Family Mosaic works with local residents in a variety of ways to help strengthen communities. Below is a good example of how one resident turned her idea into reality.

The Community Investment Coordinator...

"As a community Investment Coordinator, I help organise activities and programmes that help to improve the communities where our residents live. I have organised various events and activities to involve residents living on our estates and in our street properties. These activities or events may consist of working with local young people, providing subsidised access to a local service such as a leisure facility or car sharing scheme, or working to improve security or the look of an estate or even a day trip. We work to ensure that as many Family Mosaic residents as possible can benefit from our events and activities." Reg Amoah, Family Mosaic

The idea...

Family Mosaic resident Donaleen Johnson approached the NW Community Investment team about an idea she had to celebrate her local community amd its diversity.

The resident...

"Back in November 2008, I had the idea of organising a community event to celebrate the diversity of the Canonbury community, giving local people the opportunity to meet each other in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. The theme of the event would be “Let’s Get Together”

As I started jotting ideas down and my excitement grew. Then, whilst reading Family Mosaic's Connections magazine, I noticed they were looking for residents to become involved in their communities. I couldn’t believe my luck I called up and within a week I met up with Alex Tyndale and Reg Amoah Community Investment Coordinators.

I felt Newington Green would be an ideal location for Let’s Get Together 2009 - the area being so diverse, with people of different cultures, races and religions living there. I spoke to the park ranger, businesses, and local young people about my idea and the feedback was very positive.  Some suggested performers who would be interested in taking part.

Family Mosaic was supportive throughout the process, with regular contact from Reg and Alex. Reg managed to secure funding from the Big Lottery fund and Activity London, which ensured all the activities, lunch and goody bags were FREE for everyone. Several of the local business also donated a variety of products and gifts."

The result...

"The day was lovely and warm, with over 400 individuals passing through Newington Green that day. We spoke to numerous members of the public during the day and they all gave great feedback and some expressed a wish for the event to be repeated next year. After hearing these positive responses I felt a real sense of achievement and satisfaction. I truly believe that every person can make a positive impact within the community, be it great or small - you never know what you can achieve if you don’t try!

I would like to say a big 'thank you'  to everyone who supported me, and those who donated to this event. Especially Alex Tyndale, Reg Amoah, Julian Evans, Chris Ingram Park ranger, Bishop T & Evangelist D Baxter from the Church of God World Fellowship, local business and all the volunteers and acts who really made the day possible. Thank you all!"

Donaleen Johnson, Family Mosaic resident