News - Page 3 of 12 - Bonny Downs Community Association

News

London City Airport awards BDCA grant

19 May 202515 May 2025

From Ashes to Oasis: East Ham Community Garden Gets £3,000 Grant to Support Local Children

What was once a derelict patch of land scarred by a devastating fire in 2013 has been reborn as a thriving green space for East Ham’s families. Thanks to a generous £3,000 grant from the London City Airport Community Fund, the Grow Together Be Together Community Garden is now poised to grow even further, providing new opportunities for local children and families.

News

Closure of Empower Youth Project

15 May 20253 July 2025

It is with sadness that BDCA announces the closure of our Empower Youth Project. The last day of our youth club will be Friday 27th June 2025.

News

Tahira Foods give generous donation to BDCA

1 April 20254 April 2025

Bonny Downs Community Association is delighted to announce a generous partnership with Tahira Foods Ltd., a leading producer and distributor of halal foods in Europe. This collaboration ensures that BDCA’s foodbank can provide nutritious and culturally appropriate food options, including meat, to all individuals in need, particularly those requiring halal products.

Humans of Bonny Downs

Meet Joan

28 March 202522 August 2025

Meet Joan, an attendee of our Over-65s project:

“I look forward to Tuesdays and seeing friends here.”

Joan, 91, is a retired secretary, who was busy and active until her husband passed away in 2021. Joan became lonely and her deteriorating health made her feel housebound. She received support from our Over-65s advocate and began attending our Over 65s Coffee Morning last year.

Humans of Bonny Downs

Meet John

12 March 202522 August 2025

“My life is better because of Bonny Downs.”

When John first came out of jail, he used Bonny Down’s foodbank. The wraparound advice and support that came with it helped him turn his life around and gain work as a handyman. John wanted a way to give back to the community, so has been volunteering for our Foodbank and Food Club.

Humans of Bonny Downs

Meet Varsha

4 March 202522 August 2025

“Bonny Downs is my support system; it has given me a community and a big family.”

Varsha moved to East Ham during the pandemic and struggled with food insecurity and support for her child with SEND. She was referred to our Foodbank, where she received the emergency food parcel and a kind listening ear. This helped her access further support with nappies, children’s clothing, attending skills courses and a supportive community through our Family Hub, where she currently volunteers.

Humans of Bonny Downs

Meet Rosetta

21 February 202522 August 2025

“If I didn’t have Bonny Downs, I’d be sitting at home depressed and lonely.”

77-year-old Rose is a regular at our Zumba sessions and volunteers for our CommuniTEA Café weekly. She enjoys meeting people, telling them about activities that might interest them and making them feel cheerful.

Volunteer Roles

Kitchen Champion Volunteer

7 February 202521 February 2025

Do you enjoy keeping things tidy, clean, and organised?

We have 100’s of visitors per week come to our hub and that’s a lot of cups and plates to wash! Do you enjoy tidying and keeping things clean and organised? We need someone to load and unload our dishwasher, wash up, put the tea towels on a hot wash and ensure all our surfaces are clean and wiped down after each session.

Volunteer Roles

Donation Collection Driver

7 February 202521 February 2025

Do you enjoy being behind the wheel and supporting your local community?

We are looking for a driver to collect a trolley full of donated food for our Foodbank from Tesco’s Gallions Reach every Friday and then deliver back to our hub in East Ham.

Events

Bonny Downs Youth Theatre

6 February 20256 February 2025

Sign your child up to our After-school drama club for children aged 6-19 years old, led by experienced practitioner Scarlett Verey.

Each week Scarlett will lead your child through games that help to build confidence and have fun! We’ll explore different drama techniques together through the element of play and are really looking forward to all the friendships that will be made!