Barking Riverside Limited has announced the first four residents to receive a grant from the recently launched BRL Community Fund – a project in which residents can apply for up to £1,000 to deliver an impactful community initiative.

With applications opening four times a year, residents of the new East London neighbourhood have the opportunity to pitch their ideas to the BRL Community Fund Steering Group which is made up of residents and local leaders. Applications must address needs expressed by the local community. These needs are identified through Thames Futures, an independent research project that uncovers the changing needs of residents every year through peer research. Improving health and wellbeing, keeping connections with neighbours and caring for natural and outdoor spaces are all part of the Community Vision, the outline of resident priorities uncovered by Thames Futures.

Sara Bloch, Community Partnership Lead at Barking Riverside Limited, says; “The Community Fund is one of many important initiatives at Barking Riverside that supports our ethos of working alongside local people to shape the future of the area.”

“The first recipients of this grant are planning, or expanding, incredible initiatives, and we are proud to help support them in making their vision and ideas come alive.”

The first round of applications received 13 applications before closing in August 2022, and the four residents have now begun their projects, each with a strong focus on improving the local area. The ideas range from reopening the Ripple Nature Reserve to setting up a performing arts academy for young people.

Resident Mary Momoh plans to use the grant to begin a series of healthy eating workshops aiming to educate the community to make healthier food choices. She explains; “My project aims to tackle unhealthy diets. I will teach and practically demonstrate how to include certain dietary patterns into our diets based on the foods available in our community in order to improve our health and lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases and conditions such as obesity.”

Another recipient, Vishal Narayan, is working with a steering group to reopen the Ripple Nature Reserve, through community-led events and partnerships, while Shay Orr will build on her already popular baby and toddler classes, helping to prepare children for school while simultaneously offering support for parents and carers.

The fourth recipient is Marie Myrie, who has already begun work on a brand-new performing arts academy for young people. She explains: “CentreStage will give residents the opportunity to build confidence and social skills, encourage expression and become part of a team in creating something spectacular.”

Matt Carpen, Managing Director at Barking Riverside Limited, comments: “We have a completely unique opportunity at Barking Riverside to create a place everyone can be proud of. The existing and rapidly growing community are a large part of this, and we are committed to ensuring they feel supported and listened to when it comes to shaping the future of the project – the Community Fund is just one example of how we are working with residents to achieve this goal.”

The BRL Community Fund opens for applications four times a year, with the next round launching in Winter 2022. More information on the Fund can be found on BarkingRiverside.London