmond site to find out more: www.visitrichmond.co.uk

Hampton Fun Day -  Sat 17 May 12 - 6pm - Top Field above Hampton Football Club 

The 4^th annual Fun Day is set to be even bigger & better than last year with fun for the whole family. You can enjoy rides, bouncy castles, games, pony rides, a craft area & plenty of different stalls.  Listen to some great Live Music whilst sampling some of the wonderful food on offer in the covered 'Cafe / Picnic area' (we're hoping for a sunny day) or in the beer tent! £1 entry. 

HANDS Charities Fair - Bank Holiday Monday 26 May - Twickenham Green 10 – 3pm

With over 75 charity stalls selling crafts, plants, gifts, bric-a-brac, toys, home-made cakes & refreshments, a barbecue & amusements for children, come & support your local charities & voluntary organisations! The Mayor of Richmond will begin a tour of the stalls at 11am. 

handscaregroup@btconnect.com

‘A Spring in Our Step’ 29 May at Hampton Youth Project 11 - 3pm  RHP are holding this free event  focussing on work, well-being & education. An exciting day of workshops & drop-in sessions aimed at finding employment, training, saving money & learning practical skills such as basic home repairs & cookery are all on offer, as well as one-to-one support & help with tablet & smartphone devices from RHP’s Digital Champions!  Exhibitors include Sainsbury's, Citizens Advice Bureau, Jobcentre Plus & Way to Work.  Assisted reading volunteers will be reading some classic children’s stories & you will have the chance to receive a free book with RHP’s chosen charity, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

Bring along the flyer & hand it to a RHP team member to be entered into a prize draw to win a Hudl tablet! http://ow.ly/wPlwg

Richmond Volunteering Fair Wednesday 4 June at York House 

Interested in Volunteering?  Pop along to meet over 35 charities & organisations looking for volunteers & also get expert information & advice from Volunteering Richmond staff. http://ow.ly/wQ2mr   

Strawberry Hill Fun Day - Sunday 20 July - 12- 7:30pm
www.twickenhamalive.com

A fundraising fun day to support Strawberry Hill House, run by Twickenham Alive, in the grounds of the house on Waldegrave Road.

Fun for all the family with a live music stage, food Stalls, large bar and Pimms tent, craft and charity stalls, fairground, Shetland pony rides and Water Zorbers! Music from Lips, Michelle Luscombe and Band, K, The Deputies , Alix Anthony, The Carnabys and Nark Drool & The Shudders

Ham Fair - June 14 - Ham Common 11 - 4:30pm hamfair@gmail.com

This year marks the 30th Anniversary of Ham Fair, organised by Ham Amenities Group.  This great family day out has the usual wide variety of stalls – food, clothing, antiques, jewellery to name but a few – entertainment, art, music, a Dog Show, as well as surprise items to mark the 30th Anniversary!

Kew Midsummer Fete Sat 21 June 
11 - 6pm  Kew Green http://ow.ly/wPojP

Enjoy a fun family day out at a traditional village fete in the lovely setting of Kew Green.

With vintage fairground rides, over 100 stalls including a craft marquee, delicious food & drink, this Fair has a wonderful festival atmosphere with local bands & live events throughout the day. Plus of course the attractions no great fete can be without – a friendly dog show, a fun tug-of-war & a grand charity raffle.  Run by local people for local people in aid of local good causes, Kew fete is a much-loved annual highlight – so roll up, roll up for a great day out! 

Mortlake Summer Fair Sat 28 June 12:00 – 4pm Stag Brewery Green   http://ow.ly/wPp8N

This year's family-friendly fair will feature a crafts & produce market, family sports, children's attractions including inflatables, live music, a wheel of fortune & a grand raffle - not to mention a mouth-water array of food & drink to satisfy all tastes.  Admission is £2 per person.  

Twickenham Green Fete  Sunday 6 July   http://ow.ly/wPtWF

Enjoy a fabulous family fun day out with a band, stalls & lots of activities for all to enjoy! 

St Margarets Fair Sat 12 July 12:00 – 7:30pm Moormead    www.stmargaretsfair.org

Whilst the main objective is to continue to provide an enjoyable community day for residents of St Margarets any profit they make supports local charities & schools. This fun family event has a Tea Tent, Beer Tent, Pimms Stall, BBQ, Silent Auction & a Coconut Shy! 

