As we release our first ever Annual Impact Report (March 2019-20) we are incredibly proud of our achievements. We have had to flex, change and be responsive with the times and have big plans to continue a long way.
A full pdf copy is available for download here.
[First printed by LBHF Council on 16 July, 2020]
Jack and the team. Photo credit Tomas Evans
A sponsored bike ride has helped local charity UNITED in Hammersmith & Fulham reach £100,000 in grant awards to local frontline projects working to support residents in need during the pandemic.
Engineering manager Jack Upcraft recruited a dozen cyclists to take part in a 245-mile stationary bike event, raising nearly £3,000 and pushing the charity’s community coronavirus total – working with Hammersmith & Fulham Council – past the huge figure.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity to raise money for a great cause,” said the breathless cyclist afterwards. “Who knows… maybe next year we might try and go further.”
Cllr Sue Fennimore, Deputy Leader at H&F Council, congratulated the cyclists on their efforts. “To help the UNITED charity reach such a high total is simply magnificent and it’s allowed so many organisations to offer vital help to some of our most needy residents,” she said.
The money raised by the charity has come from the public and local firms in the borough… but more is still needed to continue to support volunteers and neighbourhood groups.
Savraj Kaur, Director of UNITED in Hammersmith & Fulham, thanked everyone who, over the past three months, has generously contributed to reaching the £100,000 total.
“It’s been so moving to drive this appeal. We still encourage giving as we continue to help those in need, and prepare for future uncertainties,” she said.
The bike fundraiser was staged under an awning pitched in the square outside 245 Hammersmith, the office building in Hammersmith Road, where general manager Carly Bright also praised Jack’s pedalling skills.
Also backing the biking effort was Smart Managed Solutions, the building’s engineering contractor.
Andy Slaughter MP for Hammersmith & Fulham, and Patron of UNITED, celebrated the succes:
“What a fantastic achievement by Jack, Smart and 245 Hammersmith, rallying so much support for such an important and urgent cause. UNITED in Hammersmith & Fulham have raised tens of thousands to help those afflicted by the Covid-19 crisis locally. But you don’t have to cycle 245 miles to help, you can just take your wallet for a walk and sponsor the ride.”
After the ride, Jack said:
“I’m thankful for the opportunity to raise money for a great cause. I’m also grateful for the support of Smart Managed Solutions and the 245 team who helped with the event. Who knows… maybe next year we might try and go even further!”
Carly Bright, General Manager at 245 Hammersmith, said:
“I couldn’t be prouder of all the efforts put in by Smart Managed Solutions and the 245 team, especially Jack for organising the event and raising so much. We are excited to have made such a great connection UNITED in Hammersmith and Fulham in these trying times. Our team are thrilled to able to have given back and have had a lot of fun doing so.”
It is not too late to give to the team’s efforts, today:
About Smart Managed Solutions
Over the past 15 years, Smart have worked in the world’s top data centres and commercial facilities, providing quality engineering services.
We help the world’s smartest companies maintain their facilities to the best possible standards, through a customer centric experience.
We are one of the few facility companies who understand that people are at the core of every organisation, as such they are the most important investment we will ever make. Even as technology advances and buildings change, it is our leadership and personal contributions as Smart individuals that ultimately set us apart from our competitors.
Clients approach us for many different reasons. As a result, we have built a diverse team of world-class managers, engineers, contract supports and consultants, to ensure that we can meet any challenge.
Smart offers a truly flexible solution to meet your needs, systems and processes. Our teams will happily be trained to work from client bespoke systems where required, no questions asked.
Smart are not a faceless corporation. We are operationally led and business focused on providing visible management, alongside a team who believe in our core behaviours; Empowerment, Integrity and Passion – that is the Smart way.
Since being awarded the contract at 245 Hammersmith Road Smart have been making progressive strides to ensure that our social value output sits as a priority. We are very happy and honoured to be able to support such a great charity and we have been overwhelmed with the support and donations received so far. UNITED in Hammersmith and Fulham is a fantastic organisation, and one that we will continue to support. Smart are very much looking forward to the next fundraising opportunity.
