Community magic in action
What happens when you give decision-making power directly to local people? On Loraine Estate, it’s sparked a wave of creativity, community spirit and brilliant ideas to boost health and wellbeing right where residents live.
Over the past year, residents on Loraine Estate have come together to imagine a better future for their community, and crucially, to make the decisions themselves about how £70,000 of community investment should be spent.
We caught up with Sidonie Sakula‑Barry, who managed the community budgeting project, and residents James and Mustafa, whose ideas won the support of their neighbours.
It’s been so exciting to see how neighbours have come together on this project,” said Sidonie.
“Giving people an active say in the place where they live can positively affect people’s health and wellbeing. Watching such an active community taking shape has been incredible.
“It’s really great that we can do more projects like this as part of the £5 million Making it Happen fund.”
How community budgeting worked on Loraine Estate
Throughout 2025, residents were invited to share their ideas, imagining what could make life better across their estate. In December, more than 50 residents came together for a voting day to choose their favourite projects.
In total, 11 projects were chosen by residents for funding. They ranged from new green spaces and places to relax, to community meals, skill‑sharing events, and activities designed to bring neighbours together.
“We’re passionate about putting real decision-making power into the hands of the people who know their communities best,” said Sidonie.
Bringing colour and nature back to the estate
One of the winning ideas was Loraine Estate ‘in colour,’ put forward by resident James. His vision was for a greener, more cared for estate. From fresh communal gardens to bright new planting in forgotten parts of the estate.
James is now working with the council’s community gardening team to grow a group of volunteer resident gardeners to bring the project to life.
“It’s been hard work, but a lot of fun and very energising,” said James.
“I’ve wanted to give back to my community for a long time. This lets me do that on a much bigger scale than I ever imagined I could!”
With a background in farming and horticulture, James is excited about watching the project grow.
“I don’t expect something to happen overnight, but the slow growth of a project into something that flowers in a seasonal way is just going to be one of my dreams come true.”
The council’s Community Gardening team will also run workshops for all ages, teaching gardening skills and helping the project thrive long into the future.
James gardening
Creativity and community in bloom
Another successful project was ‘Bloom and Create’ by resident Mustafa.
Mustafa has started organising free, family-friendly activities in the community centre and gardens of the estate. From painting to pottery, all activities are inspired by nature. His project has a simple aim of bringing people together, boosting wellbeing and encouraging neighbours to enjoy the communal gardens.
“Bloom and Create is about bringing life back into our shared spaces, where creativity, nature and community come together,” said Mustafa. He hopes the sessions give neighbours, especially children and families, a chance to slow down, connect and feel pride in where they live.
“When people create together, they naturally begin to care for each other and the space around them.”
During February half-term, the project really came alive. Children, parents and neighbours, including a few visitors from across the Holloway ward, joined in. “Watching fathers sit and create clay models with their daughters, and mothers painting and making greeting cards alongside their children, was genuinely awe-inspiring and heartwarming,” said Mustafa. “These are the moments that capture exactly what this project is about.”
Looking ahead, Mustafa hopes to keep building on this momentum.
“My aim is to continue creating opportunities that bring people together and leave something meaningful behind for our young ones, reminding them that there is so much more beyond screen time.”
New funding to support more resident‑led decisions
As part of our latest £5M Making it Happen fund, we’ve committed to giving residents even more opportunities to shape how we invest in healthier and more connected communities.
As part of his fund £140,000 has been secured for similar community budgeting projects across the borough.
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