Meet three residents who are transforming their communities
By 2030, we want all of Camden’s estates and neighbourhoods to be healthy and sustainable, and to unlock creativity. Across the borough, community-led action is moving us closer to achieving this shared Mission, thanks to the We Make Camden Kit.
The WMC Kit provides funding and tailored support, empowering Camden residents and community groups to bring their ideas for improving the borough to life. With support from Camden Giving, residents are taking the lead in tackling challenges where they live and transforming their communities.
We spoke to three grantees about their projects.
Ikran, Self-Sufficient Women
Ikran is tackling a big challenge head on, creating opportunities for women, who face multiple barriers, to improve their wellbeing in a safe space.
“I run fitness and wellbeing sessions for Minority women, with supported childcare. These women are underrepresented and left behind when it comes to their physical and mental health. I have created a safe space for them where they can exercise and look after their wellbeing.”
“Nothing is available for religious Muslim women, so I have created a safe space for them to exercise and look after their wellbeing. These women face childcare barriers, language barriers, financial strains and a lack of women-only gym facilities.”
“I am working really hard so no woman is left behind, regardless of her religion, finance, race or the amount of kids she has.”
Join Ikran for free fitness & coffee mornings – children are welcome too:
🗓️ Thursdays
⌚ Exercise at 9.30am to 10.30am, coffee at 10.30am to 11.30am
📍 Peckwater Estate Hall, NW5 2UD
“I am working really hard so no woman is left behind”
Ikran
Abraham, CET for Life
Abraham ran upcycling workshops across a two-month period, inspiring and empowering residents to give tired items a new lease of life.
“CET for Life means Create, Empower Transform – it’s about giving people skills they can use at any time, taking their old things and re-purposing them to cut down on waste.”
“The inspiration for CET for life sprouted from the idea of the Future Neighbourhoods 2030 project. It got me thinking about ways to encourage the Camden community to upcycle and reduce waste in a fun, sustainable way.”
“I started brainstorming and came up with what I thought to be fresh ideas that people would enjoy taking part in. The workshops keep people busy and refines their character, refines their skillset. We’re just having fun and getting to know each other; it builds a sense of community.”
“I think it’s a swell idea, turning jeans into tote bags – who doesn’t like tote bags?”
“We’re just having fun and getting to know each other; it builds a sense of community.”
Abraham
Louise, Social Gardening
Louise knows how important connecting with nature is for our wellbeing. Every Friday, you can find her helping residents to fall in love with gardening.
“Our Social Gardening group was created so that residents of South Camden, especially Covent Garden, can meet regularly at the Phoenix Garden, learn something new and feel connected to others.”
“We have a vegetable patch where our gardeners are growing tomatoes and herbs. We also run indoor workshops when the weather is bad, planting seeds for the garden or potting up plants to take home.”
“There’s something about gardening that’s so relaxing and positive. And gardening in the company of others helps to make new friends and connect with neighbours.”
“It’s not all work though, we always make time for tea, coffee and biscuits!”
“We welcome new members – you can drop in at any time to see for yourself what a difference a bit of gardening can make!”
Join Louise and meet local people:
📅 Fridays, from 10.30am to 2pm
📍 The Phoenix Garden, 21 Stacey Street, WC2H 8DG
“There’s something about gardening that’s so relaxing and positive.”
Louise
Hear from more We Make Camden Kit grantees
📷 Photo credit: Jenna Selby
📹 Video credit: Des Burkinshaw
Apply to the We Make Camden Kit
Do you have a community idea you’d like to bring to life? Find out how the We Make Camden Kit could help you.