About 245 Hammersmith
245 has been designed to offer a 5 star hotel ambience, with service levels to match for our occupiers and their guests.
We have employed a best in class dedicated team to meet the high standards required by progressive occupiers. Our onsite front of house and management team will provide exceptional levels of service. From a warm welcome as you enter the building, a full concierge service, and a full events programme designed to enhance the experience of working at 245.
We want our occupiers, guest and the surrounding local community to use our independent barista or food and beverage operators to catch up with friends, family and colleagues at breakfast or lunchtime. We are the place that the 245 Community can relax and take part in the up and coming events whether that be food pop ups, live music, showing of the world cup, Wimbledon or maybe a movie night. If they want to be more active they can book into one of the classes run by local personal trainers and organised by our front of house team. It is a place where the 245 Community can come together to raise money for others or even give a little back to the local community.
The highly qualified team will take a hands-on approach to managing the building, providing an agile and proactive response to management issues raised. We are creating a new occupier and owner relationship built on trust and transparency. The 245 team are there to help.
At 245 we are striving to be more than just a place of business, we want our occupiers to be part of the ‘245 Community’, with the help of our internal portal and app our occupiers and staff will be able to see what events are occurring and gain information on the building anytime anywhere. Using the portal occupiers can book in guests, deliveries or even hire the library area for team events. They can use the 245 loyalty card to obtain discounts at the surrounding retail, leisure and hotels.
The City Bridge Trust, the City of London Corporation’s charitable funder, has awarded £180,000 to Hammersmith United Charities for the development of UNITED in Hammersmith & Fulham as a place-based giving scheme in the diverse London borough. The project links those who want to support the community with local causes in-need that will best use their investment.
The grant will be released over five years (£47,000; £43,000; £37,000; £31,000; £22,000) with a focus on core funding.
Dhruv Patel, chairman of the City of London Corporation’s City Bridge Trust Committee, said: “At a time when public finances continue to be under significant strain, place-based giving schemes like UNITED in Hammersmith & Fulham are playing a really important role in tackling disadvantage in London.
“By using their grassroots knowledge of the issues which matter to local people and matching those who want to help their community with causes in need of support, they’re doing a fantastic job of building stronger communities and helping to make the borough a fairer place in which to live and work.”
Victoria Hill, CEO of Hammersmith United Charities said “We are grateful for the support of the City Bridge Trust to further our mission to revive the spirit of local philanthropy in partnership with Dr Edwards and Bishop King’s Fulham through the creation of UNITED in Hammersmith & Fulham.
“It will help continue the work that has already reached tens of thousands of people in need and bring people together to make Hammersmith and Fulham a borough where everyone thrives.”
Kevin McGrath DL OBE, Chair of UNITED in Hammersmith & Fulham, said “This grant from the City Bridge Trust means we can further important work to make our London borough a fairer place in which to work and live.
“We call for local individuals, businesses and institutions to partner with us through our activities, to ensure that local causes which are most in-need, such as homelessness, isolation, health inequality and racial disparity, are recognised and responded to in the most effective way possible.”
The City Bridge Trust, which was founded in 1995, gives £25m a year to charities fighting inequality and disadvantage in London.
West London Welcome provides food parcels for asylum seekers and refugees. PHOTO: TOMAS EVANS
[As published by LBHF Council]
Another 13 projects have been awarded grants from the charity UNITED in Hammersmith & Fulham, working with Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
The grants, made possible by the generosity of the public and local firms, will support frontline community activities to help residents in need during the coronavirus pandemic.
But more help is needed, with a plea being renewed for further donations to assist the efforts of volunteers and neighbourhood groups.
One of the local bodies benefiting from the latest tranche of grant aid is West London Welcome, which provides food parcels for asylum seekers and refugees whose plight has got steadily worse through lockdown.
The new batch of grants totals £11,682, helping 4,445 people. It means that 96 separate activities have been funded by the charity, which has now distributed £89,327.