Barnes Village Fair Sat 12 July Barnes Green 

The 40^th year will see the Grand Parade open proceedings with decorated floats & vintage vehicles, while the rest of the day is packed with activities & entertainment including live music, fairground rides, Inter-Schools Quiz, clowns & theatre. There are over 300 stalls selling everything from plants to vintage clothing as well as a wonderful selection of food & drink on offer.  www.barnesfair.com

Teddington River Festival & RNLI Lifeboat Open Day Sun 27 July 11 - 5pm www.teddingtonriverfestival.com

There’s so much to do!  At the Lock Island & Towpath there’s live music, 'A River View' photography competition, face painting, Pimms & ale Bar, lots of arts, crafts & community stands & fairground rides. Take a look around Teddington Lifeboat Station, have a go at kayaking with The Lensbury in the Barge Lock or take a peek at The Thames Venturer!  

At Manor Road Rec there will be RNLI Stalls, Model lifeboats & children's games, Trampolines & inflatables, Yoga & Face painting for kids, NPL Rockets, a Historical display of Teddington as well as a BBQ & Refreshments.

On the River watch RNLI River Rescue & Teddington Sub-Aqua Club 'Roped Diver' demonstrations or have a go at kiffing with The Skiff Club or take a leisurely Boat ride down the Thames.

 Hampton Wick Festival & Grand Parade Sun 10 Aug 12pm http://ow.ly/wPLnx

The biggest day in Hampton Wick, with many craft & community stalls & a Grand parade there is something for everyone! 

Richmond Fine Food & Real Ale Festival August Bank Holiday Sat 23 - Mon 25 Aug Old Deer Park 

A heady mix of fabulous food & real ale awaits you with chef demonstrations, tasting sessions, culinary master class talks, a host of local artisan food producers & exciting world food stands as well as the beer & cider festival where 100 cask ales will be on offer as well as craft beers, ciders & perries.  Thrown into the mix is a varied entertainment programme, a Tug of War contest, a Bake Off competition & an array of family entertainment on the Village Green.

There’s live music organised by Richmond's Crawdaddy Club along with some very talented local bands supporting the headline acts: MARTIN TURNER of WISHBONE ASH, JO HARMAN with her award winning world class band & the long awaited reunion gig of 70's British Soul pioneers KOKOMO! £40.00 for a weekend ticket  www.richmondfoodandale.co.uk

Kew Horticultural Summer Show  

Sat 30 Aug Kew Green http://ow.ly/wPRus

The 70th Annual Summer Show takes place in a marquee & although vegetables, fruit & flowers play the major part, there is something for everyone - photography, arts & crafts, cookery & special classes for children. There are many stalls, a lively jazz band, BBQ & tea tent. Profits from the show will go to local & horticultural charities. Stalls open from 11.00am; marquee opens at 1.30pm.

Richmond Running Festival Sun 21 Sep www.richmondrunningfestival.com

London's most EXCLUSIVE half marathon &10k event - the only race that runs in the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew! Remember to save some energy for the music festival after the race where you can celebrate with your friends & family in the heart of Richmond.

The Great River Race - 21.6 Miles from London Docklands to Ham Sat 27 Sep  

www.greatriverrace.co.uk

The Great River Race is London's River Marathon - a spectacular boat race up the River Thames that attracts over 300 crews from all over the globe, appealing to every level of competitor from those who enjoy fun, fancy dress & charity stunts, to serious sportsmen & women.  A great fun day out for competitors & spectators alike. 

Do you know all of these local funders...?

You or your group may have a great idea to benefit this excellent Borough. A great idea will only get so far however. It (probably) needs people, direction and resources. By resources, we more often than not mean cash.

The Community Links Team have brought together a few of the key funders that we are aware of that could help turn your idea in to a reality.

Comic Relief Local Communities Programme

Aims to empower local people, enabling them to create lasting change in their communities. Projects should be run by local people directly affected by the issues they are dealing with, priority will be given to small, locally based groups in areas of disadvantage that have a clear understanding of the needs of their community. You can apply for funding to increase local services; build skills of local people; increase community cohesion & respond to local economic needs.

Rowan Bentall Charitable Trust (part of LCF)
Supporting small grassroots organisations, this fund supports projects led by local people that improve the quality of life for residents. Grants range from £500 - £1,000. For further details please contact Jennifer Oatley on jennifer@londoncf.org.uk or call 0207 582 5117

Hampton Fuel Allotment Charity

Community Grants are available for charities, voluntary sector organisations and community groups. It’s best to read the guidance notes before completing the application form and to check whether your group fits the criteria of the Charity. The HFAC supports local charities, groups and community organisations deliver their services by funding operating costs, staff positions and equipment. The Charity is most known for its support of the most vulnerable in Richmond: the elderly through fuel grants, students with support for their travel and journeys, and families in difficulty with essential goods.

Heritage Lottery Fund – WW1 Events

Heritage Lottery Fund can provide funding to help groups, communities and organisations mark the Centenary by exploring, conserving and sharing the heritage of the First World War, from memorials, buildings and sites, to photographs, letters and literature.

