This blog has been written by One Kilburn’s communications group for the We Make Camden website.
Working together for a united Kilburn
One Kilburn is a network of Kilburn community organisations, residents, businesses, local partners and stakeholders who have come together with a focussed vision to support the whole of Kilburn.
It has grown out of people’s passion for a united Kilburn, which has a long and lively history, a strong and diverse cultural identity and many activists standing up for their community.
The One Kilburn network gets together regularly at Open Meetings – meetings in different community spaces in the neighbourhood which allow people to connect, prioritise and tackle shared challenges together.
There are also smaller, more focussed meetings that take place in ‘sub-groups’, themed on areas such as Places and Spaces, Communications, Coordinating (governance) and Urban Greening.
Launched in 2023, One Kilburn brings together community groups and partners across the Kilburn Brent and Kilburn Camden wards to share and maximise opportunities created by neighbourhood plans such as the draft Kilburn Neighbourhood Plan and the South Kilburn Masterplan.
The network has emerged from the Kilburn Neighbourhood Plan Forum’s collaboration with Brent and Camden Councils and their officers working together to co-ordinate services, win funding and provide support for the network development.
We spoke to three members of One Kilburn to hear more about what inspired them to get involved in One Kilburn, and advice they would have for someone thinking of getting involved.
“What stands out for me”, says Mary, one of the founders, “is the enthusiasm and common ground as well as the diverse resources and skills which are translating ideas and inspiration into positive change in Kilburn. Everyone’s voice is important. Listening, agreeing and doing is how we are building our community organisation.”
“Many things inspired me to get involved in One Kilburn, but mainly it was wanting to improve the relationship between people and physical spaces – the two things are so connected”, says Francesca, who has been involved with One Kilburn from its early days.
Francesca combines her knowledge as a Kilburn local with her academic and architecture background, influencing and making a positive different in Kilburn through her involvement in the Places and Spaces sub-group of One Kilburn.
“Everyone’s voice is important. Listening, agreeing and doing is how we are building our community organisation.”
Mary, Co-Founder of One Kilburn
One Kilburn’s achievements and areas of focus are wide-ranging, reflecting the diverse interests and priorities of Kilburn’s communities.
These include co-producing the One Kilburn Community Fund, leading to five brand new projects being delivered in the community by local people with great ideas. It also includes coming together to pilot solutions to challenges.
For example, One Kilburn and KOVE last year worked in partnership on a project opening a toilet over 10 weekends in Kilburn Grange Park, responding to the local need for a toilet to enable people to stay in the park and enjoy it for longer.
Our 2024 achievements:
- Awarded funding from the One Kilburn Community Fund to five community projects: Kilburn in Motion, Young Photographers, Kilburn Oasis, Healing Choir and Sociable Seats
- Launched a new café in the Active Playhut run by Kilburn State of Mind
- Introduced Loos for Kilburn Community in Kilburn Grange Park, led by KOVE
- Held five arts and culture events: Light Up Kilburn, Kilburn Grange Park Festival, Kilburn Music Mile, South Kilburn Carnival, KILN High Road, Eid Event, Activate and Animate Stories of Kilburn and Kilburn Museum Lab
- Awarded funding from the Arts Council to redevelop Kilburn Camden Library
However, One Kilburn is more than a place to go to get things done. It’s also a great way to meet people and feel more connected to your local community, as Francesca explains. “I would encourage everyone to get involved in One Kilburn, the network is so wide. There is space for everyone, and it’s a great way to make friends. Kilburn feels like a better place when you know who’s around you”.
Nikki, who is also involved in One Kilburn and worked as a One Kilburn ‘activator’, agrees. “The meetings and all the collaboration that happens in them is what inspired me to get involved. It feels really good for us to come together. The meetings are fun, we enjoy them”
Everyone is welcome in One Kilburn regardless of your background or interests. As Nikki says, “It’s friendly, come along and give it a try! You’ll be really welcome!”
📷 Photo credit: One Kilburn 📽️ Video credit: Des Burkinshaw
Find out more
Do you live, work or study in Kilburn? Visit the One Kilburn website to find out how you can get involved.
