GET INVOLVED to get involved . We want to engage with local people about the issues they care about and provide extra support in helping them to make these improvements .”
Once it is on the Spacehive website , absolutely anyone can get involved with supporting one of these projects . The site allows you to make a donation of money , your hard work or even your knowledge .
Councillor Anand added : “ The Future Ealing Fund is all about empowering residents to make a difference themselves – and anyone can get involved once a project is set up by offering their time , money or professional expertise .” Over the summer , the FEF supported two projects and they are now under way . Others were already being backed – such as the Hanwell DIG project we featured in the last edition of the magazine , and also a golf academy you can read more about at aroundealing . com / news / tee-rific-localgolf‐project
YOU ARE THE STARS The Me and My Southall project is being run by Punjabi Theatre Academy UK . It has been crowdfunding , with plans to promote Southall ’ s culture and attractions to people nationwide – and beyond – by getting local people to get involved in videos showcasing the area and the people living there .
Sharonjot Mahi , co-ordinator at the academy , said : “ Me and My Southall will be a video diary series where we will go round Southall and discover local artists , businesses , inspirational people .
“ We ’ d like something real , something that really shows Southall as a community . There is so much culture – so many different backgrounds – and it ’ s really nice to get to know them . There are many , many artists around . So , it ’ s also going to be a platform for people to share their talent , which I think is really important .”
The Hanwell DIG community garden is one of several FEF schemes under way
Tajinder Sindra , executive director of the academy , added : “ Different people , of different cultures can share their stories in front of the camera , with a cinematographer and hosts to help along the way .
“ The videos will all be shot in local areas , mainly green spaces , because we want to promote the spaces that Southall has to offer .”
Local people will not just be the stars , but also key to producing the videos too , as Sharonjot explained : “ We want to involve local people in things like acting , scriptwriting and even things like small exercises . We are aiming for the wider community . It ’ s literally for everyone . You get to build your confidence ; you get to meet new people of similar mindsets . That is a way to bring the community together and make them more united , in a sense .”
Tajinder added : “ We are going to run community workshops in preparation of filming and shooting and provide training for participants to learn acting skills , scriptwriting and more .” Find out more about Me and My Southall and other FEF projects at aroundealing . com / news / your-future-ealing
Is my project right for FEF ?
The next FEF is open until 22 September 2021 , so there is still some time to submit ideas . The FEF is available for anyone with an idea that brings their community together , improves their high street , creates a hub for learning or helps reduce the borough ’ s carbon footprint – and much more besides . Community groups , mutual aid or volunteer networks , charities , tenant or residents ’ associations , and social enterprises could all be ideal for FEF support . To find out more , visit www . spacehive . com / movement / ealing
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