On the outskirts of Southall, a transformation is taking shape on the Havelock estate: community-focused organisations have turned derelict spaces into vibrant places for residents to connect with one another.
The project is being co-ordinated by Peabody housing association in partnership with Ealing Council, City Hall, and the Canal and River Trust, with significant input from the local community.
We talked to Our Moving Stories (OMS), a non-profit community interest company and the first business to open its doors to the community through the Open Havelock project. OMS brings residents together through dance, movement, and craft activities, aiming to reduce isolation, promote creativity, and support wellbeing among the Havelock community.
‘Creating spaces where people feel they belong’
OMS founder, Sarah Sulemanji, a local dance artist and educator with a background in the arts, works to share the transformative power of creative arts with as many people as possible – starting with her own community.
“It’s well researched that the arts really help people connect with others and yourself, and boost social and personal well-being,” Sarah explained.
OMS hosts a regular rotation of activities for the estate’s residents, including Move and Make – a session aimed at parents and carers, and their babies and children up to 5-year-olds. It offers movement and art activities that bring families together.
Sarah continued: “We focus on activities that welcome everyone – parents, grandparents, and even extended family – creating spaces where people feel they belong.”
Putting residents at the heart of their community
Jenni, a participant-turned-volunteer, describes the impact OMS has had on her life: “This is the only time in the week that I properly get to talk to other adults. Doing something creative while socialising makes it feel less socially awkward and more engaging.”
Sarah’s approach puts residents at the heart of the process. “You can’t tell people what they need; you have to listen and then deliver,” she said.
For instance, women-only sessions were introduced as a result of feedback from residents, and plans are underway to launch a ‘Move and Make Senior’ session for older adults. This approach not only strengthens community ties, but also offers residents the opportunity to shape how the space is used.
“I operate a service to the local community, not the other way around. I listen to people first and assess what the need is, and then gear activities to that need.”
OMS programmes emphasise accessibility, offering all activities free of charge to overcome financial barriers. Sarah added: “There are already so many barriers to access here, it’s our responsibility to remove cost as one of them.”
‘Come together and connect’
Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, the council’s cabinet member for decent living incomes, said: “By transforming underused spaces into places where residents can come together and connect, Open Havelock is introducing a new lease of life into the area.”
“If you have an idea for a community project or business, there are more spaces available at the Open Havelock Community Centre.”
Want to hire a space at Open Havelock? Contact junior.cheeseman@peabody.org.uk
Other organisations such as Asian Community Concern have started using the space too.
