- 20th May 2025
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Our Careers Hub team partnered with Social Enterprise Academy and Redbridge Connexions Team to deliver Social Enterprise Schools for a second year in Redbridge.
On the 15th of May, seven schools across Redbridge and a group of young people who are currently under home tuition pitched their impressive social enterprise ideas to an expert panel at the Social Enterprise Schools: Dragons’ Den competition at Cineworld Ilford.
The panel of ‘dragons’ included Forogh Rahmani (Director of Local London), Lawrence Gosling (Head of PR, Comms and Content at Artemis), and Junaed Mortuza (HCM Solutions Architect at SAP).
The Dragons’ Den event provides an opportunity for pupils to gain professional advice on their social enterprise business ideas. The young entrepreneurs honed their public speaking skills and our dragons gained valuable insights into the issues that matter most to the next generation.
Social enterprise ideas pitched on the day included an initiative that aims to tackle voter apathy amongst young people; resin coasters made by young people with SEND to build on their physical development, social and communication skills; a social enterprise that runs sporting sessions to reduce screen time amongst young people; and, an inclusive online learning environment for young people that may not be able to attend mainstream or SEND provision.
Taking home £100, the overall winners of the Dragons’ Den were Armoress – Safety In Every Pocket from Seven Kings School, whose social enterprise empowers women, students and night-shift workers with a jacked designed to protect. However, the dragons were blown away by the pitches and recognised all social enterprise groups with an award.
Pupils are running their social enterprises as part of the Social Enterprise Schools programme, delivered by the Social Enterprise Academy, which empowers young people to affect social change in their communities, while developing key core employability and entrepreneurial skills for the future.
Forogh Rahmani, Director of Local London said: “Today was a huge amount of fun. I am blown away by all brilliant ideas and presentations we were treated to today. As Dragons, the students made our decisions really difficult as they all showed great potential as social entrepreneurs. I am delighted that at Redbridge Connexions Team, Social Enterprise Academy, and the team at Local London Careers Hub put on this innovative event for a second year because it’s really important that young people get opportunities to explore their different talents and how they might shape their future career choices.”
Fiona Barrett, Redbridge Connexions Manager, London Borough of Redbridge said: “What an amazing event. Incredible to see the huge amount of talent we have in the young people of Redbridge. Such innovative ideas and pitches presented in such a professional way by the young people. Also, delighted with the inclusivity of the event seeing young people from our Special school and those unable to access mainstream education present alongside our mainstream schools.
It has been a pleasure to collaborate with Local London Careers Hub and the Social Enterprise Academy to deliver this wonderful project with the young people of Redbridge. A huge thank you too to the schools and young people who took part who are a credit to our borough.”
Maya Wenzel, Delivery Lead (England) at the Social Enterprise Academy said: “One of my favourite parts of my job is being able to see the next generation of social entrepreneurs in action! I was blown away by the calibre of the initiatives presented at the Redbridge Dragons’ Dens – they all shared creative and thoughtful responses to local social and environmental issues and have a great future ahead of them.”
Schools who presented at the Social Enterprise Schools: Dragons’ Den competition:
- Oaks Park School
- Little Heath School
- Ark Isaac Newton Academy
- Ilford County High School
- Seven Kings School
- Ursuline Academy Ilford
- Caterham High School
- Home Tuition at the Redbridge Medical and Inclusion Service
For more information on how to get involved in the Social Enterprise Schools programme, please visit: socialenterprise.academy
Find out more
Find out more about our Careers Hub.
UKSPF People and Skills is helping over 1,300 residents in our sub-region to find employment that works for them.
Many of the people the programme intends to help have mental or physical health issues, or other circumstances preventing them from looking for work.
Since starting in January 2024, over 1,300 people have been referred onto the programme, which is being delivered by our member boroughs’ employment brokerage services.
Through UKSPF People and Skills local people have been equipped with the understanding they need to manage their health and wellbeing long term, and locally-tailored employment support; including upskilling adults, particularly those with no or low-level qualifications.
As a result of the commitment of teams in our boroughs, the programme is helping people who were not looking for work consider themselves ready or closer to seeking employment.
