As part of our Borough Spotlight for the Supporting London Boroughs Engagement Project, which was funded by the Greater London Authority (GLA) and delivered in partnership with London Councils, we're highlighting the exciting work being done by Islington, Kingston & Lewisham Councils. Each borough has taken innovative steps to better connect with their residents and address unique community needs, setting a high standard for others to follow.
Islington Council
Islington took a step forward in improving community engagement by introducing a participatory budgeting process. This initiative empowered residents on two estates by providing them with the opportunity to have a direct say in how a portion of the council’s budget (£15,000) was allocated, particularly in areas impacting their daily lives, such as community safety, youth services, and local infrastructure.
Residents collaborated with local community organisers to democratically select five proposals to receive £3,000 each. This ensured a diverse range of voices were heard, and that the project reflected the true needs and desires of the community. The project particularly aimed to engage previously underserved residents and groups.
Here’s how Islington Council has made a difference:
🔍 Participatory Budgeting: By empowering residents to decide on the allocation of funds, Islington fostered a sense of ownership and community involvement in local decision-making.
👥 Increased Community Cohesion: New members of the community are involving themselves in activities, such as gardening groups, as a direct result of taking part in the project, leading to increased levels of cohesion on both estates.
🌱 Awareness and Agency: More residents are now aware of local assets within their community and understand how they can use their collective agency to influence these assets.
📈 Positive Impact: An Islington resident shared: “Being part of this project has shown that the council does so much more behind the scenes than we realise. Having the council organise this for us shows we can go to them with more ideas, and they will be receptive.”
The success of this initiative has not only resulted in tangible improvements in local services but has also fostered a stronger sense of community ownership and trust in the council.
Kingston Council
Kingston Council amplified the voices of its disabled residents by creating a dedicated network that fosters empowerment and inclusivity. Recognising the need for a stronger, more unified platform for disabled residents, Kingston partnered with local community organisations to co-design a network that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of its members.
The initiative’s collaborative approach ensured that disabled residents are not only included but are leading the charge in shaping the network’s structure and purpose. This co-designed network is already making a significant difference in how the borough engages with and supports this historically underrepresented community.
Here’s how Kingston Council has made a difference:
🌐 Empowering Community Voices: By establishing this new network, Kingston has facilitated a space where disabled residents can engage actively and meaningfully. The network's formation began with a large launch event utilising participatory methods to chart its future course.
🛠️ Innovative Co-Design: The network continues to be guided and adapted based on the ambitions of local organisations, ensuring it remains relevant and impactful. This approach has fostered a sense of ownership and empowerment within the community.
📢 Increased Engagement: Through this initiative, Kingston has successfully reached out to a historically less engaged community. This network not only amplifies their voices but also ensures their concerns and ideas are heard and acted upon.
💡 Scalable Methodology: Kingston’s approach has set the stage for developing a scalable model that allows communities to be self-governing. This methodology equips residents with the autonomy to influence change and foster a more inclusive borough.
📈 Positive Impact: The impact of Kingston’s initiative is best captured in the words of a local community organisation: “I think it’s something that makes people with disabilities feel really empowered and heard.”
Lewisham Council
Lewisham Council has been making significant strides in improving services for sanctuary seekers. Through a collaborative and co-design approach, Lewisham worked closely with sanctuary seekers to identify key areas for improvement and reshape how the borough serves these residents.
The sanctuary seekers then worked with colleagues across the council to develop these areas into internal projects that re-designed key services and processes (internships, a ‘Welcome to Lewisham’ webpage, activities for children, and employment networking events). This effort led to several impactful projects, each designed to meet the unique needs of sanctuary seekers and enhance their experience in the borough.
Here’s how Lewisham Council has made a difference:
🌐 Welcome to Lewisham: A new, easy-to-navigate webpage was launched, providing essential social, legal, and financial information for newly arrived sanctuary seekers in the borough. The page is accessible in nine different languages, ensuring residents can find the help they need without language barriers.
🤝 Practical Volunteering Pathways: Lewisham developed a set of volunteering opportunities specifically for sanctuary seekers, designed to improve their employment prospects while also promoting wellbeing. These pathways offer practical experience and are a stepping stone toward stable employment and integration into the community.
🔄 Collaborative Projects: One of the most unique aspects of Lewisham's approach was inviting sanctuary seekers to collaborate directly with council colleagues. Together, they co-designed internships, children's activities, and employment networking events, ensuring that the services and programs truly meet the needs of the people they are meant to serve.
📈 Positive Impact: The results of these initiatives have been overwhelmingly positive. As one sanctuary seeker put it, “For me, this project has been the perfect example of inclusivity and the incredible power of diversity.” Lewisham’s commitment to co-design and inclusivity has not only reshaped services but also strengthened the relationships between the council and its diverse communities
Lewisham’s efforts demonstrate how councils can lead by example in creating more welcoming and supportive environments for all residents. By focusing on inclusion and accessibility, the council not only improved its internal processes but also fostered a deeper sense of trust and connection within the community.
By setting the standard for community engagement, these boroughs are proving that with the right approach, we can build stronger, more connected communities.
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