We are pleased to announce that Havering Changing has been awarded funding for an extension year from Arts Council England for 2025-26. 

Havering Changing is delighted to have been awarded funding by Arts Council England’s Creative People and Places National Portfolio Funding for the people living in our community to continue to lead their own inspiring creative programmes. This means that Havering Changing is funded by the Arts Council England until at least March 2026.

Havering Changing would like to thank all of the Change Makers, participants, volunteers, community partners and funders, who include the London Borough of Havering, Clarion Futures and Romford BID, who have all played such an important part in the success of the project so far.

James Jackson, Project Director for Havering Changing said:

'We are thrilled by the support shown by Arts Council England in continuing to fund this amazing project. Since November 2019, local people have come together to create and celebrate on their doorsteps, at bustling markets, in our beautiful green spaces, in busy high streets, and in much-loved community, youth and faith spaces.

By our community coming together we have made all this happen, and in doing so, have staged over 500 free events and activities, opened 4 creativity hubs, engaged more than 50,000 people in hyperlocal arts and culture, and invested over £1.5 million into the local creative economy.

Havering Changing has four ‘Change Maker’ groups where members of our community come together to choose which creative and cultural activities they want to see take place. Our Change Makers speak of the impact of the Havering Changing programme and what it means to them: 

“Havering Changing means everything to me. Being brought up and have lived in the Borough most of my life I feel honoured to be a part of a project that has benefited old and new residents in Havering.” - Alex Button

“Havering Changing to me represents community involvement, bringing arts & events to our local area, giving people the opportunity to experience arts & culture where they live, which I'm glad to be a part of.” - Elaine Hayes-Patten

Havering Changing has brought a lot of people together from different cultures that wouldn't have had the opportunity to meet otherwise. - Marie McLaughlan