- 55% of people on the programme are now actively job searching
- 26% have reported an increase employability skills
- 13% of people have gone on to successfully find employment
- Work Redbridge is the first borough to exceed expectations by supporting more people than it expected to be able to through the programme. Congratulations!
Who is UKSPF People and Skills helping?
Charlie*, a young care leaver recently moved to Havering was referred to Havering Works from the Leaving Care Team. Through the UKSPF programme, Havering Works helped him completed his L1 and L2 in bricklaying, and gain his CSCS card. With no relevant work experience, or connections, Havering Works supported Charlie to create a sector-specific CV, they put him in contact with local employers and helped him register for apprenticeships.
This is more than a job
With the support of Havering Works and a local college, Charlie secured an apprenticeship. After a successful work trial, Charlie’s employer decided he was more advanced than an apprentice and offered him a full-time role, subject to him being able to purchase a starter tool kit. The UKSPF grant enabled Havering Works to purchase the required tools and now Charlie is now a full time ‘Bricklaying Improver’. Charlie commented “This is more than a job, this is a career”.
Nina*, an Afghan refugee and now Waltham Forest resident, was supported to attend English language classes and with help from the team at Waltham Forest has secured employment at the Forest Cinema.
I really felt lost until I received the support
She said “The team have been incredibly helpful and I am so grateful for the support I received. I really felt lost until I received the support from Waltham Forest Council and I now feel like I am part of the community.”
*names changed
Find out about UKSPF People and Skills near you:
- Barking and Dagenham – find out more at B&D Works (formerly Job Shop)
- Bexley– find out more at BBE (Bexley Business and Employment)
- Bromley – find out more at Good Work Bromley Exchange at LSEC (London South East College)
- Enfield – find out more at STEPS (Skills Training Employment Pillar)
- Greenwich – find out more at GGLaB (Greenwich Local Labour & Business)
- Havering – find out more at Havering Works
- Newham – find out more at Our Newham Works
- Redbridge – find out more at Work Redbridge
- Waltham Forest – find out more at Waltham Forest Jobs
This programme is supported through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund which is providing £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit UK Shared Prosperity Fund
Local London is delighted to welcome our boroughs’ new Leaders to our powerful Joint Committee.
Cllr Erbil becomes the new Leader of Enfield Council
Cllr Ergin Erbil was elected as the new Leader of Enfield Council at the Full Council meeting on 18 September 2024.
Cllr Erbil was elected Labour councillor for Edmonton Green in 2018 and has been serving as the Council’s Deputy Leader since 2022. He has been the borough’s Interim Leader since July 2024 when Nesil Caliskan became the Labour MP for Barking, at the general election.
Read about Cllr Erbil’s priorities and Cabinet.
Cllr Twomey becomes the new Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council
In Barking and Dagenham, Cllr Dominic Twomey was elected as the new Leader of the Council at their full Assembly meeting also on 18 September.
Cllr Twomey has served the borough as a councillor since 2010, and has been Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Growth and Core Services for the last 10 years.
He takes over from Cllr Darren Rodwell who was Leader of the Council and former Chair of Local London. Cllr Rodwell championed the needs of the sub-region and under his leadership, Local London expanded its portfolio of programmes, offering greater benefit to all its member boroughs.
Read about Cllr Twomey’s appointment.
Cllr Rai, Leader of Redbridge Council
Following over a decade serving the borough as a councillor and six years as Deputy Leader, Cllr Kam Rai was elected as the new Leader of Redbridge Council at the full council meeting on 25 July 2024.
Cllr Rai succeeds Cllr Athwal, who led the council for over a decade before stepping down following his election as the Member of Parliament for Ilford South.
Our Joint Committee members
Local London’s strategic direction is set by the elected Leaders of our member authorities, they sit on our Joint Committee, led by a Chair who holds the position for a two-year term.
