Community Hub

#ThanksHealthLottery

For more information or to get involved, contact sisters-in-mind@pondersend.org.uk or 07493585200.

Project Summary

Organisation: Ponders End Community Development Trust
Programme: Active Communities Programme
Project End Date: 26 March 2025

Overview

The project delivered a two-year community programme aimed at improving the wellbeing, confidence, and social connections of women in the Ponders End area of Enfield. It provided a regular community hub where women could meet weekly to participate in activities, share experiences, build skills, and support one another. The project particularly focused on strengthening social connections, education and skills, and collective community control as key determinants of health.

Activities Delivered

The project exceeded its planned delivery. Instead of the anticipated 72 sessions, a total of 103 sessions were delivered. These included:

• 17 talks and educational sessions

• 14 steering group meetings

• 10 gardening sessions

• 17 cooking sessions

• 24 craft sessions

• 16 health and wellbeing sessions

• 2 trips

• 2 celebration events

• 1 coffee morning

Sessions ran primarily through weekly hub meetings lasting around five hours each, where multiple activities could take place on the same day.

Participation

The project surpassed its participation targets:

• Total participants: 60 (target: 40)

• Regular participants: 35 attending at least monthly (target: 15)

• Average weekly engagement: approximately 5.5 hours per participant

• Participants from priority neighbourhoods: 88%

This demonstrates strong engagement from the local community and effective outreach to the intended target area.

Participant Leadership and Community Ownership

Participants played a key role in shaping the project through circle discussions and regular steering group meetings. Women helped design the timetable, choose activities, and in many cases led sessions themselves, particularly in crafts, cooking, and gardening.

This participatory approach helped build:

• Confidence and leadership skills

• A sense of ownership and collective decision-making

• Greater self-esteem and empowerment among participants

Social Connections and Community Impact

The project created strong social networks among participants. Women connected through:

• Weekly sessions and group discussions

• A WhatsApp group for ongoing communication and peer support

• Community events, celebrations, and cultural activities

• Trips and social outings

Participants also built relationships outside the project, attending cultural events and meeting socially. Celebratory events included community engagement such as inviting the Mayor of Enfield to present achievement certificates.

Health, Skills, and Knowledge Outcomes

The project improved access to information and support through talks and partnerships with external organisations, including:

• NHS Talking Therapies

• Mind

• Citizens Advice Bureau

• Solace (domestic violence support)

• Healthwatch

Topics included mental health, financial planning, legal matters, dementia awareness, and domestic violence. Participants developed skills in digital literacy, public speaking, facilitation, and peer mentoring, and many shared this knowledge with family and community members.

Partnerships and Community Engagement

The project built partnerships with a range of organisations and professionals who delivered talks and activities. Participants also engaged in local community forums and police engagement meetings, and expressed interest in engaging with their local MP on community issues such as protecting local community spaces.

Sustainability and Future Development

To sustain the project beyond the funding period, the organisation has taken several steps:

• Secured funding to train 10 peer mentors and first aiders

• Introduced a small voluntary participant contribution (£1) for refreshments

• Developed partnerships such as with The Felix Project for surplus food

• Increased promotion through social media

• Encouraged participants to volunteer and support community activities

The organisation is seeking additional funding to continue activity sessions and develop wellbeing courses.

Key Learning

The project highlighted the importance of:

• Providing a safe and consistent community space for women

• Participant-led programme design

• Peer mentoring and volunteer leadership

• Flexible funding that allows activities to evolve based on participant needs

Overall, the project successfully created a supportive environment where women could build relationships, develop skills, and strengthen their role within the local community