Who We ARE
Just FACT is a 5 year partnership programme led by Women’s Environmental Network (Wen) with research from Platform London. It is made up of a network of people and projects in Tower Hamlets, and is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund (TNLCF)’s Climate Action Fund.
The Partnership
The partnership is made up of organisations and groups delivering funded projects as part of Just FACT. So far it includes Platform London, St Hildas East Community Centre, Sunny Jar Eco Hub, Public Works, Limehouse Town Hall, Leaders in Community, Cranbrook Community Food Garden, Rice Marketing. Lucy Harbor from CAG Consultants is 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 HARCA.
The Blueprint Architects
This group brings together a wider network of community leaders, organisations, activists and residents who are engaged in the food system of Tower Hamlet. The group is coordinated by Platform London, who leads on the research for the programme, making sure Just FACT stays informed by, accountable and responsive to those most affected by food injustices in the borough.
The Forum
Through Tower Hamlets Food Partnership, there is a strategic forum made up of food policy partners, housing partners, and local decision-makers. Their role is to advise the programme and help us advocate for change. So far this has included representatives from Tower Hamlet Borough Council, Poplar HARCA, Tower Hamlets CVS, Sustain, London Food Board, Land Workers Alliance, Shared Assets and Table.
Our Vision
Our overall programme vision is to create an environmentally sustainable and socially just food system in Tower Hamlets.
In other words, we want to see 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 see 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
We will centre important local and cultural perspectives and experiences, and work to transfer power and ownership to local people and projects.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION
We will value different skill sets and appreciate that everyone has something to offer. We will address and seek to overcome any barriers.
JUST TRANSITION
We will 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
We will respect and protect the environment in the way we deliver our projects. This includes moving from extractive to regenerative practices.
JOY AND FRIENDSHIP
We will deliver activities that are joyful and engaging, that forge new friendships and work towards greater connection, wellbeing and shared purpose.