The Council Leaders and Mayor on our Joint Committee are:
- Leader of RB Greenwich – Cllr Anthony Okereke (Chair)
- Leader of LB Bexley – Cllr Baroness Teresa O’Neill OBE (Deputy Chairman)
- Leader of LB Barking & Dagenham – Cllr Dominic Twomey
- Leader of LB Bromley – Cllr Colin Smith
- Leader of LB Enfield – Cllr Ergin Erbil
- Leader of LB Havering – Cllr Ray Morgon
- Mayor of LB Newham – Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE
- Leader of LB Redbridge – Cllr Kam Rai
- Leader of LB Waltham Forest – Cllr Grace Williams
Discover more about Local London’s governance
The Local London Careers Hub proudly partner with Redbridge Connexions Team and Social Enterprise Academy to develop a Social Enterprise Schools project in Redbridge.
On 7 May 2024, five schools across Redbridge pitched their impressive social enterprise ideas to an expert panel at the Social Enterprise Schools: Dragons’ Den competition at Redbridge Town Hall in Ilford.
The panel of ‘dragons’ included Colin Stewart from London Borough of Redbridge, Sarah Murray from Local London, Griff Tanner from Cirrus Logic, and Sofia Paci from BGF.
The Dragons’ Den event provided an opportunity for pupils to gain professional advice on their social enterprise business ideas. The young entrepreneurs honed their public speaking skills and the dragons gained valuable insights into the issues that matter most to the next generation. Social enterprise ideas pitched on the day included multiple upcycling schemes; hand-made sensory boxes; a mental health scheme for women and girls; an anti-littering social enterprise; and a healthy eating business tackling poor nutrition.
The overall winners of the Dragons’ Den were Fresh Fusion at Isaac Newton Academy receiving £100. Mayfield School were recognised for the Best Environmental Enterprise, and Little Heath School for Best Product.
Pupils are running their social enterprises as part of the Social Enterprise Schools programme, delivered by the Social Enterprise Academy, which empowers young people to affect social change in their communities, while developing key core employability and entrepreneurial skills for the future.
Sarah Murray, Director of Local London said:
“I’m out! Out of words to say how brilliant the students’ ideas and presentations were. I hope that they all found this as exciting and fun as we did. Redbridge clearly has many talented budding social entrepreneurs. Thank you to our partners at Redbridge Connexions Team, Social Enterprise Academy, and the team at Local London Careers Hub for putting on this innovative event.”
Colin Stewart, Director of Education and Inclusion, London Borough of Redbridge said:
“The quality of the pitches was so impressive. It wasn’t just a collection of ideas – instead pupils had thought about real life issues and ways in which they could help solve the problems. Every school’s pitch had creativity and innovation at its core – as judges we were blown away by how good they were.”
Maya Wenzel, Delivery Lead (England) at the Social Enterprise Academy said:
“One of my favourite parts of my job is being able to see the next generation of social entrepreneurs in action! I was blown away by the calibre of the initiatives presented at the Redbridge Dragons’ Dens – they all shared creative and thoughtful responses to local social and environmental issues and have a great future ahead of them.”
Congratulations to all the students and schools who presented at the Social Enterprise Schools ‘Dragons’ Den’ competition:
- Oaks Park School
- Little Heath School
- Isaac Newton Academy
- Mayfield School
- Ilford County High School
Find out more
⇒ For more information on how to get involved in the Social Enterprise Schools programme, please visit: www.socialenterprise.academy/social-enterprise-schools-england
⇒ Redbridge Connexions: www.redbridge.gov.uk/young-people/connexions
The Local London Careers Hub is funded through the Careers and Enterprise Company and Mayor of London.
⇒ Discover more news from our Careers Hub team.
Across our boroughs small and medium sized enterprises are successfully developing their digital capabilities to grow their businesses.
With over 1,100 SMEs signed up, our E-business programme is proving bespoke digital training that has created £10 million increase in business turnover across our boroughs and safeguarded over 750 jobs.
North and south of the river, business owners are discovering how to use online software and technology to their enterprises and reach new audiences thanks to expert advisors at South East Enterprise, Enterprise Enfield and Newham College.
Helping SMEs in Enfield, Redbridge and Waltham Forest
Working with SMEs in Enfield, Redbridge and Waltham Forest, Enterprise Enfield has been actively engaging with local businesses. As well as building relationships with local businesses, and creating an online library of Events, Workshops, Webinars and Online Tutorials, Enterprise Enfield have been reaching out directly to businesses which has resulted in around 200 SMEs getting on board.