“Thanks to more than 400 donors we have been able to help so many people,” said Cllr Sue Fennimore, Deputy Leader of H&F Council. “If you can help, it’s not too late to make a donation to help local residents in need.”
Barons Court Project – £578
Sharing 2,000 printed wellbeing packs with other community groups, including the Foodbank, Smile Brigade and Hestia.
Bishop Creighton House – £1,000
Continuing to meet the need of 250 older socially isolated people with complex health needs, via telephone checks and extra support.
Citizens Advice Hammersmith & Fulham – £1,000
Providing 30 hours of interpreting for those hit hardest by Covid-19, and unable to access benefits support.
Elmgrove House Extra Care Home – £350
Providing activities for residents who are shielding, and those able to take part in communal gardening, crafts and exercise.
Family Friends – £1,000
Shop & drop service for disadvantaged families with children under 16.
Fulham Good Neighbours – £1,000
Enabling weekly online social clubs to tackle isolation and loneliness for older people in Fulham, including an art club and reading group.
Old Oak Primary – £987
Buying books for a lockdown library, to encourage 250 children, many on estates, to enjoy reading.
Outside Edge Theatre Company – £1,000
Online drama and pastoral care to support recovering addicts and those at risk of, or affected by, addiction.
Peabody Community Foundation – £997
Running a four-session podcasting project, telling the stories of Old Oak during COVID-19.
River House Trust – £771
Buying three sets of bistro tables and chairs so older people with HIV can be invited for socially distanced tea.
Sands End Associated Projects In Action – £1,000
Buying a gazebo to enable outdoor activities for children who have spent weeks indoors, with the focus on woodwork and nature.
The Violence Intervention Project – £1,000
Restarting a mobile food service to young people and families at risk of violence.
West London Welcome – £1,000
Keeping the foodbank going through the summer for refugees and asylum seekers.
If you’re a community organisation you can apply for funding here.
Stoll provides housing, support and advice for 157 war veterans
[As published by LBHF Council]
As the grant distribution programme from the UNITED in Hammersmith & Fulham charity enters its 10th week, it has made a difference to more than 130,000 people.
Working together with H&F Council, the Hammersmith-based charity has been making fuss-free awards to frontline community groups supporting residents during the pandemic.
This week, a Fulham veterans’ group is benefiting from the generosity of corporate and individual donors – housing charity Stoll – with its imposing white gateposts beside Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge stadium in Fulham Road.
Established to support wounded soldiers returning from the First World War, its founder, Sir Oswald Stoll, set up the first home in Fulham in 1916… and it has been on the site ever since.
Stoll provides housing for 157 veterans, an advice drop-in service, specialist medical and mental wellbeing support, social activities and community care for those living independently.
“It’s important that we remember our veterans,” said Cllr Sue Fennimore, Deputy Leader at H&F Council. “The work of Stoll makes a big difference to so many who served their country in time of conflict. And I’d like to thank everyone for their generous donations.”
The latest batch of grants total £4,000, bringing to 83 the number of organisations and groups awarded grants. In total, £77,645 has been distributed.
West London Covid-19 Support Group – £1,000
Providing tailored food deliveries to elderly, vulnerable and disabled residents in the borough.
Urban Partnership Group – £1,000
Food distribution and delivery on the White City estate, particularly to those affected by changes to the furlough scheme.
Stoll (the Sir Oswald Stoll Foundation) – £1,000
Enhancing the independent living service and other support for elderly veterans, including domestic support for the frail and disabled.
Yarrow Housing Limited – £1,000
Art material, delivered by bicycle to people with learning disabilities, so they can express their feelings about coronavirus using visual art, and providing emotional support, helping reduce their risk of them being targeted and exploited.
If you’re a community organisation you can apply for funding today via UNITED’s website.
[As published by LBHF Council]
Almost £50,000 in donations has now been passed to groups helping the response to the coronavirus outbreak, thanks to the generosity of donors.
New recipients of cash grants from UNITED in Hammersmith and Fulham, working with Hammersmith & Fulham Council, include a young carers’ support group and a project addressing period poverty.
