Just FACT was a 5 year partnership programme led by Women’s Environmental Network (Wen) with research from Platform London. It was made up of a network of people and projects in Tower Hamlets, and was funded by The National Lottery Community Fund (TNLCF)’s Climate Action Fund.
The Partnership
The partnership was made up of organisations and groups delivering funded projects as part of Just FACT. It has included Platform London, St Hildas East Community Centre, Sunny Jar Eco Hub, Public Works, Limehouse Town Hall, Leaders in Community/ the Teviot Centre, Cranbrook Community Food Garden, Compost Mentis/ Mile End Community Garden, Maya Productions, Folx Farm, misery medicine, Community Food Growers Network, Burdett Foundation, Providence Row, Society Links, Boil & Bubble, Stepney City Farm, Society Links, Seeds for Growth, Oitij-jo Collective, Somos Semilias, Rice Marketing. Lucy Harbor from CAG Consultants was the evaluation partner.
The sites for 3 of the projects; Limborough Hub (Wen), the Teviot Centre (Leaders in Community), R Urban Poplar (Public Works) are provided by Poplar HARC
The Blueprint Architects
This group brought together a wider network of community organisers and activists engaged in the food system of Tower Hamlet. The group was coordinated by Platform London, who led on the research for the programme.
Tower Hamlets Food Partnership
Just FACT grew out of the Tower Hamlets Food Partnership (THFP), a placed-based partnership, now consisting of 299 members representing a wide range of cross-sector organisations including grassroots organisations, local charities, faith-based groups, NHS bodies, schools, housing associations, academic institutions, trade unions, and the Council. The aim of THFP is to transform our local food system so that sustainable, good food is available to all.
Our Vision
Our overall programme vision was to create an environmentally sustainable and socially just food system in Tower Hamlets.
In other words, a food and land system that gives people the right to healthy, culturally appropriate food produced through socially just and ecologically sound methods.
OUR AIMS
- To create a resilient food system designed by and for diverse communities.
- To reduce CO2 emissions from food in Tower Hamlets.
- To create a stronger local and national movement for a just food and climate transition.
OUR APPROACH
We saw change happening at different levels:
PERSONAL EMPOWERMENT
Creating spaces for conversation, learning, and taking action together as a community or social group.
BUILDING ALTERNATIVES
Developing environmentally sustainable, resilient and socially just food systems within Tower Hamlets.
POLICY CHANGE
Promoting changes in policy and ways of working by creating a Blueprint for such a food system, which can be used by communities and cities elsewhere and have a wider impact.
OUR VALUES
COMMUNITIES IN THE LEAD
To centre important local and cultural perspectives and experiences, and work to transfer power and ownership to local people and projects.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION
To value different skill sets and appreciate that everyone has something to offer. We will address and seek to overcome any barriers.
JUST TRANSITION
To consider social justice alongside environmental issues, knowing that issues intersect and have the same root cause. We will take a holistic approach which considers all aspects of people’s lives.
CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
To respect and protect the environment in the way we deliver our projects. This includes moving from extractive to regenerative practices.
JOY AND FRIENDSHIP
To deliver activities that are joyful and engaging, that forge new friendships and work towards greater connection, wellbeing and shared purpose.