On Monday 18th November 2024, we were honoured to welcome Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, to our community project, the Feel Good Inside and Out Project. The visit highlighted our impactful initiatives, run by C-Change West London and Heston West Big Local, alongside legacy projects such as Elevate Community Productions and Creative Spaces London.

The Duchess was greeted at Cranford Community College, where the event was hosted, with the visit proposed by the Lord Lieutenant of Greater London. She was welcomed by several distinguished guests, including the Mayor of Hounslow, Councillor Karen Smith; MP for Feltham and Heston, Seema Malhotra; Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of Hillingdon, Manju Malhi BEM; and Rosie Prescott, Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of Hounslow, who organised the visit.

C-Change West London’s CEO, Taz Virdee, who has overseen the Heston West Big Local programme for over 9 years, and Alan Fraser, Chair of the charity and Deputy Head at Cranford Community College, also warmly received the Duchess.​

The visit showcased our diverse range of community projects, including the Ukraine film project, "Unbroken Cities," in partnership with One World Strong Foundation. Ukrainian students shared their experiences and premiered their heartfelt short film, which left a lasting impression on all present.

The event marked our first-ever royal visit, a truly momentous occasion. We are incredibly grateful to Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, for taking the time to recognise and celebrate the incredible community work being done in Heston West. Her visit not only inspired our young participants but also brought widespread attention to the collaborative and inclusive spirit of the programmes we have built over the last decade.

​On Saturday 26th October 2024, National Trust hosted a Creative Workshop in partnership with Osterley House and Gardens. This unique session explored the themes of community, culture, and nature through the use of traditional fabrics, creatively inspired by the breathtaking landscapes of Osterley Park.

Participants experimented with form, colour, and movement in activities that were both playful and reflective. The event, beautifully documented by the National Trust, aims to inspire a creative commission launch event in the near future.

​Big thanks to Neena and Rinku from AVSAR, and staff members Matthew Butler and Devanshi Rungta from Osterley House for their support. 15 participants attended, with overwhelming feedback. Richard said, “It’s been an amazing day. I’ve loved Osterley for years and to come back with friends from the Art Club made it really special.” Sam added, “I’ve learnt so much today. The facilitator was brilliant, and it’s been a joy to reconnect with this space creatively.”
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We’re looking forward to showcasing the final pieces at a new year exhibition—watch this space!

Elevate Community Productions CIC (ECP), a legacy organisation of Heston West Big Local, is delighted to announce its success in securing a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The funding will support an ambitious new project titled From Shadows to Spotlight: London’s Hidden Queer Histories. This initiative will illuminate the untold stories of queer, trans, and intersex people of colour (QTIPOC) and migrant communities in London, spanning from the 1960s to the present day. The project is set to transform inclusion, participation, and accessibility in the cultural sector.

Preserving an Overlooked Heritage
The histories of London’s queer global majority and migrant communities are rich and diverse but have long been overshadowed or neglected. From Shadows to Spotlight will preserve these vital narratives, capturing experiences of migration, identity, community, and cultural creativity. It will explore key aspects of QTIPOC life, from the significance of Black and Brown queer house parties to their influence in spaces of fashion, dance, and music.
These stories form an integral but often underrepresented part of London’s cultural fabric. Without this funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, many of these memories could have remained untold, particularly as older generations pass away. This project ensures that these vibrant legacies are preserved and celebrated for future generations.

Empowering Communities through Storytelling
This National Lottery-funded project will offer numerous opportunities for participants to engage in the preservation and celebration of their heritage. A variety of activities have been planned, including storytelling workshops, oral history interviews, and media production training. More than 100 personal interviews will be conducted, documenting the lived experiences of QTIPOC individuals.
The project will culminate in a high-profile public exhibition at Chiswick House & Gardens in 2026 and the establishment of a digital archive at the Bishopsgate Institute, ensuring that these stories are accessible long-term.

Key elements of the project include:

• Queer Heritage Lab: A creative development programme offering workshops and co-creation sessions for budding creatives interested in intersectional and intergenerational storytelling. Participants will develop skills in areas such as digital media production, exhibition curation, and archival practice.
• Oral Histories: Recording over 100 personal stories from QTIPOC individuals to preserve their experiences and ensure their voices are heard.
• Documentary and Digital Content: Producing a documentary, podcasts, and visual media for community screenings and online sharing.
• Public Exhibition: A major showcase at Chiswick House & Gardens, featuring the collected stories, cultural artefacts, and outputs from the project’s participants.

Blaise Singh, CEO of Elevate Community Productions, expressed his gratitude:
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"We are thrilled to have received this support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, we will be able to document and share the rich cultural heritage of London’s QTIPOC communities. This project will break down socio-economic barriers that have often prevented marginalised communities from engaging with their heritage, creating safe, inclusive spaces where diverse stories can thrive."

This initiative is aligned with The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s mission of safeguarding heritage, promoting diversity, and fostering organisational sustainability.
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For more information on Elevate Community Productions and their work, visit Elevate Community Productions.