One of the SME’s they have helped is The Music Place, in Wanstead, Redbridge, where people to learn instruments and engage with music.
Business owner, Liliana, approached Enterprise Enfield looking to expand the reach of the business and to develop a marketing plan that connected The Music Place to its local community.
After conducting a digital audit of The Music Place, Enterprise Enfield’s experts advised Liliana on how to upgrade the website; implement a CRM system and create new digital marketing campaigns to attract adults to music lessons.
Taking on board both the Digital Adviser’s and Business Advisers’ guidance, The Music Place engaged a design company to help rebrand, develop public communications, and create a new website with a pupil’s and teachers’ account offering online Zoom music lessons through a ‘music education portal’. Liliana received guidance on making the most of social media – with better ways to plan and schedule posts using digital tools – and financial forecasting advice and systems to manage finances in real time.
E-business programme successes are music to our ears
Liliana said:
”Our organisation was very fortunate to have been a part of the E-Business Programme. The one-on-one sessions and live webinars with my mentors were invaluable. Their support and guidance helped us launch a brand-new digital marketing campaign, develop an online music lesson portal, and improve our bottom line.”
The Music Place has already reaped the benefits and seen a significant impact – with an 18% increase in turnover since embarking on the E-business programme. Liliana has ambitious goals for the future and will be expanding ways to partner with local schools to offer online tuition and community circles to provide more music therapy workshops to residents.
Discover the E-business programme in your borough
Local London have appointed 3 expert providers to deliver the programme:
Enfield, Redbridge and Waltham Forest – Enterprise Enfield.
Find out more.
Barking and Dagenham, Havering and Newham – Newham College of Further Education.
Find out more.
Bexley and Greenwich – South East Enterprise.
Find out more.
Latest news:
⇒ Read more news about the E-business programme and the local businesses we’re helping.
Around 60 year 8 and 9 students from Redbridge took part in the grand final of the Young Dreamers Awards on 6 June 2023.
The brainchild of CGI, one of the world’s largest IT and business consulting services firms, the awards sought to promote STEM subjects and careers to young people in a way that was fun and inclusive.
Students from Caterham High School, Oaks Park High School, and Chadwell Heath Academy arrived at the ultimate round of the competition at Lord’s cricket ground as the best teams from previous rounds.
As they set out their projects on the presentation stands, it was clear they were keen to impress the panel in this friendly but high calibre competition.
The students were treated to a cricketer’s dream tour of the grounds, before coming back to present to a panel of C-suite judges from CGI, NCA, Ministry of Justice, and the Crown Prosecution Service.
Benefitting from mentoring from CGI employees, the best science, technology, engineering and maths teams from the schools faced the following challenges that drew out their soft skills as well as STEM thinking.
Judges on each panel made their excruciatingly difficult decisions based on how well the teams had addressed the challenges as well as their teamworking, research, creativity and presentation skills. It was tough. There could only be one winner in each category.
The STEM Challenges and winners
- SCIENCE – Design enhancements to their area for their local council to help reduce their carbon footprint and become more nature positive (Government).
- A plastic return scheme for local shopping centres (Chadwell Heath School).
- TECHNOLOGY – Technology that can replace old systems and support rehabilitation within prisons (Justice).
- Virtual Reality rehab and therapy – giving inmates a way to experience the outside world whilst in prison. (Chadwell Heath School).
- ENGINEERING – A collaborative wellness space for use by NCA employees (Public Safety).
- A detailed and well thought out wellness space, offering activities such as star gazing and gardening (Chadwell Heath School).
- MATHS – Design a Charity Event as a marketing team for the Prevention of Young Offenders Charity (Public Safety).
- An escape room that increases awareness of young offending whilst raising money for charity (Caterham School).
Students spoke enthusiastically about the Young Dreamers project. “I’ve really enjoyed seeing other people’s ideas for how they have approached the challenges.” Said year 8 student from one of the winning teams from Chadwell Heath Academy.
