The Old Ford Community Panel has awarded its latest round of funding, bringing the total investment in local projects for 2025/26 to almost £75,000.
Established in 2018 following the merger between Clarion Housing Group and Old Ford Housing Association, the resident-led panel works with Clarion to inform and support community investment in Tower Hamlets and Havering.
Funded and supported by Clarion Futures, the charitable foundation of Clarion Housing Group, the Old Ford Community Panel provides financial backing for projects that enhance wellbeing, tackle social isolation, and strengthen community connections by bringing neighbours together through creative, educational and community‑building activities.
This year’s funding has supported a diverse range of community‑focused initiatives, including Communities Keeping Well, which engages residents in co‑designed health‑focused activities to reduce health inequalities, alongside new wellbeing and skills programmes delivered by the Asian People’s Disability Alliance, youth financial confidence workshops from Debt Talk CIC, and expanded inclusive exercise sessions through Ability Bow. Microgrants have also helped Old Ford Primary School to enhance its playground with creative and gardening areas that promote healthier, happier play, and supported a number of events to bring people together.
The Panel has also funded a resident-led idea called Stitches in Time that aims to deliver a creative six‑week programme supporting residents experiencing grief, helping participants process emotions through shared storytelling, artwork and culturally diverse heritage‑based activities.
Matt Parsonage, Head of Communities at Clarion Futures, said:
“It’s fantastic to see almost £75,000 invested directly into Old Ford this year through projects chosen by the people who know the community best. The impact of the Panel’s decisions can already be felt, from improving residents’ wellbeing to helping local organisations grow their work.
“What makes this programme so special is that it’s shaped by residents themselves. By backing their ideas and supporting the groups they trust, we’re helping to build a stronger, more connected Old Ford. This latest round of funding means even more local people will benefit, and I’m excited to see the positive change these projects will create in the months ahead.”
Jackie Harris MBE, Chair of the Old Ford Community Panel, said:
“Since its creation, the Old Ford Community Panel has ensured local voices are at the heart of how community investment funding is spent, empowering residents to champion ideas that matter to their area. It is my hope, and that of my colleagues on the Panel, that these grants will help local groups strengthen the amazing work they do for our community, supporting residents now and for years to come.”
Funding consists of microgrants of up to £1,000 for residents and start-ups, helping to cover the costs associated with hosting community events, buying equipment for group activities or piloting a smaller scale project. Residents can also apply for funding to help get project concepts off the ground, matching them with a local organisation to help turn their bright idea into reality.
In addition, local organisations can apply for funding of up to £5,000 to support existing programmes or launch new projects to benefit the community.
To find out more about the community grants available through Clarion Futures, visit www.myclarionhousing.com/community-grants.