In the space of six weeks, 54 groups have been given grant aid totalling £49,795, and UNITED continues to raise funds as it works towards a £100,000 target.
The charity has announced its sixth round of funding to help active groups, including Bloody Good Period which provides menstrual products via foodbanks, hostels, emergency housing and direct help to women who can’t afford to buy them.
Cllr Sue Fennimore, Deputy Leader at H&F Council, praised the continuing work of UNITED and the generous donors who have given money to help others. “It represents a significant community effort by so many people, and it is helping where help is most urgently needed,” she said.
Bloody Good Period – £1,000
Providing menstrual products via foodbanks, hostels, emergency housing and direct help.
Honeypot Children’s Charity – £1,000
Building a safety net for young carers in crisis and requiring intervention, through engagement packs and virtual activities.
Lido Foundation – £1,000
Providing meals for older and vulnerable residents currently fasting for Ramadan, and who would normally go to Shepherds Bush Mosque for this.
St Andrews Fulham Fields – £1,000
Responding to requests from people who require food cards, shopping and delivery.
The Kids Network Hammersmith & Fulham – £1,000
Building a virtual network to ensure vulnerable children are not alone, and that their needs are heard and met.
Sudanese Association – £850
Supporting young Sudanese people and adults, including the disabled, with classes and shopping.
Mutual Aid Hammersmith – £500
Leaflet and poster printing costs, to inform people about the group.
Anyone can give to the appeal, today: Donate to the appeal
If you’re a community organisation you can apply for funding via United’s website.
[As published by LBHF Council]
Thanks to the generosity of H&F residents and businesses, further grants have been made to support community groups in their efforts to get help to where it is most needed.
More than £6,000 has been channelled to frontline organisations by the charity UNITED in Hammersmith & Fulham in partnership with Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
Grants have already made a real difference to 41,000 at-risk people as the borough comes together to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
In all, an impressive £44,445 has now been awarded to 69 organisations in H&F in just four weeks – and the UNITED charity is continuing to raise funds which will go to the volunteers working to reach those who would otherwise struggle.
“This appeal is about helping local people most in need and I thank everyone for their continued support,” said Cllr Sue Fennimore, Deputy Leader at H&F Council.
Among the organisations benefiting from the latest batch of grant awards is The Kids Network Hammersmith & Fulham, which is raising money to train 30 mentors to support 30 vulnerable youngsters, and supply them with tablet PCs, art equipment and books.
“We all feel the effects of isolation, but for some children these times are even scarier, more lonely and more damaging,” said a Kids Network spokesperson. “This project will make the most of what people have to offer; time, happiness and connectivity. It will make a difference to each child’s life by building confidence, resilience and developing the tools to manage their feelings for a positive future.”
Anyone can give to the appeal:
And if you are a community organisation, you can apply for funding today.
The following organisations have received new grants from H&F Council and UNITED in Hammersmith & Fulham:
H&F Covid 19 support – £1,000
Delivering 75 food parcels a week to elderly, disabled and vulnerable residents via Facebook contacts.
Hestia – £1,000
Supplying tablet PCs to women and children who have fled abuse, to enable digital access and home schooling.
Harrow Club W10 – £500
Online arts and crafts workshops and craft packs for Old Oak Junior Club members and their families.
Ay Group Community Services CIC – £1,000
Organising and delivering food and essentials to NHS staff and residents.
Community Education Forum – £1,000
Providing hot cooked meals to Somali elders, particularly those recovering from coronavirus, or who are alone during Ramadan.
Association of Moroccan Residents UK – £900
Supporting single and isolated Moroccans aged 70+ with shopping, advice and phone befriending.
The Kids Network Hammersmith & Fulham – £1,000
Training mentors to support some of the most vulnerable children in the community.
Thanks to a surge in generous donations and the support of H&F Council, a further £10,085 has been distributed this week by local charity UNITED in Hammersmith and Fulham.
It takes the total of awarded grants to £30,535 to 33 groups in the space of three weeks, reaching an estimated 18,785 at-risk people in the borough. Recently, Brook Green-based mixer drink company Fever-Tree donated £10,000 to the appeal.
