Idea: London Life

 
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  • Created on: 23 Jun 2009
  • Idea status: Underway
  • Town: London
  • Actions: 1
 

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What it's all about

I have been working with my sister over the course of the last year to develop an idea aimed at improving the quality of life of young workers (20-35ish) in London. Incorporating regaining old and learning new skills, developing creativity, protecting the environment and encouraging greater community spirit as well as ensuring a healthy body and mind, this will be a large undertaking.

Did you have more hobbies at school/university than you do now in working life? Do you feel like your social circle is just school, uni and work mates? Do you feel restricted to home, workplace and the pub? Are you lacking that spark of energy that you used to have? Do you have a hobby that you wish could be making you some cash on the side? Are you short of leisure time? Do you want to try something new, but not sure what or where in the giant mess of London it can be found?

If the answer to many of these questions is 'yes', then let me know. I appreciate that this remains rather vague, but hopefully the 'help' section should be able to point those interested in the right direction.

Oli has asked for help on this idea - Find out how you can help

What's needed to make it a reality

I am currently looking for expert advice on the commercial property market in Central London, start-up mentoring and guidance, as well as energetic and enthusiastic young people to get involved. Feel free to contact me directly.

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Comments

  • Avatar Sarah Corrigan 11:20, 24 June 2009 Hi Oli,

    Thank you for posting up your idea, it certainly does sound interesting. What exactly is it that you want to do? As you're looking for commercial property, do you want to create a community space for young workers in London to come to?

    In terms of funding, some of these might be useful to you and they're not region-specific:
    • Awards for All http://www.awardsforall.org.uk/
    National lottery programme providing grants for people to take part in art, sport, heritage and community activities,and for projects that promote education, the environment and health in the local community. Open to non-for profit groups, town or parish councils, schools or health bodies. Bids will need to address at least one of three key aims including: extending access and participation; increasing skills and creativity; and improving quality of life. Can apply for between £300 and £10,000.

    • Community Action Programme http://www.hbosfoundation.org/index-community.html
    Grants of up to £10,000 for a wide range of projects.

    • Wakeham Trust http://www.wakehamtrust.org/howtoapply.php
    No particular restrictions, so best to get in touch with them directly to find out if your project is suitable. 01730 821748

    This link might be useful as lists all the grants programmes in London, although some of them are area specific it still might be of interest:
    http://www.capitalcf.org.uk/grants/grantsavailable.php

    I hope that's useful. If you come to applying for funding and need any help or advice, please just let us know and we would be more than happy to help. We can even get out professional inhouse fundraisers to check over any applications before you send them off.

    If you are looking to set up some sort of community centre, you should check out a few similar ideas on Junction49 they might be able to offer you some advice:
    http://www.junction49.co.uk/idea/2193/community_centre/
    http://www.junction49.co.uk/idea/2068/community_arts_centre/
    http://www.junction49.co.uk/idea/1458/somali_women_s_support_centre/
    http://www.junction49.co.uk/idea/2186/youth_cafe/
    http://www.junction49.co.uk/idea/2204/sister_s_project_to_empower_muslim_girls/

    In terms of advice about commercial property, I'll tweet about it on Twitter and let you know if anyone has any useful tips. Have you got in touch with the council at all?

    I just found this link which might be useful:
    http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/detail?type=RESOURCES&itemId=1073792105

    Please let us know how we can further help you with your idea and I look forward to hearing more about it.

    Sarah
    Junction49 Helpdesk     Report Abuse
  • Avatar Oli 11:19, 30 June 2009 Thanks for all the useful information Sarah. I am in and out of the UK for the next two months, so the idea is moving along slowly. I will keep this page updated on the next few steps, and follow up on the links you have sent through.

    Oli     Report Abuse
  • Avatar Sarah Corrigan 11:39, 30 June 2009 Hi Oli,

    No problems at all. Just let us know what help you need and if you do apply for any funding, we'd be happy to help.

    Look forward to your updates. You can use the 'diary' tab at the top of your ideas page to keep everyone updated on how the idea is going.

    Sarah     Report Abuse
  • Avatar Sarah Corrigan 11:18, 20 July 2009 Hi Oli,

    Great to see your using your diary. Sounds like you've had a productive weekend. What's your streetshow at the Edinburgh Festival, is this related to your idea or something else?

    Sarah     Report Abuse
  • Avatar Oli 11:28, 20 July 2009 Hi Sarah, thanks for the comment. The streetshow has litlw to do with the business idea, I just happen to be a (semi) professional juggler! :)

    oli     Report Abuse
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