Published: Wednesday 20 October 2021
Residents from across North Kensington have started to meet over the last few weeks to work together and shape round two of the Grenfell Projects Fund.
The newly appointed Residents-led Panel, comprising North Kensington residents, was set up after residents expressed a desire to take charge and shape the Fund. The Panel is now working together to co-design the application stage and has recently decided to extend the pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ) deadline to Wednesday 1 December to ensure the Fund is accessed by as many applicants as possible. The Panel will also monitor and evaluate the Fund as it progresses.
Some of the residents who sit on the Panel have been talking to us about why they decided to get involved, what they bring to the table and what their hopes for the future of the Fund are.
Local resident Eunicia Harding said: “My neighbourhood is very important to me, especially the young people of W11 and W10. I have an understanding of the borough as I have lived here for over 40 years, so I would like to see the money used wisely and efficiently. I believe that residents should have their say in what happens in their neighbourhood.”
Talking about what she would like to gain from getting involved in the Panel, Eunicia said: “I would like to gain a knowledge of how things work in the borough from a different perspective - helping other residents gain support from the Council, allowing them to have knowledge of the borough and giving them a chance to open excellent projects. It’s such a brilliant opportunity.”
Parent and volunteer Caroline Akello said: “I’m so honoured to be a part of the Panel. It’s a great opportunity to get involved in rebuilding North Kensington post-Covid and help local community projects turn the Fund into something tangible.
“As a parent, it’s really important to me that I’m part of the dialogue that will shape not only my children’s future, but the future of children across the borough. I’ve already seen the positive impact projects from the first Grenfell Projects Fund have had on people in the local area, so we need to keep this going and provide support for projects that will continue to grow alongside the community.”
Sole Morado, who moved to the borough six years ago, said: “I joined the Panel because it’s a good way for me to work with other people in the local community and learn new skills. Although I am one of the newer residents on the Panel, my daughter will grow up in this borough so I want to help the community and support projects that will strengthen it long-term.”
Applicants who successfully pass the pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ) stage will be invited to submit a main application from Monday 10 January 2022. The Resident-led Panel will then create a shortlist of applications for members of the public who will award the funds via a voting system in March.