Richmond Parish Lands Charity

The principal objectives are the making of grants for charitable purposes to voluntary organisations in Richmond & a charitable housing operation comprising nearly 100 properties. Grants are available that benefit people living in post code areas of TW9, TW10 or SW14.

Civic Pride Fund (Richmond Council)

Constituted organisations can apply for a grant of up to £5,000. Individuals and informal groups can apply for a grant of up to £1,000. The Civic Pride Fund is intended to help communities launch new ideas rather than repeat fund projects, or fund projects requiring ongoing funding. For advice on obtaining ongoing funding please contact the Sustainability and Skills Partnership service run by Richmond CVS.
To talk through your ideas or if you require any other assistance please contact: Katrina Ffrench, Voluntary Sector Project Support Officer. Telephone: 020 8831 6020; katrina.ffrench@richmond.gov.uk.

The Barnes Workhouse Fund 
The object of the Charity is to benefit the inhabitants of the area of the 'Ancient Parish of Barnes', which broadly corresponds with the postal area of  SW13. It aims to aid in the relief of the aged, impotent and poor, the relief of distress and sickness, the provision and support of facilities for recreation or other leisure time occupation (with the object of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitants in the interests of social welfare), and the provision and support of educational facilities.

Heathrow Community Fund

The focus of this fund is on projects linked to the environment and employment/skills development. In 2014 around £500,000 will be available through three distinct grant programmes.

Awards For All
Awards for All gives groups a quick and easy way to get small Lottery grants of between £300 and £10,000. Most of the projects funded by them go to a range of community projects aimed at developing skills, improving health, revitalising the local environment and enabling people to become more active citizens. You can apply  if you are a community group, not for profit group, parish or town council, health body, or school. You do not need to be a registered charity to apply.  This is a useful grant for pilot projects, new ideas and new organisations to try out their ideas.

Community Learning Fund (Richmond Council)

The Community Learning team are really keen to hear from organisations that can offer taster sessions or short courses for the following groups:  Carers and volunteers, Families on low incomes, Parents facing hardship, Socially isolated adults, Adults with mental health difficulties, Adults with learning difficulties or disabilities, Mature learners (over 60’s), Young adults leaving care, Adults living in sheltered or temporary housing

School of Industry grant
Makes grants to enable young people (under 21, and who live in Hampton/Hampton Hill) to study at college or enter a trade. In situations where there is financial hardship at home, the charity might be able to help with tuition fees, travelling or maintenance expenses.  Application forms can be collected from c/0 Jubilee House, Ashley Road, HAMPTON, TW12 2HX.

The Victoria Foundation

The charity’s objectives are very broad, but firmly medical, with the overall aim of improving lives where there is an opportunity to do so - either through medical provision or by ensuring that those young people destined to become the future generations of doctors are not thwarted by financial restrictions.  They welcome applications from registered charities & organisations with projects that have a recognisable charitable purpose.

None of this helps me.. where else can I look?
The following two organisations are well placed for getting further funding ideas.

Richmond Upon Thames Council for Voluntary Service
Working with Richmond charities, voluntary organisations, community groups, social enterprises & individuals looking to start up a new organisation with a social purpose. Richmond CVS provides support, advice & training in relation to all aspects of charity, community and voluntary activity within the borough. They also list local funding opportunities on their website.

SWLEN

Supporting local environmental groups & projects to protect & improve the environment.  The South West London Environment Network support people who want to start or run an environmental group or projects. In short SWLEN can help you get your project off the ground and keep it running smoothly. They also list local funding opportunities for environmental projects.




You can also search Richmond's funding portal Open 4 Community 


If you are furiously clicking your mouse (or poking your iPad screen) in disgust that we've missed your favourite local funder, please get in touch... we'd like to hear about them!

A flood of community support

Across the country we have seen some incredible images of the devastating effects that the persistent rain has caused to villages, towns and parts of the city.

As I write, from an office in Twickenham, there are nervous mutterings relating to the Thames and bank-side settlements. Shepperton has already suffered a flood, with many people affected.

My father, a Somerset man who normally lives in a community that has dominated the news all week, has found himself homeless - as the water on the Somerset Levels has crept upon and consumed the village I grew up in. It really has been a tough time, but I have been absolutely blown away by the community response to the situation.

On-line, via a facebook group, there has been a mobilisation of community support, resources and activity unlike anything I have witnessed before. It has reached the stage where the group has received more food donations than it can actually distribute. Locals are pouring seemingly endless support to those affected. Even when there has been some blame throwing, finger pointing, or other expression of frustration and anger, the community response has generally been one of re-uniting and focussing on helping those in need, rather than looking for someone responsible.

I've heard locally about similar community responses to those in need - and should the worst happen in Richmond, I believe that neighbours will not let each other down. There is something about a disaster that seems to bring out the best in people - something of what people call the Dunkirk spirit. It has united people in a way I would not have imagined - aid has come from groups as diverse as Khalsa Aid, a Sikh charity based in Slough.

