Community Associates

Only a few months before the programme, a batch of old annual reports dating between 1906–1975 were found in storage on site at The Peel. They decided to build their project around these reports – which were in a variety of states, but mostly readable – to engage with The Peel’s legacy and heritage.

Working with the Adult Social Club at The Peel, they ran two workshops in March to survey the content, condition and conservation work needed. Eight people attended these workshops – four of which had long-term relationships with The Peel going back to childhood.

The Youth Club also benefited from the information in the reports and all 14 participants aged 5–16 went on a walking tour of three sites where The Peel was active in south Clerkenwell.

In July, the Adult Social Club visited the Sainsbury Archive at London Museum Docklands to understand how the archive is digitising their collection. There will be a further workshop to conserve more annual reports using guidance from the London Museum team.

They are also exploring ways that this seed funding can develop into longer-term projects.

Harshita created four events produced in collaboration with community members and local groups to shape activities that reflected their needs. The aim was to foster social connection and wellbeing in ways that could be sustained.

The first was a Japanese Sashiko embroidery workshop led by textile artist Rob Jones. Participants learned a traditional craft and made tote bags while sharing stories and tips, which helped promote calmness and connection.

Next, she organised a workshop with Age UK and Hackney Herbal where participants made herbal salts and body care products. Many older participants said that creating these helped improve their mood and relaxed them. Small, shared activities like this can support mental health and social bonds.

The third event was a wellbeing walk led by Mrs Londoner. They explored green spaces and quiet corners of the City of London, while sharing stories and reconnecting with familiar places. Walking together created a sense of community, fostered belonging and encouraged ongoing participation.

Finally, Harshita set up a knit club through Craft Forward. Participants of all skill levels came together to knit squares for the ‘Blankets for London’ project. This activity built an inclusive environment where stories were exchanged and friendships blossomed. It demonstrated how collaboration can support community resilience.

Building on previous projects, which explored safety, nourishment and respite in public space in our city, B Creative – an arts activism programme designed by young women for young women – developed a creative community wellbeing walk around the City of London.

They considered places in the city where they feel safe, can rest and be inspired, and contemplated how many elements of nature, green space and bodies of water there are. Other chosen places had opportunities to study, meet friends and see art.

Their Associate Artist, photographer Marysa Dowling, suggested an idea for water portrait painting. They utilised the Barbican’s natural resources, while not leaving anything behind. The activity also allowed people who might not know each other to witness their portrait partner, which fostered connection and bonding.

They also visited Autograph Gallery and their team spoke about their mission to champion artists who use photography and film to highlight race, representation, human rights and social justice.

To end, they curated a selection of original poems that spoke to the themes of the walk: wellbeing, mindfulness, sensory experiencing, placemaking and liberation.