Loraine Estate Health & Wellbeing Project

Residents of Loraine Estate were empowered at every stage of this initiative — from sharing ideas and shaping proposals, to presenting projects and voting on how to invest £70,000 to improve health, wellbeing, and community life across the estate.

Through this collaborative, resident-led process, neighbours selected 11 successful projects that focus on improving communal spaces, supporting wellbeing, encouraging learning, celebrating culture, and creating more opportunities for people of all ages to connect.

This year, the community looks forward to seeing these ideas come to life, transforming shared spaces and strengthening relationships across the estate.

A big thank you to the Islington Council project team, Cllr Diarmaid Ward, and Cllr Claire Zammit for their leadership, support, and commitment to putting decision-making power into residents’ hands.

Successful Projects

Developing Communal Spaces

• Loraine Estate ‘In Colour’
  Reviving and repopulating forgotten corners of the estate with targeted planting of flowers and shrubs, alongside a community vegetable garden with semi-raised beds and a dedicated children’s gardening area.

• Play Areas for Children
  Redevelopment of two private gardens to include small play equipment and natural play features.

• Loraine Fun Shed & Picnic Table
  A community activity shed stocked with games, toys, board games, exercise equipment, and books, with a picnic table for residents to gather and relax.

Community Activities & Wellbeing

• Cultural Celebration Events
  Inclusive celebrations of Eid and Nowruz, open to all residents to share culture, build understanding, and strengthen a sense of belonging.

• Loraine Learning Hub
  Six monthly upskilling sessions for all ages, including first aid, affordable seasonal cooking with a local chef, and British Sign Language (BSL) taster sessions.

• Bingo Nights
  Monthly social bingo evenings bringing neighbours together for fun, games, and refreshments.

• Seasonal Produce Drop
  Free monthly fruit and vegetable drop-offs at the community centre for six months, giving residents access to fresh, seasonal produce.

• Over the Fence
  Six-monthly sessions for older residents to connect through film screenings, storytelling, guest speakers, and theatre activities.

• Women-Only Exercise Classes
  Weekly free fitness sessions at the community centre, including activities such as aerobics, yoga, and Zumba, shaped by resident preferences.

• Seasonal Community Meals
  Four shared meals across the year where neighbours bring food, connect over cooking, and celebrate cultural diversity.

• Bloom and Create
  A community art and nature project offering free creative workshops in painting, clay pottery, and nature-inspired art.

Click here to read more about this project and other projects