Purple background and orange accents promoting “Community Sparks: Celebration and Learning Event.” Circular photos show people speaking, reading information displays, and taking part in community discussions, including a diverse panel conversation in a modern indoor venue. Orange decorative lines create a celebratory feel. Event details at the bottom read: “Tuesday 23 June, 12.00–2.00pm, Republic Education Campus, London, E14 2BA.”

Community Sparks

Community Sparks, funded by The Charity of Sir Richard Whittington, is all about putting local people in charge of local change. In January 2024 the 3-year programme was launched in Poplar to test a new approach: residents having the choice to decide how funding should be spent in their neighbourhood, also known as participatory budgeting. 
 
We know from our research that smaller community groups often struggle to access funding, even though they play a vital role. In Tower Hamlets, funding is not spread evenly, some areas receive significant investment while others, despite high levels of deprivation, see very little (see the THCVS State of the Sector report 2023). Community Sparks is a way of addressing these “cold spots” by going directly to local people, listening to their ideas, and supporting them to design and deliver their own solutions.
 
Working with the Wakefield & Tetley Foundation, we made £20,000+ in small grants available for community projects in Poplar. Grants were open to both constituted and unconstituted groups, with THCVS providing hands-on support to those without formal structures so they could take part. The focus was on two key priorities:
  • Supporting physical and mental wellbeing – projects that helped people access services, information, and healthier lifestyles.
  • Building community understanding – projects that brought people together, reduced isolation, and helped neighbours connect.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Community Sparks Celebration and Learning Event

Thursday 23 June / 12:00 – 14:00pm / Republic Education Campus, 2 Clove Crescent, East India, E14 2BA. 

Come and celebrate the impact of the Community Sparks programme and the amazing community projects happening across Poplar.

This event will shine a light on the 14 projects supported through the Community Sparks grant. You’ll hear directly from the people leading them as they share their stories, achievements, and what they’ve learned along the way. We’ll also look back at how Community Sparks began and share the wider aim of the programme: to support resident-led action and strengthen community connections across Tower Hamlets.

Click here to book.

 

Pitch and voting day

 

We had 27 incredible ideas submitted to the Community Sparks Poplar Grant programme, which led to 18 projects pitched by 15 presenters, and the residents deciding which projects got funded. 

Click here for a short video of the pitch and voting day. 

 

 

Our work in Poplar is far from over!

We’ll continue to support projects that emerged from Community Sparks, help individuals and informal groups get organised, access funding, and connect with each other.

Look out for our upcoming workshops on project planning, fundraising, and more.

 

Huge congratulations to the 14 projects funded through Community Sparks Poplar Grant Programme: 

  • Unlocking Thames Path, Walk & Health talks – East London Seniors Club (22 votes).
  • Food Bank – Neighbours in Poplar (19 votes).
  • Boules & Men’s pottery therapy sessions – Feldy Fellas (16 votes).
  • Mother and Daughter sessions – Sultana Begum (14 votes).
  • Healthy eating sessions – Shahjalal Centre (12 votes). 
  • My Adventure Pages – Active Wellbeing and Arts (10 votes). 
  • Black History Month Residency – Julie & Sandra (10 votes). 
  • Talkaoke and creative sessions – The People Speak (9 votes).
  • Cooking classes & healthy eating – Monzo Moni (8 votes). 
  • Craft and Connect – Active Wellbeing and Arts (8 votes). 
  • Raised beds – Neighbours in Poplar (8 votes). 
  • Make noise for a greener Poplar – The Men’s Cabin (7 votes). 
  • Coffee morning & exercise classes – Monzo Moni (7 votes). 
  • Women’s exercise classes – Will Crooks TRA (7 votes).