Tracey and Nicky of the Good Neighbours Scheme tell us how they’re bringing communities together

Tracey and Nicky are part of the Good Neighbours Scheme team: an initiative set up by Help on Your Doorstep to support Islington residents to build local networks to run activities that promote health and well-being. Now, they’ve started organising regular online and in-person activities in Bemerton, Canonbury and King’s Cross, with the aim of bringing people together, developing people’s skills and improving their wellbeing. There are a variety of inclusive sessions you can get involved in: from exercise and meditation classes, to social and support groups.

Nicky is the scheme’s project manager, and has been working in the Cally on and off for four years. “I was born and bred in Islington, so my heart is really in it,” she says. “I want to help residents improve their lives, find happiness and make the most of the opportunities available.”

Tracey recently joined the Good Neighbours Scheme team and plays a key role in delivering sessions for Cally residents. She helps run a variety of weekly activities and annual events for the residents of the Cally area to promote health and wellbeing including, coffee clubs, yoga, zumba sessions, chair-based exercise and street dance for children. These sessions are free and are open to everyone in the Cally area and Bemerton Estate.

Bemerton Good Neighbours Scheme 2002 Timetable

York Way Community Centre, York Way Court, Tiber Gardens, N1 0XF

Tuesdays

Yoga for beginners – 10.30am – 11.30am. Gentle and relaxing exercise

Community zumba for all, 5.30pm – 6.30pm. Get fit and have some fun!

Thursdays

Coffee morning and bingo 10am – 12pm. Hot drinks, fun and games!

Chair based exercises 12.30pm – 1.15pm. Gentle exercises to get moving!

Children’s Street Dance (ages 6 – 12) 4.15pm – 5.15pm. Learn new moves to your favourite songs!

For more information call Tracey on 07458 018102 / 020 3931 6077

Email: tracey@helponyourdoorstep.com

Nicky and Tracey partner with lots of local organisations and initiatives including Artbox, the Light Project and the Youth Bus on the Bemerton. “We work really closely with the council and the We Are Cally Action Plan to strengthen the Cally Area,” Nicky explains. “Our team attends the We are Cally working group sessions and works hard to connect with other organisations, businesses and groups in the area, so we can work in a way that complements each other. We also make a conscious effort to purchase from local businesses on the Cally for our events, to give back into the local economy,” she continues.

“We’re looking for volunteers to support our work in the Cally area and we would love residents to come join our weekly health and wellbeing activities, which are currently held in the York Way Community Centre. We are passionate about making sure our work is community-led.”

The team runs regular meetings with residents to hear what activities and initiatives are needed in locally – “drop us an email if you want to get involved or have any suggestions on what is needed in the area.”

Want to join one of our Good Neighbours Scheme activities in the Cally area? Want to volunteer with us? Contact Nicky for more information on nicky@helponyourdoorstep.com or 07875224386.