C-Change West London, established in 2021 as a legacy organisation of Heston West Big Local, is dedicated to enhancing the lives of local residents. Through skills-based training, impactful intergenerational volunteering, and wellbeing programme, we strive to make a positive impact on our community. By working closely with local individuals, community groups, and partner organisations, we empower, inspire, and support the local population, while developing community initiatives that address their specific needs.
Our operational area spans across the London boroughs of Hounslow, Hillingdon, Ealing, and Spelthorne Borough Council.
Over the past nine years, Heston West Big Local has been dedicated to enhancing the local community and improving the lives of its residents. We have undertaken various initiatives to transform the community's appearance, such as installing flowerbeds, murals, and allotments, creating a more vibrant and inviting environment. Additionally, we have prioritised fostering community engagement by encouraging families, older residents, and young people to actively participate and volunteer within their local community.
Between 2017 and 2019, we organised a series of legacy workshops in collaboration with our local community and partnership board. These workshops played a crucial role in shaping our future vision and developing a comprehensive plan for the post-Big Local programme era.
To broaden our perspective and draw inspiration, we embarked on enlightening journeys to notable destinations such as Royal Holloway University, St. Ethelburga's Centre for Reconciliation and Peace (Bedouin Tent), London Museum of Water and Steam, and even travelled to Jürgen Erdberger in Austria, Vienna. These experiences have enriched our knowledge and helped us gather valuable insights to further enhance our endeavours.
Heston West Big Local has made a significant impact by actively involving more than 3500 local residents and over 250 dedicated volunteers in numerous community initiatives. Through successful partnerships with local schools and charitable groups, we have worked collectively to achieve our mission of creating opportunities for local individuals to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
At the heart of our efforts is the commitment to reduce loneliness and isolation, bridge the intergenerational gap, and foster a sense of unity among community members. Embracing diversity, we welcome individuals from all walks of life to actively participate in our initiatives, ensuring inclusivity and representation.
Our organisation has played a pivotal role in providing educational and employment opportunities for young people and volunteers, empowering them with valuable skills and experiences. By equipping them with the necessary tools for personal and professional growth, we strive to empower and uplift the younger generation.
In 2019, Heston West Big Local received well-deserved recognition by being nominated for the prestigious National Volunteer Organisation Award. This nomination serves as a testament to our commitment and dedication to making a positive difference in the community.
During the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic, we stepped up to support over 1000 vulnerable residents by providing essential weekly food parcels throughout the first national lockdown. Our ongoing commitment to the wellbeing of our community members was evident as we prioritised their needs and ensured that they had access to the necessary resources during a time of crisis.
Throughout the years, we have organised a variety of engaging community events, such as clean-ups, social action initiatives, and family fun days. These events have been instrumental in promoting meaningful relationships, instilling a sense of pride in the area, and fostering a stronger sense of connection among residents. By bringing the community together, we have created a supportive and interconnected network that enables individuals to feel a genuine sense of belonging and engagement.
In the fifth year, Heston West Big Local conducted a comprehensive Legacy Consultation with the community. The majority of participants expressed their support for the envisioned path of becoming a charity, establishing a film production programme, and developing a community garden and café. With a firm commitment to continuing their impactful work beyond the Big Local programme, the Board recognized the importance of ongoing community involvement and control in the Community Garden and Café, enabling the long-term sustainability and progress of their initiatives.
By responding to the aspirations and desires of the community to continue the engagement and expand operations, C-Change West London is born, dedicated to serving and empowering the local population across four boroughs surrounding Heathrow Airport. Building upon the legacy of Heston West Big Local, we are poised to make a lasting impact and drive positive change in the lives of our community members and groups.
Our final legacy from the Big Local initiative culminated in the establishment of a dynamic film social enterprise. Stemming from our youth filmmaking project and bolstered by the support of the London Borough of Hounslow’s Thriving Communities programme, our aim was twofold: to cultivate opportunities for underrepresented groups and to dismantle barriers hindering access to the film, media, and arts industry. Our overarching goal is to champion diversity and inclusion within the creative landscape.
In late 2023, we unveiled Elevate Community Productions (ECP) and since then, we have begun the journey of organisational development, laying the groundwork for a vibrant community film hub. Through our partnership with Elevate Community Productions, we aspire to empower local talents and enthusiasts, offering them meaningful avenues to engage and contribute to the vibrant tapestry of our creative sphere.
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