“If I think about everything we’ve achieved so far, it makes me quite emotional.”

That’s how outgoing Engagement Officer Iyke describes the transformation taking place on Loraine Estate, which he has helped support over the past year.

Residents have come together to launch new activities, build stronger connections and take an active role in shaping the future of their neighbourhood. We sat in on one of their project lead meetings, where residents and council officers meet to review progress and plan what comes next.

What began as a series of conversations and community votes on how to invest a £70,000 fund to support health and wellbeing has grown into a thriving programme of resident-led activities and events.

Projects have included bingo nights organised by Myra, seasonal cooking courses, women’s Zumba sessions and creative workshops. As the programme has grown, more and more residents have become involved, getting to know their neighbours and strengthening the sense of community across the estate.

For resident Mustafah, who has lived on the estate for 10 years and works as a support worker for Camden Council helping refugees and asylum seekers settle into their communities, the biggest achievement has been bringing people together.

“I grew up knowing my neighbours, and it’s amazing to have that feeling again,” he said. “Now I know who David is, David knows who Mary is, and it filters into other areas of life.”

David, a malaria researcher, agrees.

“It’s created a much friendlier atmosphere on what is quite a large estate,” he said. “You walk around and recognise people. You get to know neighbours and familiar faces, including Claire and Matt from the council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Team. It’s created a much stronger sense of community.”

The project has done more than bring neighbours together. It has also helped residents develop new skills and confidence.

Together, residents have created a community website, launched Facebook and Instagram pages, learned how to organise events and developed the skills needed to apply for future funding. The estate’s WhatsApp group has also doubled in size to around 40 members, helping neighbours stay connected and informed.

David says the experience has opened up new opportunities and friendships.

“It’s been really interesting connecting with other residents and learning how to network through the council,” he said. “I’ve got to know people I might never have met otherwise, and everyone has been amazingly helpful.”

At the heart of the project is the Learning Hub, known as Over the Fence. Inspired by the simple idea of neighbours stopping for a chat over a garden fence, the name also pays tribute to Community Centre Chair James Smith, whose gardening around the estate helped make him a familiar and friendly face to many residents.

Over the Fence has become a focal point for community activity, hosting everything from health and cooking sessions to arts and crafts workshops, painting, drawing, and even a repair café where residents can learn practical skills and give clothes a second life. Many of the sessions have been delivered by local creatives and small businesses, helping showcase talent from within the community.

Crucially, the programme is shaped by residents themselves. Ideas are shared, discussed and voted on, with popular suggestions including crafts, film nights and theatre-themed events.

The current programme runs until April 2027, with a long-term goal of ensuring residents have the confidence, skills and networks to continue leading activities independently. Some initiatives, including the Wellbeing Café, are already becoming self-sustaining, while residents are learning how to access funding to support future projects.

For Mustafah, David and many others, the vision of a more welcoming, connected and united Loraine Estate is already becoming a reality.