At Islington Giving, we believe in sharing decision-making power with residents who reflect and represent our diverse community. That’s why our Community Panel – a diverse group of 13 local residents aged 18 to 80+, came together to make funding decisions. The panel sought to fund projects which support people to learn skills, provide a community environment, and are accessible and inclusive. This was an incredibly competitive round – congratulations to all the funded groups and thank you to all those who took the time to apply.
Here’s a closer look at the fantastic initiatives they’ve funded:
Parent House – SEND Friends
SEND Friends is a peer support and action learning group for parents of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This project will train 20 parents to become peer support workers and go into the community to to reach other parents with a child with SEND to provide personalised guidance and support, helping parents navigate the complex systems affecting their children. Alongside peer support and skill-building, this initiative supports a sense of community while promoting long-term personal growth.
Remark! Community – Holiday Playscheme for Deaf children
Held every school term, Deaf children aged 6–16 can enjoy a safe, inclusive playscheme at Laycock Primary School in Islington. Run by Deaf coordinators and skilled BSL-trained staff, the programme includes cultural visits, creative workshops, and sports activities. The aim is to provide a safe space in which children can meet Deaf peers, share culture and language, develop their Deaf identity, learn vital life skills, cultivate independence, and enjoy themselves amongst friends.
People’s Place Community Partnership – Tech, Tea, and Biscuits (TTaB)
This service provides 1:1 support to older residents and pensioners, helping them become more digitally connected, confident, and motivated to use their devices. Local young people, recruited, trained, and mentored through Skills-to-Job Training Programmes, assist residents with day-to-day tech queries at community centres, fostering valuable intergenerational relationships.
Almeida Theatre Company – Community Trilogy (Year 2)
By working in partnership with local voluntary sector organisations, this programme brings local people together to learn skills and create a joyful production featured on the Almeida stage. The project aims to nurture long-term relationships with marginalised groups and creates positive change through creativity and community cohesion, celebrating the many identities and cultures within Islington by exploring key moments in our lives: celebrations, rites of passage and moments of change.
Maa Shanti – Empowering Single Mothers
Maa Shanti supports single mothers from the South Asian community having built trust with women over many years, who face stigma as single parents, barriers to accessing support including language barriers, and the need to leave their homes and rebuild their lives due to experiences of abuse. The funding will support arts and crafts, healthy relationships, parenting skills, employment workshops and financial empowerment sessions promoting stability, recovery and steps into employment.
Stuart Low Trust – Express for Success
Young adults (18–35) with mental health challenges will benefit from this two-year drama-based programme, building employment skills like communication and problem-solving. Delivered in collaboration with ‘Odd Eyes Theatre’, it’s a creative approach to breaking isolation and fostering self-expression.
Manor Gardens Welfare Trust – Skills for Life
A range of skills programmes delivered in a busy community centre in the north of the borough. Programme to include Employment-Related Skills e.g. CV writing, interview preparation, and digital literacy aimed at improving job readiness, Financial Independence skills e.g.. budgeting, debt management, and planning for future expenses and Health & Wellbeing Skills including mindfulness, yoga, and cooking for healthy living.
Sunnyside Community Garden – Tuesday Programme
Volunteers with mental health challenges and learning disabilities find connection and purpose through gardening, cooking, and shared meals. This programme combats isolation and nurtures skills in a tranquil community setting.
My Financial Harmony – Financial Literacy for Teens
Teenagers aged 14–18 receive courses in financial independence, covering topics like tax, savings, cryptocurrencies, and credit scores. Course students begin with a hypothetical salary and learn about these various financial topics and personalised coaching helps them apply their knowledge, setting them up for future success.
