From a newsroom championing under-represented voices to a local shop that runs entirely on volunteers, here are six inspiring community projects
Hope is potent fuel for the future. But as public services seem harder to access, and the cost of living continues to create added pressure, optimism can feel impossible. But once you start noticing the grassroots community projects peppered all over the country that are providing others with the tools they need, you may just start to see the beautiful glimmers of hope that you’ve craving.
Across the UK, ordinary people are creating extraordinary initiatives that address everything from social isolation to food insecurity, mental health support, and cultural understanding. These projects share a common thread: they emerge from genuine community needs, and are kept going by the sheer passion and dedication of regular people.
Ready to feel the community spirit? Here are six community projects that inspire hope.
Greater Govanhill
In 2020, reporting of the Scottish neighbourhood of Govanhill was overwhelmingly negative, and frequently focused on crime and related issues, which overshadowed the area’s strong sense of community. In response, local residents joined forces to challenge negative stereotypes, break down cultural barriers, and bring people together – all while providing a space to learn new skills and share resources.
Their community newsroom is a collaborative space for co-working, workshops, and media training, while their free magazine offers a platform to share stories and photographs from under-represented voices – designed to foster cross-cultural understanding within the community.
They offer community reporter training, storytelling workshops, and participatory research projects, as well as exhibitions and screenings. Founder and editor Rhiannon J Davies says: “Starting the magazine seemed like a way to challenge negative perceptions about the area, provide a platform to marginalised voices, and bring people together. [...] I’ve loved every second so far.”
Check out greatergovanhill.com) for more information.
Carib Eats
What began during the pandemic as a response to food insecurity and isolation, has now grown into a trusted hub of community life in Hackney and Islington. The Carib Eats team hosts weekly canteens to provide affordable, culturally-relevant meals. More than that though, its spaces have become gathering places that blend food with culture, music, storytelling, and intergenerational exchange.
Founder Ali Kakande says: “Our canteens are mainly for elders from the Black community, lovingly known as the ‘canteeners’. To date, we’ve shared more than 10,000 meals, played countless rounds of bingo, and created a space where joy is just as important as nourishment.”
More information is available at caribeats.org.
Blaze Trails
Started by a mum looking to connect with likeminded parents, Blaze Trails is a free, peer-led network that gets new parents walking outdoors with their babies. Parents who take part say that the group walks have a significant positive impact on their mental health, including combatting loneliness, building confidence, and making friends.
With the risk of mental health issues developing before and after a new arrival for both men and women, projects like these offer much-needed social support for vulnerable parents during difficult, often isolating, times. Blaze Trails now has more than 80 groups meeting across the country, and 20,000+ members.
Learn more at blazetrails.org.uk.
Wedmore Village Farm
Part of The Food Forest Project and based in Somerset, Wedmore Village Farm is a space for community members to connect with their land, growers, and food. The farm is home to the Food Bank Market Garden, growing free food for local schools and food banks. The team runs workshops, events, and social programmes, such as the Care Farm scheme, which helps adults with learning difficulties.
It also works collaboratively with Bridgwater & Taunton College to support children with special educational needs and disabilities to transition out of the college environment and into the workplace, teaching groups about construction and organic agriculture.
Learn more about the farm at wedmorevillagefarm.co.uk.
GoodGym
Combining fitness with community support, GoodGym is a group of runners helping isolated older people, and various other projects across the UK. Members commit to regular visits with older adults who need companionship, while the group also tackles practical tasks like gardening for community centres, or clearing litter from local parks. Since launching in London in 2009, GoodGym now operates in more than 50 areas nationwide.
Founder Ivo Gormley created GoodGym after considering rising loneliness levels, and realising communities had so many unmet needs. The model uses exercise as a form of community service, with runners reporting their ‘missions’ provide far more motivation than traditional fitness goals.
Find local initiatives at goodgym.org).
Ilsington village shop
Small villages, such as Ilsington in south Devon, are often so rural that they lack access to everyday items.That’s why, when the previous village shop (which had served the community since 1905) closed in December 2008, residents knew something had to be done. After years of fundraising, the store reopened in 2012, and is now run entirely by the 59 volunteers who pick up shifts throughout the week.
More than just a place to grab groceries, locals say it is a valuable community hub that offers a place to bring villagers together. The shop is a lifeline to elderly residents, as well as those without access to transport, offering local produce, homemade cakes, and flowers, alongside everyday essentials.
Photography | Mollie Corkery
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