“It’s an honour to serve as Mayor of the borough that helped shape me, a place that is home to incredible people, bold ideas, and strong communities.” ~ Former Mayor of Islington, Cllr Jason Jackson 

As the Mayor of Islington’s Charity of the Year for 2025–26, we’ve had the privilege of spending the past year working alongside Cllr Jason Jackson and his team during his term as Mayor, celebrating the people, organisations and grassroots projects that make our borough such a special place. 

From community celebrations and fundraising events to volunteer days and conversations with local residents, throughout his term as Mayor Cllr Jackson has been a passionate champion of Islington Giving and the communities we exist to support. 

Here are some highlights of our year together.  

Celebrating 15 years of Islington Giving 

One of the first events Mayor Jackson attended as Deputy Mayor was our 15th birthday celebration and Impact Report launch. It was a joyful gathering of residents, supporters, partners and funded organisations, where we reflected on the difference local giving has made across the borough and looked ahead to Islington’s future. 

Speaking at the event, the former Mayor said: 

“Islington Giving does incredible work in the community, for the community, and represents the very best of the borough. I look forward to championing and supporting the work they do around mental health and creating employment opportunities for young people.”  

Championing local changemakers 

In June 2025, the Mayor joined us for our “We Made it Happen” community celebration, bringing together local residents, supporters and grassroots projects funded through our Make It Happen programme. His words perfectly captured the spirit of the event: 

“What makes our borough so special isn’t just the landmarks or the history – it’s ordinary residents doing extraordinary things. Make It Happen captures everything I believe in as Mayor: people power, creativity and community action.” 

Throughout the year, the former Mayor consistently championed residents, grassroots organisations and community leaders who do important and incredible work in Islington.  

Meaningful conversations with Islington Giving Alumni 

One of the most memorable aspects of the year was seeing the Mayor engage directly with members of the Islington Giving Alumni network. Over several meetings and tea gatherings, alumni members shared their experiences, hopes and concerns for the borough. In return, the Mayor spoke openly about his own experiences, particularly his commitment to improving mental health support for young Black men. 

Reflecting on meeting the former Mayor, Lydia, a member of our Islington Giving Alum said:  

“The Mayor is moved to tears, and we sit with him in this tender moment, witnessing his humanity. Today, we got to see that he was not just the Mayor of Islington, but a man with his own hopes, fears, longings and losses. Today, we got to meet a fellow member of a community we are proud to belong to. Today, we got to meet a fellow member of a community we are proud to belong to.” 

Read Lydia’s blog here

Building business connections  

A key highlight with the former Mayor was our annual Angel Crackers volunteering day in which around 80 volunteers from local businesses, organisations and community groups came together to handmake more than 1,600 crackers, helping raise funds for projects tackling loneliness and isolation across Islington. Mayor Jackson joined volunteers in rolling, tying and packing crackers – a wonderful example of businesses, residents and local leaders working together for a common cause! 

The Mayor also invited us to join his business breakfasts, where leaders from across the tech, business and community sectors came together to explore how we can create more opportunities for local people. From discussions about youth employment to the role of technology in driving positive social change, these events were a brilliant reminder of the power of collaboration.  

“One of my goals as Civic Mayor has been to create spaces where business, innovation and community can come together around the issues that matter. I believe strongly that businesses have a vital role to play in building opportunity in our communities and that part of my job is to open the door for those conversations to happen.” ~ Former Mayor of Islington, Cllr Jason Jackson 

The power of community  

Throughout the year, we saw time and again what makes Islington so special: people coming together to support one another. 

At the Ultimate Charity Darts Challenge at Flight Club Islington, local businesses, residents, alumni and supporters joined the Mayor for an evening of friendly competition, raising vital funds for young people’s mental health in the borough. The atmosphere was warm, energetic and full of connection. 

The Mayor’s Christmas Carol Service was another highlight of the year, bringing together residents, community organisations, councillors and partners to celebrate the festive season and reflect on the strength of our community.  

Another memorable moment was the Mayor’s Fish Supper, which brought together local businesses, community leaders and supporters for an evening of conversation, connection and fundraising. The event reflected the Mayor’s commitment to building strong partnerships across Islington and celebrating the people and organisations helping to create a more connected and inclusive borough. 

These events were a powerful reminder that when people come together with enthusiasm, kindness and compassion, real impact follows. 

The Mayor’s Charity Gala event  

Our year together culminated in a spectacular Mayor’s Charity Gala, bringing together businesses, charities, faith groups, residents and community leaders from across Islington. Reflecting on the last year, the former Mayor said: 

“This year as Mayor of Islington has been one of the greatest honours of my life. It has given me the opportunity to meet extraordinary people, hear powerful stories, celebrate our borough, and witness first hand the compassion and resilience that exists within our communities every single day… 

Thank you to the amazing team at Islington Giving for the life-changing work you continue to do across our borough.” 

A huge thank you! 

Thank you, Mayor Jackson and the team, for helping us make an even bigger difference across Islington!

As the Mayor’s Charity of the Year, we have been incredibly grateful for Mayor Jason Jackson’s support, energy and enthusiasm throughout the past year.  From championing our work and attending events, to listening to residents and rolling up his sleeves alongside volunteers, he has shown a deep commitment to the communities of Islington. We would also like to thank the Mayor’s team for their partnership, encouragement and support throughout the year. Together, we’ve celebrated the power of local giving, strengthened community connections and raised vital funds for local people and grassroots organisations. 

Last but not least, we’d like to congratulate Cllr Rosaline Ogunro on becoming the Mayor of Islington for 2026–27. We wish her a successful year ahead and are pleased to see her support for St Luke’s Community Centre and Islington Boat Club as her chosen charities. We also look forward to working with Cllr Jason Jackson in his new role overseeing Homes and Neighbourhoods.