The future of STEM careers is bright with passionate young people who already have their sights set on the stars. “I’ve enjoyed seeing other teams’ projects and of course I like these subject because I know I want to be an Astrophysicist” another Chadwell Heath Academy student told us.
Sarah Murray, Director of Local London praised the initiative saying “The students showed impressive creative and collaborative skills in every challenge. I am extremely impressed with how committed CGI are to living their values and engaging with young people in our boroughs.STEM subjects and careers are for everyone. As well as helping students learn about and see themselves in different STEM-related careers, we’ve gained an insight into the brilliant minds who will be joining the workforce in the future. Our team would love to help more employers like CGI to get involved with schools across our boroughs. This has been an excellent initiative!”
Maya Spence, Consultant at CGI said “Local London supported us every step of the way through CGI Young Dreamers – from partnering us with Redbridge schools to volunteering on our innovation days to supporting us at the final. We could not have pulled off CGI Young Dreamers London 2023 without them and especially Yim Wan Stezycki’s help. We’re very proud of the students from Caterham, Chadwell Heath and Oaks Park. Their exhibitions were fantastic and the presentations very professional. Thank you to the Local London Careers Hub team and we are looking forward to 2024!”
Read the latest news from the Local London Career Hub
Visit the Careers Hub website.
Over 800 people came to the Redbridge Jobs and Apprenticeships Fair on 25 May 2023 organised by Redbridge Council’s employment brokerage, Work Redbridge in partnership with Job Centre Plus, Maximus and Local London.
Described by one happy resident as “busier than Clapham Junction” the hall was buzzing from 10am with people keen to speak with the 40 employers and training providers about roles, apprenticeships and training.
The sound of voices and conversations was audible from the High Street, it was clear that the hall was bustling with people looking for work and training opportunities.
Redbridge residents were able to find out about roles and apprenticeships with Amazon, TfL, Essex and Suffolk Water, NELFT (North East London NHS Foundation Trust) and Vision, Culture and Leisure, Redbridge Council and many more. In addition, people at the event were able to find out about foster caring and training courses on everything from customer services to ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), maths, digital and driving skills from providers including Redbridge Institute, DVLA, and Maximus’s Adult Education team.
The town hall was described as “Busier than Clapham Junction.”
Events like this are underrated
“Events like this are underrated” Tamara, resident from Redbridge said. “I know a lot of jobs are online now, but I really liked meeting employers face to face and talking with them. For me, maybe I’m old fashioned, but I prefer this so I can ask about the roles and what it entails and to get to know the organisations. Thank you, I’ve found this really helpful and I’m going to apply online now.”
Andy, from Redbridge, got new leads too, he said “I’m a cat 2 lorry driver and I’ve had a good chat with the team from Redbridge about becoming a minibus driver. Bit different but something to think about for sure.”
Employers and training providers at the event were delighted with the turnout and level of interest.
Ian from Essex and Suffolk Water said “When we came with a team of eight I thought maybe we had too many people but we’ve all been busy all day. We’ve handed out all of our job descriptions and leaflets! It’s been a great event speaking to people and promoting our brand. We have a lot of roles that can be home/office based or in the field which we’ve been talking to people about. Look at us, we have a great team and I hope that some of the people we have met today will apply online and join us.”
Rona Nicoll, Engagement Advisor from Maximus echoed this “We had queues and were swamped. I’m so glad there were two of us! We’ve got around 60 people signed up to start some of our courses. The ESOL course has had the most interest but digital was popular too.”
Ian (second from right) with the team from Essex and Suffolk Water were busy all day.
Helping people towards their next role
Over the course of the day, Work Redbridge, the council’s jobs brokerage service, spoke to more than 400 people and 57 people booked follow up appointments with them to find out more about the many ways they can provide support to people looking for work.
Around 300 people spoke to the Maximus team. More than 72 people self-referred onto the Work and Health Programme and 58 people signed up for Adult Education courses run by Maximus for employed and unemployed people looking to develop their skills.
Job Centre Plus Disability employment advisers helped around 150 people, providing guidance and support to those with a health condition and or disability.
The National Careers Service were delighted to speak with around 20 people who were already engaged with their service and signed up a further 22 people at different stages in their careers who were ready to find out more about learning, training and work opportunities.
