North London community groups come together for launch of new training workshops

Community groups in north London dedicated to waste prevention and social value came together for a special event marking the launch of new developmental training workshops. 

North London Waste Authority (NLWA) hosted its first ever Connect and Grow event last Friday (19 July) to celebrate the achievements of local not-for-profit organisations and encourage networking between them. There was an opportunity to shape next year’s North London Community Fund and share ideas about the use of EcoPark House, a new community and visitor centre being built as part of the Edmonton EcoPark redevelopment. 

The event also marked the launch of a new organisational development training series called the North London Community Workshops – a joint venture between NLWA and Acciona. Designed to enhance skills and knowledge for not-for-profit groups, the training covers a range of topics from organisational strategy to data protection and social value. 

The aim of the workshops is to support future and existing applicants of the North London Community Fund and RE-Power Communities scheme and strengthen their eligibility for future rounds, helping to embed sustainability and social value into the heart of north London. 

Councillor Rowena Champion, Vice Chair of NLWA, was one of a number of speakers at the event. She said: “We need to understand what we can do as an Authority to reduce waste and preserve resources, and what we can do to support our community groups.  

“I’m very pleased that NLWA and my colleagues across the north London boroughs have made a conscious decision to increase the amount of money that is available through the North London Community Fund. It has been going since 2017 and invested over £600,000 in 59 local projects. 

“This further initiative between NLWA, Acciona and hopefully community groups across the area will help future and existing applicants to really grow and benefit from what we offer.” 

North London Community Fund recipient Farrah Rainfly from Lifeafterhummus, and RE-Power Communities recipients Sonja ​Camara, Robert Thairu and Russel King from Go Green Collective, shared their strategies and innovations in collaborative working and community development. 

Acciona also presented details of their next round of support which aims to include a bespoke 10-hour consultancy package.