Serving as a Working Group Member for Newham Council’s People Power Places (2023-2024) has been a deeply rewarding experience. The role has offered a unique insight into the transformative impact community-driven projects can have on our borough, especially for some of the most vulnerable individuals in our area.
The project began with a rigorous application scoring process. Collaborating with fellow group members, we engaged in the meticulous task of short-listing project ideas from a total of 43 submissions—5 from residents and 38 from the voluntary sector for Stratford and West Ham. Over a span of two weeks, we assessed and shortlisted 38 project ideas, ensuring they met essential funding criteria. This process was both challenging and inspiring, as it allowed us to scrutinise diverse projects ranging from grassroots community initiatives to those supporting our most vulnerable residents.
The transition from 38 to the final 13 community projects was a testament to the collective effort and dedication of the working group. Each project represented a potential catalyst for positive change within our community. As part of our responsibilities, we are now engaged in monitoring these projects, which will continue until December 2024. Each working group member has been assigned 2-3 projects, providing us with an opportunity to volunteer and actively participate in the implementation phase.
Attending 1-2-1 meetings with project leads has been particularly enlightening. These meetings have allowed me to understand the challenges faced by each project and witness firsthand the dedication and innovation driving their efforts. The work being done is truly remarkable; from uniting community members to addressing pressing local needs, these projects are contributing significantly to the well-being and prosperity of our residents.
In addition to project monitoring, our regular working group meetings have been instrumental. Since April 2023, we have convened for eight meetings, including two with project leads. These meetings have provided a structured environment for discussion, problem-solving, and decision-making. They have been vital in guiding our work, ensuring that we stay on track, and facilitating effective completion of our tasks.
Our role also extends to providing feedback on the process and suggesting improvements. This continuous feedback loop has been crucial in refining our approach and enhancing the effectiveness of the initiative. Furthermore, we are actively involved in promoting the People Power Places programme and raising awareness of the local projects. This aspect of our role helps ensure that the community remains engaged and informed about the positive changes occurring within our borough.