Sarah Murray, Director of Local London, said “The Work and Health Programme, delivered by Maximus in Local London, complements what others – like Job Centre Plus and Work Redbridge – are doing in the boroughs already. We’re delighted to be working closely with partners in Redbridge to make sure that we are signposting to each other and residents are getting the right support for them whatever their situation.”
The Local London Work and Health Programme provides up to 21 months support for people who have long-term health conditions and/or disabilities or have been unemployed for 24 months or more.
Funded by The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and European Social Fund (ESF), we work with Maximus and manage the programme on behalf of our boroughs – Barking and Dagenham, Bexley, Bromley, Enfield, Greenwich, Havering, Newham, Redbridge and Waltham Forest – to help more people get into and retain good jobs.
- Find out more about the Work and Health Programme: maximusuk.co.uk/london
Residents names have been changed to protect identities.
15 people from Redbridge got job offers on the day and many more got helpful expert advice.
On Thursday 19th January 2023, we joined up with partners in Redbridge to host a jobs fair and cost of living event to help local residents find employment and understand the support available to them to help with cost-of-living increases.
Over 160 residents, including those on our Local London Works, Work and Health Programme, JETS (Job Entry Targeted Support), and people registered with Jobcentre Plus, Restart or Work Redbridge (part of Redbridge Council) attended sessions with employers to hear about roles available currently and learn tips for applying in the future.
With pre-event and on-the-day interview coaching, CV writing and support, many of the candidates came ready to impress.
Fifteen residents who attended the event looking for work in the morning, had firm job offers by lunchtime. A further 53 job seekers from the borough showed great potential and were referred for second interviews or self-referred to get specialist training to help them secure roles in East London.
The cost-of-living drop-in was equally successful. Many residents came to the event looking for information about support available to help with cost-of-living. With queues forming before the advertised start of the event, Redbridge Council services and partners were kept busy providing advice until past the official event close.
Jananee landed her dream job.
Redbridge resident, Jananee was offered her dream job on the day. She said “I’m so happy, I’ve just been offered a job! I thought, I might have interview-phobia but today it was just so easy talking to Kingdom Enforcement about the jobs they had. I can’t thank Surinder and other staff at JCP Redbridge enough for helping me become job-ready. They have shown empathy when went through a bereavement and provided tremendous support when I returned to my job search. Surinder’s advice, guidance and coaching really helped.
I am passionate about being an Environmental Enforcement Officer, ensuring we keep London clean – free of litter and fly-tipping – it’s our city, we should keep it looking beautiful and that is exactly what Kingdom Enforcement is committed to. I can’t wait to commence my duties and responsibilities as an Environmental Enforcement Officer. I just want to do the training and then I can go on my mission.
I wish every job fair was like this with employers ready to interview because I’ve been offered the perfect role for me, and I’m delighted.”
Bringing together our Work and Health employment programme delivery partners, Maximus, with the events being run by Redbridge Council’s cost of living and Work Redbridge teams, is one of the ways we are looking to enhance support to local residents especially those most impacted by cost-of-living increases.
Across our boroughs we are looking at how we can integrate with the work of our local authority partners, especially around common issues such as cost-of-living increases.
Sarah Murray, Director of Local London said “Cost of living is a huge issue for our boroughs, especially for those who are out of work. This part of London was deeply impacted by the pandemic and statistics show that unemployment rates have continued to be higher here than in other parts of London.
Joining our programme with partners working to help those furthest from the job market in Redbridge back into work and supporting the council’s cost of living campaign means we can help Redbridge residents to get important information and advice in one place.
Similar events are being planned in the near future, and I am very proud of our employment programme team reaching out to local authority partners so we can best help our member borough’s residents.”
The Redbridge Jobs Fair and Cost of Living Event took place on Thursday 19th January 2023, 10:00am to 1:00pm, The Loft, Exchange Ilford close to Ilford Job Centre Plus.
Future events are planned in Redbridge and across our other member boroughs to support them during these difficult times.
Local London manages three employment programmes on behalf of our member boroughs. Find out more about our employment programmes.
