Last week, we hosted our Impact in Islington event to celebrate the progress we’ve made together in supporting our community and borough, and to launch our latest Impact report 2022!
We welcomed a range of local community groups and organisations, partners and supporters, alongside a fantastic panel of speakers: Macquarie, The Parent House, Peoples Place Community Partnerships (PPCP), Body & Soul, Make-Do Play and our Young Grant Makers. Thanks to the stories and experiences shared by our speakers, we all came away re-energised to create more positive social impact across our borough.
Gina, Director of Parent House, a local charity (p.15), spoke at the event, thanking Islington Giving for their support, “We’ve been very lucky to get the cost-of-living grant which was a huge boost for our staff team and made such a difference for our parents facing a difficult time. We’re really thankful for all the support we’ve had from Islington Giving.”
“Being part of the seat of change was truly empowering.” ~ Melissa, Young Grant Maker 2022
Melissa, a Young Grant Maker (p.21), also shared her experience with Islington Giving, highlighting the power of community and participatory grant-making, “Being part of the seat of change was truly empowering. It was amazing to be surrounded by people who are passionate about their community. I’ve learned so much about the grant-making sector – something I didn’t even know existed before this role.”
Reflecting on some of the challenges, Jarah, another Young Grant Maker panellist added, “One thing I found challenging is that we all come different paths and walks of life, so when it comes to decision making, it’s really important to put any differences aside and work together as a team.” Jarah also shared how much she learnt and grew during the programme, “At first, I was really nervous – I couldn’t even make eye contact sometimes. But I’ve learnt so much and become more confident.”
“It has truly created a life worth living.” ~ Cassie, member of the Body & Soul community
In sharing the impact of our funded groups, Cassie, a member of the Body & Soul community (p.14), spoke candidly about her experiences with mental health services. “My experience with mental health services is that it always ends. With Body and Soul, it never ends. I never thought there was an organisation like this. I can’t even begin to describe the magnitude of the impact it’s made on my life. It has truly created a life worth living.”
Thank you to our panellists and attendees and, of course, our incredible supporters and partners who have helped us to make this happen. We know that when we work together, we can create positive social impact.
Featured image: Our panellists from left to right: Rachel, Make-Do Play; Domnique & Cassie, Body & Soul; Gary, PPCP; Gina, The Parent House, Melissa & Jarah, Young Grant Makers
Click on the page to view our Impact Report 2022
