Deannia is a local resident and long-time member of the Parent House, where she supports other parents navigating isolation, school challenges, and housing struggles.
Sharing her experiences and deciding where funding could be spent through Islington Giving’s Community Panel, has further catalysed her passion for connecting the community.
In Autumn 2025, Deannia hosted a community event called Rooftop Expressions: A night of “music, art and soul”. Her aim was to bring people together, and encourage open conversations around mental health, loneliness, and emotional wellbeing, using the arts as a powerful tool for expression and connection.
“The event was about people coming out of different situations and just knowing they can find a way to enjoy themselves and breathe…People just letting go, letting loose, and they were happy” ~ Deannia, member of the Islington Giving Alumni
A group photo of The Parent House staff at the “Self-Love Expressions” event, Feb 2026
Self-Love Expressions
With support from an Islington Giving Make It Happen grant, Deannia recently hosted a second event: Self-Love Expressions. Held on 12 February at Parent House, the evening brought together local parents to find self-expression through scent, music, art and spoken word.
The event featured powerful spoken word and performances from Deannia and local residents, open conversations about mental health, music and dancing, and hands-on creative activities designed to help people explore self-expression through scent, art and storytelling.
One highlight of the evening was a performance from The Barbershop, focusing on the mental health of young Black men. There was also a short play written by Deannia and performed by the Parent House team, alongside poetry, singing and moments of shared reflection.
Through it all, the atmosphere was one of warmth, inclusivity and empowerment – a beautiful reminder of how powerful community spaces can be. During the evening, Deannia shared a poem celebrating the organisations and people who helped make the event possible:
“The Parent House, Islington Giving A match made in heaven What can I say – their work is for all to see It’s found in people like you and me.”
A member of the Parent House performing a song at “Self-Love Expressions”, Feb 2026
She ended with a heartfelt thank you:
“Islington Giving, thank you for making it happen. Without the funding, my dreams would never have been achieved.”
The Barbershop performance in action at “Self-Love Expressions”, Feb 2026
Have a great idea? Make it happen!
Deannia’s event is just one example of what can grow from a small idea and the right support.
Make It Happen is a small grants programme that offers up to £500 for local residents and groups to bring ideas to life that bring joyful, strengthen community connections and create positive impact in Islington.
Whether it’s a new project, a creative approach, or something small that could make a real difference, if it’s good for the community, we’ll consider funding it.
We’re keen to hear from grassroots groups and people with lived experience who know what their communities need. You don’t need to be a large organisation. You just need a clear idea and the passion to make it happen.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to apply – let’s make it happen together!
If you would like to contribute to more residents like Deannia accessing funding to bring incredible events and projects like this to life, please consider a monthly donation to our work.
Every donation gives more neighbours the chance to connect, feel supported, and thrive in their community.
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