Earlier this year, we partnered with local people to capture their stories from the pandemic and share their hopes and priorities for the future. The purpose of this research was to improve our insights into how Covid-19 has affected our neighbours, and how we can support Newham’s recovery.
Through a total of almost 400 online questionnaires, face-to-face activities and in-depth conversations, our neighbours shared their concerns and fears, hopes and dreams, tears and laughter. It’s reassuring that one of the consistent messages from this research is that people in Newham have a strong hunger for community, something that fits well with our mission at BDCA. The research also highlights a number of key challenges where Newham residents would welcome more support.
You can read more about the findings, and download a copy of the report on our special microsite here.
We invite you to join us to learn more about the research at a special event on Wednesday 21 July at The Well Community Centre in East Ham. There are two event options as follows:
– Evening public event open to all Newham residents from 5-7pm. This will be an informal event with an exhibition of the key findings and time to network together over free refreshments. We’ll also be showcasing some poetry and music that local people contributed during the research process!
– Lunchtime discussion event open to partners from local voluntary organisations from 1-3pm. This will be a more structured event, featuring a panel discussion and opportunity to share and learn from each others’ experiences as we plan and evolve our respective community services following the pandemic.
Thank you so much to everyone who took part in our research. Whether you contributed or are simply interested in exploring the findings in more detail, I hope you’ll find the report interesting and that you’ll join us on 23 July!
Advance registration is required, and you can sign up quickly and easily here, choosing either the public or partner event as appropriate.
Everyone has their own story of how the pandemic has affected their life. We are grateful to almost 400 local residents who took part in our research to share their stories and hopes for the future!
Your input will really help us to shape the future of our services and help support Newham’s recovery.
Steve Bynon, Project Consultation Co-Ordinator, BDCA
If you’d like to learn more about our research and what it means for Newham, then we’ll make you most welcome at our special exhibition and networking event this summer.
We’ll also have refreshments on offer, to say thank you for your time.
Please use the registration link on this page to sign up and we hope to see you there!
Tonte Lawson, Project Activities Co-Ordinator, BDCA
More about our project
The National Lottery Community Fund is funding our Voices for Change project. It is being co-led by Tonte Lawson as Activities Co-Ordinator and Steve Bynon as Consultation Co-Ordinator, along with a panel of volunteers who are helping to facilitate our conversations with the community.
Steve and Tonte say: “Voices for Change will capitalise on our borough’s great community spirit, helping local residents to reconnect with each other through positive health-boosting activities and empowering them to build a brighter future together.
“We are extremely grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund and the government for recognising the great need we have in Newham right now and for partnering with our community so generously to make this possible.”
Funding has been provided by the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, distributed by The National Lottery Community Fund.