fbpx

Thinking Big About Community Spaces in Barking and Dagenham

‘Spaces + Places’ is an ambitious new project bringing together local people to decide how to invest £1 million in community space in Barking and Dagenham. 

Over the next 7 months a group of residents will build their understanding of local needs, the practicalities of social investment, hear from community asset experts and go on field trips. Finally, over the next seven months, 19 residents, known as Neighbourhood Stewards, will explore local needs, learn about social investment, hear from experts, and visit other projects. 

By the end, they’ll recommend how to use the money.

We’re encouraging them to think big and act boldly. They could back a single, large project or spreading the funds across multiple 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.

Neighbourhood Stewards group with some of the BD Giving team

“Learning about the CSG made me feel really positive. It made me think we can do it.”

Our shared goals:

  • Invest in a community space that benefits local communities 
  • Balance commercial viability and community ownership
  • Create process that other people and places can learn from
  • Feel positive and hopeful about Barking and Dagenham

How it Started

Spaces + Places is our next big step in community-led investment.

In 2022, BD Giving and residents created the UK’s first community-led investment fund using £1.5 million from LBBD council developer fees that were transferred to us. Those residents chose to invest in solar energy, social impact funds, and launched the ‘Give it a Go’ Fund.

In 2023, they created the GROW Fund to help local entrepreneurs with grants, training, mentoring and fair loans.

‘Spaces + Places’ is the latest initiative from residents who want to create inspiring, accessible spaces for the community. We’ve gathered ideas from over 120 residents and local groups, held a community event to get people’s opinions, and recruited the Neighbourhood Stewards to lead the way.

While the outcome remains undecided, one thing is clear: it will be shaped by the wisdom of local people.

What's next

The next meeting takes place on 23 January when the group will spend more time learning about different types of community space including green spaces and outdoor fun; places that promote health and wellbeing; nightlife and social spots; and safe, youth-focused spaces. 

We will be documenting our progress along the so look out for updates on what the Neighbourhood Stewards are up to.

Want to know more about this?

More news

More notes

‘Spaces + Places’ is an ambitious new project bringing together local people to decide how to invest £1 million in community space in Barking and Dagenham. 

Over the next 7 months a group of residents will build their understanding of local needs, the practicalities of social investment, hear from community asset experts and go on field trips. Finally, over the next seven months, 19 residents, known as Neighbourhood Stewards, will explore local needs, learn about social investment, hear from experts, and visit other projects. 

By the end, they’ll recommend how to use the money.

We’re encouraging them to think big and act boldly. They could back a single, large project or spreading the funds across multiple 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.

Neighbourhood Stewards group with some of the BD Giving team

“Learning about the CSG made me feel really positive. It made me think we can do it.”

Our shared goals:

  • Invest in a community space that benefits local communities 
  • Balance commercial viability and community ownership
  • Create process that other people and places can learn from
  • Feel positive and hopeful about Barking and Dagenham

How it Started

Spaces + Places is our next big step in community-led investment.

In 2022, BD Giving and residents created the UK’s first community-led investment fund using £1.5 million from LBBD council developer fees that were transferred to us. Those residents chose to invest in solar energy, social impact funds, and launched the ‘Give it a Go’ Fund.

In 2023, they created the GROW Fund to help local entrepreneurs with grants, training, mentoring and fair loans.

‘Spaces + Places’ is the latest initiative from residents who want to create inspiring, accessible spaces for the community. We’ve gathered ideas from over 120 residents and local groups, held a community event to get people’s opinions, and recruited the Neighbourhood Stewards to lead the way.

While the outcome remains undecided, one thing is clear: it will be shaped by the wisdom of local people.

What's next

The next meeting takes place on 23 January when the group will spend more time learning about different types of community space including green spaces and outdoor fun; places that promote health and wellbeing; nightlife and social spots; and safe, youth-focused spaces. 

We will be documenting our progress along the so look out for updates on what the Neighbourhood Stewards are up to.