May you all remain safe, dry and warm this coming week.

(If you want to keep track of the latest flood news/updates - visit the Council's Flooding Webpage)

The wonder of a ponder!

This week, Lynette Lawson-Tyers is captain of the blog. She wanted to talk about a project she is involved in, working with Barnes Community Association and the Barnes Town Centre Manager.

"Just who is responsible for the creation and sustainability of thriving town or village centres?  Is it all down to the Local Authority?  

Barnes has grabbed the proverbial bull by the horns and leapt into action, with Emma Robinson, Barnes Town Centre Manager at the helm!

Back in Oct’13 over 300 people participated in the Big Barnes Ponder. The Ponder was an opportunity for residents, councillors, community groups and businesses to come together and create a Shared Future Vision for Barnes.

Comments, ideas and aspirations were mulled over, resulting in a focused list of key issues such as the river wall, connecting the common to the river and supporting local shops and businesses. 

I felt really priviledged to be a part of this day, the atmosphere was buzzing and I was amazed at the range of inspirational ideas that residents came up with, such as replacing some of the concrete flood defence wall with glass so that you can see the river. (JA: Something like this..?)

Since then, Emma and her team have been busy harnessing all of the local enthusiasm to establish Action Groups to manage these emerging projects, enabling Barnes to retain its vitality and continue to make it a strong, stable and desirable place.

Town Centres are not only a focal point, but are central to an area's sense of identity. They belong to and should support everyone, and their management is central to the prosperity and well-being of the whole community.

So it would appear that in truth, everyone is responsible for their town centre becoming and remaining a thriving hub of community activity.

I’m really looking forward to seeing Barnes continue to develop, and the impact the Ponder and all these fabulous ideas will have.  If we can all keep up the momentum, then some of these projects will happen, and others will be a work in progress.  The challenge is, of course, to keep the momentum up!  Exciting times are ahead for Barnes."

From Halifax to healthy facts...

Another mega-mixed bag of Community Linking this week. Most prominent in my mind is the meeting I've just had with StreetInvest, a Twickenham based international charity. I heard how three brave and inspirational (read: lovely but slightly barmy) chaps intend to do a trans-Canadian bike ride in 13 days as a fundraiser. That’s nearly 300 miles a day. Many of us in the room were struggling to comprehend the feat, let alone consider the commitment to training to achieve it. Good luck to them (apparently everyone says this, sounding a little sceptical!). I'm sure this blog will feature news of their progress in the future, especially as the charity want to work locally with organisations in the borough.

We didn't meet Richard this week.

An eon before this (well, Monday) I met with a resident who I felt exemplified the kind of person we'd like to meet more often. She has a great idea, an overflowing caldera of passion, and I feel she has hit on something that will do well in the borough. Elsewhere she would be called a 'social entrepreneur' - a Richard Branson-esque figure where profit is community benefits, and everyone is a shareholder.

For the remainder of the post, I hand over to Mamta Khanna, for her account of some training she undertook this week:

We did meet Mamta though...

I was privileged to participate in Richmond’s LiveWell Community Health Champion training run by Richmond CVS and the Hounslow and Richmond Community Health Trust. I say privileged because I was struck by the commitment from my co-participants: all regular people who, out of an interest in reaching out to others within their community, were committed to building their knowledge and skills.  

We explored public health and came to what I consider the core of the training: understanding and addressing health inequities. Richmond, one of the richest boroughs in London, has children living in poverty. Life expectancy in certain village areas in the borough is less than in the more affluent areas. What has Community Links got to do with health, specifically health inequality?  This definition gave me clarity:

“The science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through the organised efforts of society.” (Definition of Public Health, Sir Acheson, 1988)

Improving public health is about society organising its efforts to bring good to all within it. If that isn’t community linking, then what is? Responding to health inequities requires science empowered by the art of encouraging change within people. Community Links practices this art and can be part of the solution to address inequity: engaging people and groups, igniting their connections with where they live and with those around them, and encouraging them to reach out to opportunities to improve their health and overall well-being. I am excited about working with the Health Champion volunteers to link up residents to opportunities.

Thanks Mamta! Hearing about Mamta’s experience made me re-read an article from the Evening Standard, on the Government’s ‘nudge unit’, or Behavioural Insights Team. I love the idea of this, although I know some people find it uncomfortable as it can be seen as manipulative. I don’t think we’re talking the same league here for Community Links (or perhaps we are...? Comments below...), but through our brokerage and linkages, we can support small, positive adjustments and improvements to local activity, through positive methods. From this, I think we all have benefits to gain. 

By the way, is that ANOTHER biscuit you are reaching for....?