Community development department

Our National Lottery Funded Community Cohesion project enabled us to bring over 40 community groups together and assisted them in incorporating into private companies, social enterprises and charitable organisations. After successfully incorporating these groups into their various chosen entities, we are now working with them in the start-up phase of their businesses/organisations. We also assist these groups in securing funding and provide them with ongoing administrative, management, legal and technical support. 

The Common Purpose project is an extension of the Community Cohesion project. The aim of this project is to construct a support structure that is capable of providing tailored support to the businesses and organisations that we helped established and other micro businesses and organisations across South East London that need the kind of support we are providing. 

After several consultations and community engagement activities with our beneficial communities, we came up with the concept of 'Social and Economic Community' as a support structure capable of providing tailored support to individuals, voluntary organisations and businesses. It is based on the principles of social and economic justice, fairness, shared ownership and prosperity.  

This project was originated from Transport for London's (TFL) Walking and Cycling Grants London (WCGL) project geared towards promoting walking and cycling and reducing commuting. 

Through our Walk-to-Work and Walk-to-Shop Campaign, we have changed commuting and driving habits in the community. We have taken it a bit further and introduce free exercise sessions at Burgess Park conducted by expert fitness instructors. 

In 2020 summer, we launched our first Walking and Running mini-marathon at Burges Park in Camberwell. Presently, we are working towards launching our physical and virtual community gyms to help reduce obesity, loneliness and promote a healthy lifestyle. 

Below are few examples of the Businesses and Social Enterprises that we have helped established and are working with in the start-up and operational phases:

1. Sierra Partners Limited (Car Rental)

2. Collective Hands Childcare Services

3. MAJALIM (Small Payment Institution)     

4. JELIBON Pharmaceuticals (Wholesale and Export)

5. Gab-Liv (Importing and Packaging Shea Butter)

6. Centre for Distributive Trade (Technical and Vocational Training Institute)

7. Safe Play Children Care 

Below are few examples of the Charitable organisations that we have helped established::

1. Laawol Kisal

2. Fullah Progressive Union

3. Mandain Global

4. Salaam Sisters

5. Advocacy Network Against Irregular Migration