UNITED chair Kevin McGrath said that the appeal for funds would remain open as long as the current emergency lasts. “We’re proud to work at such a speed, enabling and distributing vital funds to those protecting those residents most at risk,” he said.
Cllr Sue Fennimore, Deputy Leader at H&F Council, added: “The response to this appeal has been swift, generous and heartwarming – and it is making a real difference to those most in need in our community.”
The following organisations have received new grants from H&F Council and UNITED:
Barons Court Project – £1,000
Phone credit allowing homeless guests to stay in contact with friends and family and call trusted team members for support.
Elmgrove House Extra Care Home – £350
Providing arts and crafts, model-making, jigsaws and writing sets to counter isolation for those with dementia, learning disabilities, mental health conditions, sensory impairments and substance misuse issues.
Family Friends – £1,000
Food and essentials to 25 vulnerable families in the north of the borough.
For the People, From the People – £1,000
Activity packs, food parcels, toiletries, masks and gloves to those in isolation.
H&F Law Centre – £785
Purchase of laptop and printer to enable legal advice to be given remotely to people in poverty, applying for benefits, on job issues, loss of housing, and homelessness.
Harrow Club W10 – £300
Helping those in poverty or temporary housing with online support sessions.
Mother and Child Welfare Organisation – £1,000
Food, medicine, fuel, support and advice for elderly people in the Somali community.
Play Association H&F – £1,000
Buying PPE and giving extra support to families with children with special education needs.
Sands End Associated Projects in Action – £900
Weekly activity boxes and support for the children of at-risk households.
The Minaret Centre – £1,000
Creating a distribution point at the Somali community centre for supplies to those facing food poverty.
Violence Intervention Project – £750
Supporting young people involved in gangs and violence, and their families.
West London Welcome – £1,000
Ensuring asylum seekers have medicine, food, housing and financial support, plus phone credit to maintain regular contact.
If you’re a community organisation, you can apply for funding via UNITED’s website.
Click here to donate to the UNITED in H&F Coronavirus Response Appeal.
By Savraj Kaur, Executive Director
2020 kicked off to a positive start with the first installation of ‘Humans of Hammersmith & Fulham’ touring exhibition at our first venue, the Lyric Theatre Hammersmith. It included a launch party, hosted by UNITED in Hammersmith & Fulham patron Lord Dubs, accompanied by laughter, flowing drinks and emotional exchanges.
Many people enjoyed viewing the portraits and reading the sitters’ stories in the weeks that followed. The exhibition then moved to the Skittle Alley at the Black Lion W6, where the display was browsed alongside slow riverside lunches and evening visits.
And I was in the process of planning the next display in a gorgeous historic room at Fulham Palace, complete with a garden party slot, when the virus hit.
But where most odds, including my own workload, were stacked against the continuation of Humans of Hammersmith & Fulham, I felt it even more necessary to continue with the project.
Why?
Because our community still exists even if behind closed doors.
Because we should understand what our neighbours are going through.
Because we’re able to share with the technology we have.
And because it’s healthy, as humans, to stay connected.
I’m delighted to start to collect stories showcasing and preserving ‘pandemic life’ in our borough. This will be share on Instagram and Facebook, with a shorter text versions on Twitter. And (much, much) later be displayed in a digital touring exhibition where we will invite you to come and celebrate how we got through it all.
To me, Humans of Hammersmith & Fulham has always been about the value every individual brings to the borough, and offering an equal platform to be seen and heard. It doesn’t matter if you’re struggling alone, doing the best you can, over-eating, or working in a large response effort – your story matters as much as the next person.
We are all in this together and everyone at UNITED in Hammersmith & Fulham hopes it helps people to feel more in touch.
Our quarterly newsletter includes information about community grants, local projects and initiatives that we support, fundraising appeals and promotional information.
© H&F GIVING 2023. Registered Charity No. 1187649, Company No: 11436689
Contact | Privacy and Cookies | Research & Reports | Recruitment
