Wick Award Community Chest 2015 - 2025
Celebrating 10 years of community initiatives
Lasting Impact
Through the Community Chest, Wick Award has supported hundreds of local residents and groups to turn ideas into action — creating a more connected, creative, and caring Hackney Wick. Here’s just some of the stories.
Over the last 10 years we’ve invested £230,000 into supporting local ideas and initiatives through our Community Chest fund.
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Empowering Local Ideas:
Residents with great ideas for making good things happen in Hackney Wick have been able to apply for grants of up to £1,000. Alongside funding, our community worker has provided hands-on guidance and encouragement — helping each project address local needs and make the biggest possible impact.Many Community Chest grants have gone on to spark projects that have grown into long-term successes. For example, Hackney Wick Football Club received their first grant from Wick Award — and have since gone from strength to strength, reaching the top of their league while changing lives through footie.
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Investing in Young People:
We also dedicated £30,000 of Community Chest funding specifically for projects designed and led by young people in Hackney Wick.
Young residents themselves decided how the money was spent, helping to build confidence, leadership skills, and ownership in their community. -
Partnership and Local Knowledge:
The success of the Community Chest has been made possible by our local partnership members, who know their neighbourhoods inside out. Their insight and connections have helped local ideas take flight and make a real difference.
LGBT Art Class & Supper Club
A group of LGBT seniors came up with a creative idea to tackle isolation and bring people together — launching a fortnightly art group in an under-used community room within a local supported housing scheme.
The sessions offered a free, friendly, and inclusive space where residents could connect, share skills, and learn new artistic techniques. What began as a simple way to meet and make art quickly became a much-loved social event — so much so that regulars went on to start a monthly supper club, extending the friendship and fun beyond the canvas.
“I never thought I could paint! It’s great to get so much encouragement and learn new techniques — and on top of that, I’ve got a new set of pals.”
— Patrick, participant
Care to Share
A group of men in Hackney Wick who met through a Healthwatch Hackney project realised how much open conversation helped their mental health.
They created Care to Share — a peer-led support group offering a welcoming space to connect, build confidence, and share experiences. Sessions include advocacy, budgeting advice, skills sharing, healthy eating, and plenty of good conversation.
“They always said it’s good to talk. Now I really believe it. I’ve made solid friends, got help tackling debt issues, and even lost nearly two stone.”
— Care to Share participant
Gascoyne Lives: A Local History Celebration
Gascoyne Lives: A Local History Celebration
Residents of Gascoyne 1 came together to celebrate their estate’s history. Derek Smith, a Tenants and Residents Association member, collected stories, photos, and memories to create a film called Gascoyne Lives, which was well received locally.
Following its success, residents secured funding to produce a book marking a special anniversary of the estate, focusing on its strong community spirit.
As one resident put it:
“This book is something for us all to be proud of. It captures the spirit of our residents and the strong sense of community on our estate.”
Sustainable Style: Upcycling Workshop
London Fashion District Workshops teamed up with The Wickers Charity to host an engaging, three-day Sustainable Fashion Project.
This hands-on upcycling program supported local young people by giving them the skills to transform pre-loved clothing into unique, wearable pieces. The project introduced participants to the value of extending the life of garments and the importance of reducing textile waste.
The final results were truly impressive!
The workshops not only sparked creativity but also boosted confidence:
“I never thought I could use a sewing machine, now I’ve made something I’ll actually wear!”
“I enjoyed customising my clothes, it gave me confidence and new ideas.”
Community Closet: Supporting Local Families
Two Hackney Wick mums started Community Closet to provide essential baby clothes and equipment to local families in need. The project quickly grew and space became limited.
With funding from the Wick Award, it registered as a charity and secured a new base by covering rent, moving into the New Kingshold Community Centre.
What began as a small local initiative is now a key part of a thriving community hub.
“Wick Award gave Community Closet our first grant - this helped us to build the confidence to launch our project that has helped hundreds of Hackney families,” says Krista, one of the founders.
Hackney Wick Forest School
Hackney Wick Forest School began when local parents created organised outdoor sessions for children in Wick Woods, using a small grant to buy basic equipment.
A local childminder later became a qualified Forest School Leader and helped expand the project with support from a community worker and additional funding for weekly sessions for under-fives.
The sessions have helped children and parents enjoy nature and build confidence.
“My toddler was a bit shy at first but loves our Friday mornings in Wick Woods. He’s happiest in wellies and loves a muddy puddle!”
“I’ve learned so much from Dovile and feel confident to encourage my city kid to explore nature.”
Well Street Common Festival
Community lunches - Gascoyne 1 & 2 St Mary of Eton
Build Up
Red Path
Men’s Shed
And we have supported all of these long-running projects
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