North London Community Fund - Summary of projects

Woodshop of Recycled Delights (WoRD) delivered 10 free and subsidised woodwork workshops focused on the sustainable reuse of waste timber. Through the Building Skills, Repairing Futures: Tackling Furniture Waste project, WoRD taught 117 Londoners more than 20 new woodworking techniques, helping to reduce waste and extend the life of materials. A total of 327 kg of waste timber was repurposed, resulting in the creation of 32 new items while supporting residents to develop skills in sustainable making and repair.

The Enfield Alevi Cultural Centre delivered the Let’s Create project, an after-school arts club that encouraged children in Edmonton to explore creativity while developing environmental awareness. Through 24 creative workshops, 38 participants used waste textiles and household items collected by the community to create new crafts, with each child bringing materials for reuse and learning practical ways to reduce waste. The project also trained one volunteer and supported positive changes in sustainability and recycling practices, with 80% of participants reporting increased awareness and 80% of families providing positive feedback on their experience.

Through the Stitch Social Plus project, SHAK brought residents together to reduce textile waste through creative upcycling and craft workshops, providing opportunities to learn new skills and repurpose unwanted materials. The project delivered 41 sessions, including 32 Stitch Social workshops and nine specialist sessions, with 233 attendances. Over 100 textiles were collected and transformed into more than 50 new items. Participants also reported positive social and personal impacts, with 75% experiencing improved wellbeing and community connection, and 90% gaining new skills and confidence to independently continue repurposing textile waste.

The project collected  81unwanted digital devices from residents before delivering training sessions that enabled asylum seekers to develop skills in refurbishing and repairing electrical equipment. 76 refurbished devices were then redistributed to asylum seekers and refugees, improving access to the digital world. The project delivered 12 workshops and engaged 7,642 individuals through digital and in-person activities. A total of 89 refugees developed refurbishment skills, while 20 asylum seekers gained new technical skills. Seven asylum seekers joined the project team, and six progressed to delivering workshops, sharing their knowledge and supporting others in the community.

Please see their website for more.

Please see their website for more.

Play It Again Toys delivered a repair cafe focusing specifically on toys. The fixers worked with children to mend their toys and explained to them how they were doing it. The sessions explored the importance of waste prevention.

Please see their Instagram for more.

The organisation tackled food and textile waste through 12 creative workshops focused on natural dyeing, repurposing food scraps and weaving, reaching 67 attendees. Delivered in community venues across North London, the workshops engaged migrant communities in practical waste prevention activities. The project repurposed over 30 kg of food waste and 25 kg of textiles, while 100% of participants reported increased understanding of waste prevention and 65% expressed interest in the green economy. The project also resulted in the creation of three collaborative community curtains.

The project delivered clothes alteration, repair and upcycling workshops, alongside monthly food waste prevention sessions, to support residents in reducing waste and extending the life of household items. A total of 23 events were delivered across nine Barnet wards, with a total of 184 participants engaged overall.

For more information, please visit their website.

Hackney received funding for a new fridge in order to prevent more food waste and preserve the donated items.

Built on the existing Trash to Treasure project, the initiative delivered workshops, pop-up events and seminars on wellness, urban gardening, cooking, and repurposing textiles and household waste. Activities took place at Marcus Garvey Library, Chestnuts Community Centre and Wood Green Library, delivering 50 workshops and events that engaged 650 residents.

The project delivered a series of free, inclusive workshops that inspired residents to reduce and creatively reuse household waste. A total of eight workshops engaged 508 participants, resulting in the creation of 117 costumes using 717 kg of reused and recycled materials. The project also generated 35,000 social media impressions and created 1,574 creative skills, training and employment opportunities through activities linked to the Leyton Mas Carnival.

Please see their website for more.