Find out more about our event partners Work Redbridge, Job Centre Plus, Maximus and cost of living help in Redbridge.
Event held by Local London, Work Redbridge (part of London Borough of Redbridge), Maximus UK and DWP.
Projects in five Local London boroughs will benefit from Arts Council England’s Creative People and Places fund to make arts and culture more accessible.
Creative People and Places is a three-year programme, that will invest £38.3 million from National Lottery funding to boost access to arts and culture in areas where engagement is far lower than the national average. Creative People and Places has added 39 projects in total across the country to its 2022-25 portfolio.
Five of the six projects in the capital that were awarded this funding are in Local London.
Local London projects that will benefit from Creative People and Places funding:
1. Barking & Dagenham | Creative Barking & Dagenham
Project partners: Studio 3 Arts (Lead), Barking and Dagenham Collective, London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, Barking and Dagenham College.
Creative Barking and Dagenham: with a growing network of local resident Cultural Connectors at its heart Creative Barking and Dagenham wants to see local people choosing, creating and taking part in brilliant arts and cultural experiences in the borough.
2. Bexley | Three Rivers
Project partners: Peabody Trust, The Exchange Erith, TACO!, Orbit Housing.
Made in the Estuary: Three Rivers bring people together to work out how to use art to make a difference. This project will develop community run platforms such as radio stations, festivals and workshops to increase participation in the arts.
3. Havering | Havering Changing
Project partners: Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch (Lead), Clarion Futures (the charitable foundation of Clarion Housing Group), Havering Colleges, Havering Interfaith Forum, Havering Volunteer Centre, Havering Youth Services and myplace, Rainham Association for Village Events (R.A.V.E.), The Mercury Shopping Centre.
Havering Changing: Havering is changing fast and this funding will be used for additional activities informed by a rapidly developing programme of innovative, community-led arts and culture happening in disconnected communities.
4. Newham | World on our Doorstep
Project partners: Community Links (Lead), Caramel Rock, Faithful Friends, National Cricket League, University of East London.
World on our Doorstep: Celebrating the richness of the most culturally diverse borough in the country, World on our Doorstep places the community at the heart of decision-making around access, participation, creation and curation of arts in local spaces.
5. Redbridge | Creative Redbridge
Project partners: Vision Redbridge, Culture & Leisure (Lead), Friends of Loxford, Muslimah Sports Association, Redbridge Council Volunteer Service, SPACE Studios, Mercarto Metropolitano.
Creative Redbridge: Creative Redbridge will build a people-led programme, using creativity to empower and enable lasting positive change with a measurable effect on people’s well-being and levels of social energy and activism.
Watch this video to find out more about the programme or visit www.artscouncil.org.uk/creativepeopleandplaces/projects
Local London’s Work and Health Programme is celebrating supporting its 1,000th resident into employment.
Sakariya Kisow from Redbridge has started a new career as a stock controller after three years out of work.
Sakariya, who experiences back pain and fatigue, could not return to his previous career installing alarm systems. Our team supported him to build his confidence, develop his skills and explore new sectors and roles.
After considering roles in security and retail, staff suggested he apply for a stock controller role as a post became available with the flexibility he required. Sakariya was successfully supported through the recruitment process and began work in August.
In his new role, Sakariya can adapt his hours around his health condition with support from his employer. He travels across the country working with a range of clients. He’s delighted with his new job and excited about the future.
The Work and Health Programme, which operates across nine boroughs in East and South East London, supports disabled people, those with a health condition, the long-term unemployed, and other disadvantaged groups to develop their skills and enter and progress in work.
It uses an innovative delivery model embedding health care professionals as key workers on the front line. Delivered by MAXIMUS and local delivery partners, it is co-financed by the European Social Fund and the Department for Work and Pensions.
Emma Warren, Contract Director for Local London Work and Health Programme, said: ‘Sakariya’s story shows how the programme is transforming the lives of Local London residents. We understand that good health, including good mental health, is vital to finding and progressing in work.
“Our key workers include mental health professionals and physiotherapists, who can offer expert support to help participants overcome barriers to employment and thrive in the workplace”.