More than £72m of social value has been created by London’s largest housing associations, including Notting Hill Genesis, as the sector continues to work with local people to improve lives and strengthen communities.
The G15 group of London’s biggest housing associations, which we are part of, has released its Community Investment Impact Report for 2024/25, and one of the amazing projects featured in the report is Baobab steel band, a multi-generational group of NHG residents based at Bolney Meadow Community Centre in Vauxhall.
We provided £11,000 from our Love Where You Live fund to set up the group and provide a free venue for lessons and instrument storage. Over half of the band is made up of NHG residents and in total 50 NHG residents have taken part to date. Bi-weekly sessions and weekend workshops are held at the community centre facilitated by local tutors, one of whom is also a NHG resident.
The band have performed the Urban Elephant Festival in Southwark, community events at Bolney Meadow and at the Tottenham Afro-Caribbean expo. The project has provided more than 500 free music lessons and 100% of participants reported a positive impact on their confidence and self-esteem.
One of the band members says in the report: “I have noticed a positive impact on my physical health. I feel more energetic after I attend steelpan rehearsals. I like the sense of accomplishment I get from learning how to play a new instrument.”
Across the G15, 2024/25 saw:
- £74.2m of social value generated to benefit communities
- £33.1m invested in communities
- 346,708 people take part in community projects
- 12,691 residents supported through employment projects
- 83,081 residents accessing health and wellbeing support
- 19,282 people supported with money advice
Ian McDermott, G15 Chair and Peabody Chief Executive, said: “This report shows the tangible difference our members are making. From supporting local people into work, developing small business and enterprise opportunities alongside community groups, or helping to strengthen people’s financial resilience and wellbeing, we’re working hard every day.
“We know that investing in communities is essential to building a resilient, fairer future for London and everyone who calls it their home. So we’ll continue to work with local people, councils, government and other partners to provide the right support where it’s needed.”
