Coming together to decide Lambeth's future

More than 110 residents, councillors, business leaders, community organisers and public sector workers came together on 16 September to have their say at Lambeth First’s Annual Meeting.

Held at Elmgreen School in Tulse Hill, delegates took part in themed workshops to come up with practical ideas on how to build a healthy, safe, sustainable and enterprising Lambeth.

“It was great to network and listen to others with Lambeth’s interests at heart” said one participant. “My workshop was vibrant and with lots of ideas and experiences flying around.”

Lambeth First unites Lambeth’s many organisations, communities and residents to put ideas, plans and services into action locally. Launching its Annual Review at the event, the partnership has ambitious plans for the future as it seeks to work with the Council and other partners to facilitate the first truly co-operative borough.

Ian Jackson, Lambeth First’s Director, stressed that Lambeth already has all the resources it needs to make this possible. “This event has proved, if any proof were needed, that we’re a rich borough – Lambeth’s communities have a wealth of talent and creativity that we need to make better use of.”

Although the workshops focussed on six themes – wellbeing, work and employment, community safety, business and enterprise, young citizens and sustainability- two main priorities had emerged.

“Firstly, people are asking how the partnership can find better ways of connecting people –individuals, businesses, and local organisations- so that we can harness the energy that the borough has,” Jackson noted. “And second, they recognise that we all have a great opportunity before us. Together we need to be bolder, to innovate and take more action in getting projects off the ground to benefit local people.”

Francesca Oppon, 30, took part in the work and employment workshop. “I wanted to be a voice for people like me that want to work but have no support,” she said. “As a single mother I want to achieve so my child will follow in my footsteps.” Francesca works part-time at Lambeth College but has struggled to find permanent work. She felt her views were welcomed and respected. “I’m hopeful that the partnership can work together to come up with some solutions.”

Click here to download a copy of ‘Our Year’, Lambeth First’s Annual Review 2009-10 and here to read a summary report of the Annual Meeting.

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