Lisa’s East London story

01/10/2026

For Black History Month 2026, we’re celebrating the people whose everyday contributions help strengthen and support our communities. We're honouring Lisa, an East Londoner whose Jamaican heritage, commitment to bringing people together and dedication to local community projects reflect the spirit of this year's theme.

A Caribbean legacy in East London

Born in Hackney to a Welsh father and Jamaican mother, Lisa was raised in East London by her mother and grandparents. Her grandmother came to the UK as part of the Windrush generation and worked as a midwife, while her mother trained as a nurse. Together, they built new lives in Britain while maintaining strong connections to their Caribbean roots.

“My grandmother was actually the first person to hold me,” Lisa says. “Both she and my mum faced prejudice when they came to this country, but they always cared for others. Their stories had a huge influence on me.”

Their resilience, compassion and commitment to helping others inspired Lisa’s own passion for community.

Finding community at her doorstep

Lisa shared that it wasn’t until she became a parent that she truly discovered the power of local community.

Visits to East London children’s centres, Idea Stores and local parks like Bartlett Park helped her build friendships, meet other families and connect with people living nearby.

Over time, these experiences inspired Lisa to give back to her community. She helped launch a new Squirrels section for the 5th Tower Hamlets Scout Group, supported women and families across East London through City Gateway’s Women’s Project, and helped local people build the confidence to access services and opportunities.

Creating Common Space

This passion led Lisa to create Common Space, a weekly drop-in session in Limehouse that has been bringing people together since 2021.

The space welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds to come together for tea, coffee, snacks, conversation, pool, board games, table tennis and friendship.

“We invite anybody from the community to come in, sit and chat and connect with each other,” Lisa says.

When asked who she would like to honour this Black History Month, Lisa is quick to recognise the people who help make Common Space possible.

“The team are amazing,” she says. “Without them, it wouldn’t happen.”

St Paul’s Way food co-op

More recently, Lisa found another sense of community through the St Paul’s Way Food Co-op. For £5 a week, members receive a selection of food and help run the co-op, from sorting deliveries to setting up sessions, creating a shared effort that benefits everyone involved.

After spotting people collecting food during a visit to St Paul’s Way Centre, Lisa decided to find out more.

“I realised it wasn’t like a food bank,” she explains. “You’re part of it. Everyone helps out.”

The friendships she has made have become just as important as the food itself. In particular, Lisa credits Andre, one of the Food Co-op volunteers, ad Chloe, who works in our Communities and Neighbourhoods team, for helping her feel welcome and encouraging her to get involved.

Start a food co-op near you

"Andre and Chloe bring me joy every week at the Food Co-op," she says. "They really encouraged me to become part of the community."

Life along our waterways

The Food Co-op also led Lisa to another opportunity she now loves with our women’s only boat club, Oar and Explore.

After mentioning that she missed kayaking, someone she met through the Food Co-op suggested joining the women’s paddling sessions. Now a regular participant, Lisa says being on the water has become an important part of her wellbeing.

"I love being close to the river and canals," she says. "Being on the water is just amazing."

Join our women's only boat club

Honouring Lisa

Lisa’s story shows the power of community, connection and belonging. Through Common Space, the Food Co-op and Oar and Explore, she continues to bring people together and help make East London a stronger and more welcoming place for everyone.