At the Islington Giving Grants Committee meeting on 12 February 2026, we agreed funding to six local partners working alongside Islington residents to improve mental health, reduce isolation and strengthen community connection. Here’s a snapshot of where the money will go and what it will help to achieve.
The Manna — £12,000 over three years
The grant will help keep a co‑located GP and nurse drop‑in at The Manna running and boost staff capacity for mental‑health navigation and crisis advocacy for people experiencing homelessness. The team will support guests to access appointments, referrals and medication, addressing barriers like digital exclusion and the complexity of statutory services.
Street Talk — £34,693 over three years
Funding will continue specialist one‑to‑one therapy (and some group work) for women with multiple and complex needs – including those trapped in exploitative prostitution, with insecure immigration status or trauma histories – with a dedicated therapist offering five weekly places for residents at Bethany House in Islington. The model is client‑led and flexible, with wrap‑around advocacy so women aren’t excluded by conventional thresholds.
Stonewall Housing — £30,000 over two years
This will support an Islington‑based Mental Health Advocate (11 hours/week) to help LGBTQIA+ residents facing homelessness access housing and mental‑health support. Around 100 people will be supported over two years, alongside upskilling Stonewall Housing’s wider advice team and strengthening links with local partners.
“The first place I’ve felt seen in years.” – Alex (name changed), supported by Stonewall Housing’s Mental Health Advocate
All Change — £20,000 over one year
Core funding will sustain creative programmes for older residents, young women, young parents, and refugees/asylum seekers (including projects like Going Places and Well Versed) while the organisation transitions to a more community‑led model through a new Community Voice Panel and wider partnership work.
Help on Your Doorstep — £290,400 over two years
This grant combines core support and match‑funding for three Good Neighbours Schemes (Canonbury, Priory Green, Bemerton), enabling up to 600 residents to take part in at least 20 weekly activities and community events. It will also power HOYD’s borough‑wide Connect advice service for ~2,000 residents, social prescribing, and small individual grants – strengthening place‑based prevention and community connection.
Healthy Generations — £5,850 over one year
A small pilot to launch “Helping Out,” a micro‑volunteering broker that connects neighbours who can offer practical, short‑term help (e.g., after an operation or for small home/garden tasks) with isolated older people – building on Healthy Generations’ large user and partner databases and existing safeguarding processes.
“I have more of a social life now… I feel a part of my community now, not isolated.” – Angie, a regular at Good Neighbours Scheme
