On Thursday 26th September 2024, we proudly hosted our inaugural Community Arts Exhibition at the London Museum of Water & Steam in partnership with Certitude.
The event celebrated the outstanding artwork created by talented local artists from our Art Social Club, which meets every Tuesday at the Brabazon Community Centre.

​The exhibition was a wonderful success, with attendees including the Deputy Mayor of Hounslow, who offered remarkable support for this fully inclusive project. A big thank you to everyone involved, especially our inspiring artists—Narendra, Tim, Surinder, Nabila, Vidya, Richard, Kapil, and many more—whose creativity continues to evolve.

The Art Social Club welcomes participants of all ages and abilities, including young people seeking employment, elderly residents, and individuals with disabilities.

If you’d like to join our group, sessions take place every Tuesday from 10.30am to 1pm at the Brabazon Community Centre.

The Community Conversations report, conducted from July to September 2024, sheds light on the experiences of residents in North Hyde and North Cranford. Led by C-Change West London, with the support of Heston West Big Local and the London Borough of Hounslow, the report explores key themes: jobs and money, learning and technology, safety and housing, and health and wellbeing. The findings aim to inform the council’s Equality Opportunity Action Plan.
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The research engaged 101 residents, facilitated by an outstanding team that included Emily Ahmed, Juhi Kumra, Layba Nisar, Zainab Hussain, James Rose, Brooke Jones, Kapil Lund, Sharanjit Kaur, Friya Colaco, Zobia Masood, and Megha Dahdrai. Using innovative, trauma-informed methodologies like participatory workshops, mini-interviews, and creative techniques, the project provided a safe space for participants to share their lived experiences and ideas.

Key insights include barriers to good work, such as high job entry requirements, discrimination, and inflexible work arrangements. Challenges around digital literacy, housing security, and access to healthcare were also highlighted, alongside the potential of inclusive opportunities like accessible job fairs, skill-building workshops, and community wellness programmes.

The success of this project exemplifies community power in action. It demonstrates the potential of collaborative efforts between local authorities, grassroots organisations, and residents to foster equitable solutions.

We extend immense gratitude to the London Borough of Hounslow, NHS North West London, Public Health Hounslow, and Cranford Community College for their contributions. Special thanks to Emily Ahmed for her exceptional training and guidance, and heartfelt appreciation to the youth facilitators and team for their dedication.

Thanks also to Celia Golden and Arveen Graya from the London Borough of Hounslow for their  support and encouragement throughout the project.

This report marks a significant step in addressing inequalities, empowering voices, and strengthening our community.

Click here to read the full report.

This summer, C-Change West London, the legacy organisation of Heston West Big Local, led a highly successful Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme in Heston and Cranford. Delivered in partnership with Creative Spaces London and Cranford Community College, the project was partly funded by the London Borough of Hounslow, Inspire Hounslow, and the London Community Foundation. The programme was a shining example of community collaboration and inclusivity, designed to bring children and young people together for a summer of growth, creativity, and connection.
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The dedicated team, including our incredible young staff members and facilitators, worked tirelessly to deliver a programme that supported over 63 children daily, including 29 children not eligible for the HAF programme. Thanks to additional funding sources, the programme remained inclusive, creating opportunities for children from all backgrounds, including those on free school meals and others in the local community.

Exciting Activities and Memorable Experiences

The programme was packed with engaging activities designed to cater to the children’s diverse interests. Highlights included:

• Fruit Picking in Iver: A trip to a local farm allowed children to experience fruit picking for the first time and even try their hand at making strawberry jam.
• Cookery Classes: The children learned to prepare quick, healthy meals like pasta and desserts, promoting good nutrition.
• Creative Arts and Crafts: From making papier-mâché to designing tote bags, the children explored their creativity.
• Multi-Sports Sessions: Specialist coaches, supported by young volunteers, led inclusive sports sessions to promote physical activity.
• Community Allotment Projects: The children planned and cultivated herbs and flowers, experiencing the joy of gardening and foraging.

Empowering Young Volunteers and Staff

The programme wasn’t just about the participants—it also provided meaningful opportunities for young people. Ten youth volunteers, aged 12 to 16, supported the sessions and developed skills in leadership, organisation, and teamwork. Two junior assistants, aged 15 and 18, gained their first paid employment experiences, contributing to the programme’s smooth delivery.
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Staff and volunteers reflected on their personal growth, noting improvements in their confidence, mental well-being, and sense of belonging. One young volunteer shared, "I feel so much more connected to my community and motivated to do more.” Another staff member said, "Working here has been an inspiring way to spend my summer, and I can’t wait to do more in the future.”

Children's Feedback and Transformational Impact

The children’s feedback highlighted the programme's positive impact. One child said they enjoyed “every single day, especially the trips and cooking,” while another shared how they gained confidence, made friends, and tried new activities for the first time. Stories of personal growth were evident, with many children leaving with enhanced self-esteem, improved skills, and a deeper sense of connection to their community.

Big thanks to the London Borough of Hounslow, Cranford Community College, Inspire Hounslow and the London Community Foundation for their wonderful support.