In 2020, our funding from Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung was instrumental. We are happy to report that we have received a second grant from RLS.
The main priority for our 2020 grant was the development of the Seven Sisters Market Tenants Association. Supporting the SSMTA is one of the Trust’s four objectives. Due to the prolonged closure of the market, this was of critical importance. Viviana da Silva supported the organisation and coordination amongst traders on key issues as a part-time Trader Organiser. These issues included TfL’s financial hardship support to traders, and the Trust’s temporary market proposal. In addition, the grant also supported the Trust’s efforts to work make the case for the Community Plan.
Given how crucial this funding was in 2020, we’re immensely grateful to have been supported by RLS for the second year running.
This year, part of the grant continues to support the development of the SSMTA. This portion will provide the second stage of a training and capacity building programme, and the continuation of Viviana as Trader Organiser.
Alongside this, the main focus of the 2021 funding is the development of the Trust itself. We’ve been able to recruit our first paid worker, Elara Shurety, who started in late June. Elara, as our Development Manager, will support the work and organisation of the Trust, and the development of the Wards Corner Community Benefit Society. Our funding will also cover professional consultancy, as well as various organisational costs. These include costs for legal documents, web assets, and the registration of the CBS.
In addition, the third portion of this funding will consolidate and advance design work on the Community Plan by topping up funding from the Architectural Heritage Fund. It will also enable us to procure a necessary project management service.
This funding places the Trust and the Wards Corner CBS in a strong position to deliver the Community Plan. Since its start, we’ve already seen the benefits. For instance, following Grainger’s withdrawal we were able to gain coverage in major publications due to our increased capacity. Highlights include a Guardian opinion piece by our Trustees, alongside coverage in the Times, Independent, the Guardian, ITV News, Metro, Tottenham Community Press, and Caracol. We look forward to continuing this progress for the remainder of 2021.