Camden-based charity The Winch launched the Good Neighbourhood Collective last autumn.
It is a group of 16 people living in South Hampstead and Swiss Cottage, who came together with a shared goal: to to make South Hampstead and Swiss Cottage a fairer place.
Since 1973, the Winch has been a hub for North Camden residents – a welcoming space to connect, create, and strengthen their community together.
The Good Neighbourhood Project continues that legacy, championing community-led action and proving that real change begins on your doorstep.
It is an initiative rooted in a simple but powerful idea: that local people are best placed to lead local change.
Alice Robson, head of communities at The Winch, said: “The Good Neighbourhood Project is about neighbours supporting neighbours.”
“We’ve seen residents teaching each other new skills, eating together, and finding strength in community. It’s a reminder that the answers to local challenges often start with the people who live here.”
Over the past year, members have picked up new skills in teamwork, community engagement, idea development, and public speaking.
After listening to more than 200 neighbours, they decided on three big themes to focus on: food and nutrition, young people’s mental health, and community spaces.
Organisers brought these themes to life through three community programmes over the summer.
At the Swiss Fix & Mix event, residents learnt to repair clothing and electrical items, how to cut waste, save money, and connected over tea, snacks, and conversation.
At The Shared Plate event neighbours were invited into kitchens to cook and eat together, from seasonal suppers to budget-friendly family meals.
The workshops were a celebration of good food and the simple act of sharing recipes, stories and laughter across the table.
And the Lift Up: Youth Peer Mentoring Programme empowered young people through mentorship, creativity, and community.
Weekly activities fostered confidence, well-being, and self-expression. By the end, participants had stronger support networks, improved emotional health, and valuable new skills.
Fateha McDaniel, one of the local organisers, said: “This project showed me how much potential our community spaces have—so many go unused, but they could be doing so much more.”
“This isn’t just about a single project—it’s about building something that lasts and truly benefits the community.”
The project has brought over 110 people together, bringing pride across the neighbourhood and showing what is possible when local people lead the way.
As the first phase of the project comes to a close, The Winch is working with local decision-makers to turn residents’ ideas into lasting action.
Next month marks the launch of the next phase, Creating a Greener Neighbourhood, with a focus on making streets and shared spaces cleaner, greener, and more welcoming for all.
