Projects > Current Opportunities > Community Assets
Spaces+Places is an ambitious project bringing residents together to decide how to invest £1 million in community space in Barking and Dagenham.
In 2024, a group of local people were recruited to build their understanding of local needs and learn about community spaces so they can recommend how to use the money. That group, known as Neighbourhood Stewards, have mapped what’s already on offer in the borough, analysed local data, and heard from other communities about what’s worked for them through fortnightly sessions.
After months of collaboration and deliberation, they will recommend how the money could be used to have a positive impact on Barking and Dagenham.
Why It Matters
Space+Places is about improving community space in the borough but it’s also about strengthening community bonds and making the most of what we have already.
Working in this way ensures the people who live and work in the borough have a say in shaping their environment, creating opportunities and building local pride.
Opportunities for Funders
For potential funders, Spaces+Places offers a unique opportunity to support a project that is deeply rooted in community power. By contributing to this initiative, funders can play a pivotal role in transforming community spaces in an underfunded borough. Contact Kate Harmatz, Head of Fundraising & Partnerships to find out more.
Residents’ Recommendations for Community Space
The penultimate session of the Spaces+Places programme focused on developing a ‘short-list’ of investment ideas to submit to BD Giving's board of trustees.
Mapping our Borough
Neighbourhood Stewards marked out where they live and they know about in the borough. It showed us the areas we don’t know, which we’re asking other residents to tell us about.
Statistics VS Feelings
We asked the group to look at the latest data about Barking & Dagenham. Their responses ranged from surprise to frustration, despair to determination.
Thinking Big About Community Spaces
The project began with an induction in December, and the first meeting was on 16 January 2025. The team discussed how to work together and started exploring ideas for investment.
Recruitment!
Here's where it starts to get exciting! We have just recruited a group of 20 residents to help us make decisions on how we invest in community spaces for Barking & Dagenham!
Watch this space to see what's next!
Showcase!
We held an evening of nibbles and great conversations with residents. Everyone was asked to vote on which themes they thought were most important and, they chose Health & Happiness and Grow Local Enterprise! What theme do you think is most important?
What We Heard...
Through these conversation, we found 6 clear themes. These are:
- Health & Wellbeing
- Young People
- Grow Local Enterprise
- Green Spaces & Outdoor Fun
- Welcoming Spaces for Everyone
- Nightlife & Social Spots
Conversations
Over the summer months, we spoke to over 120 residents and sector organisations to understand more about how the community used or didn't use their spaces.
Planning
We wanted to better understand community spaces in B&D so we looked into local community spaces and examples out of the borough, then we put together a set of questions to take to residents and local organisations.
Residents - contact Rukiyah to find out more.
Rukiyah Khatun
Programme Manager
Investors - contact Kate to find out more.
Kate Harmatz
Head of Fundraising & Partnerships