Barking Riverside is made in partnership with the community living here.
For residents eager to play a more fundamental role or wanting to plan their own activities and events, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved.
Thames Futures
Working to a ‘Community Vision’ created by residents, each year a team of resident-researchers launches a series of social impact projects. These initiatives aim to make positive local changes, addressing priorities identified by ongoing community research.
Projects have included:
- Creating a series of pop-up health clinics, providing quick access to local doctors.
- Delivering a six-week summer school programme, enriching the school holidays for young residents.
- Partnering with residents to set up a Neighbourhood Watch group, promoting community safety.
Winner of the Community-led Placemaking category at the Planning Awards 2021.
The Barking Riverside Community Interest Company (CIC)
The CIC enables residents to play a role in the decision-making about the future of Barking Riverside. Resident Directors, who will eventually be elected by other residents, are currently working with other key stakeholders to manage and maintain the public areas of the neighbourhood.
Resident Events Panel
The Resident Events Panel is a group of volunteers who plan an annual calendar of events, supported with training and funding. The Panel has delivered community sports days, board game cafés, cocktails soirees, even a Latin dancing festival – all providing opportunities for residents to meet their neighbours and make new friends.
The RiverView
The RiverView is a local newspaper, written and edited by residents. Each quarterly paper aims to showcase what’s happening in the area, whilst also championing important local issues like health, community safety and recycling.
Barking Riverside Community Fund
The Barking Riverside Community Fund is a scheme that offers residents grants of up to £1,500 to deliver a project or initiative for community benefit.
Applications must address at least one of the nine priorities established by residents in the Thames Futures Community Vision.
THAMES TALK
Thames Talk is a larger pot of funding available to the community. This is allocated to well-established community organisations based on the online voting preferences of residents, directing funding to the projects that hold local value. Thames Talk has previously funded sports clubs, mental health charities, and projects at local schools.
