My name is Sophie Eels. I was Workspace Manager at Better Space in 2023 and was part of the South Locality Local Wellbeing Network.

My intention for joining the Local Wellbeing Network was to better understand the locality and the challenges residents experienced. Better Space and City University are interested in how entrepreneurship and employment can improve well-being through access to more opportunities, networks, and education.

The change-maker training in 2022 was fantastic. I learnt community organising and networking methodologies which we utilised to design and deliver activities and programmes at Better Space – such as our own Women in Wellbeing network and Wellbeing week.

I recommend the change-maker programme training and network building for anyone interested in social change. I enjoyed connecting with passionate people and seeing the power of the collective voice.

“Having researched the difficulties that young people face in many areas such as employment, mental health and welfare, I find myself in a fortunate position to have the resources to be able to help with making an impact on young people. As a result, I would like to participate in the Community Change-Makers programme to develop my skills and learn towards organising community programmes to create the necessary changes within Islington”

“Islington is trying to cooperate programmes for young people and workshops, but I think more funding should go into these developments so young people can feel safer and want to make change due to trusting what the community can offer. I’d like to take part to gain more knowledge and understanding around what it takes to be a community change maker so I can give back to my clients and be up to date with learning opportunities for them and myself.”

“I am excited by the prospect of expanding my knowledge further and stepping outside my comfort zone. I have really enjoyed meeting other likeminded people and would love to continue to be a part of something really positive. This programme would help me understand the sector better and develop my ability to be a patient, confident community change-maker”

“I feel that I need the necessary skills to be a better leader and for community engagement development. I am quite shy about meeting new people because of my experience but passionate about supporting the community I serve and work with. However, in order to really serve them better and advocate for their equal opportunities, I need the right skills and feel that this platform is the perfect timing”

My name is Patrick Penny-Annang. I volunteer as a Bright Start Parent Champion to encourage more dads and male carers to engage with Bright Start services. I am also part of a community called ‘The Mandem’ which is focused on bringing men together through food, film and open conversations about how we are feeling. I represent the South Locality.

A goal for me is to encourage the discussion of mental health in men, especially within the black community.

The training served as a practical toolkit for navigating community projects and provided a useful framework for overcoming challenges. Tasks including funding applications, which seemed overwhelming before, became manageable and my confidence increased.

Becoming a change maker is empowering as you can contribute to community well-being and address issues from the ground up.

My name is Rona Topaz. I am a choir leader, singer and voice coach. And I represent the Central Locality.

As a disability rights campaigner, I raise awareness of supporting disabled people. I advocated for the implementation of the Household Support Fund by Islington Council. This is a support payment for people who had their disability benefits reduced.

The change-maker training in 2022 was comprehensive. I developed the knowledge and skills to be a successful community organiser.

I enjoy being in the know-how about events in Islington which could help my cause. You too can be a change-maker if you’re motivated to achieve change.