A partnership helped Good Neighbours create a welcoming space for local families

Good Neighbours knows what its community needs to make an event work.

The volunteer-led organisation, made up of residents from Coldbath Estate and the surrounding area, runs inclusive events for children, young people and families. Its aim is to bring neighbours together, strengthen community connections and support wellbeing.

Summer Jam & Talent Show, held on 23 August, was one of those events.

Behind the performances and activities were a few things that needed to be sorted before the day could happen. Good Neighbours needed equipment for younger children and toilet facilities for everyone attending.

They brought both requests to Match My Project, and Ian Williams Ltd supported both.

A Kids Corner for younger children

Good Neighbours had already created a Kids Corner at its community events, with foam flooring, hoppers and family games.

The space was being used by local families, but the organisation wanted to make it more suitable for children under five. The team asked for sensory and early years play equipment, including a play tent, stacking toys, a toddler rocking horse, a reusable water painting mat and a sand and water table.

Ian Williams Ltd responded. 

The new equipment was introduced at Summer Jam, giving younger children a dedicated place to play, explore and socialise while their families took part in the wider event.

Good Neighbours expects its events to reach around 350 to 500 local residents over the year, including children, families and carers.

Making sure families could stay for the day

A few weeks later, Good Neighbours returned to Match My Project with another request.

Summer Jam was taking place on a communal green space without public toilets nearby. The organisation needed portable facilities so children, families, volunteers, performers and older residents could stay at the event comfortably.

Good Neighbours had already secured the venue and organised the activities, entertainment and volunteers. The portable toilets were one of the remaining practical needs.

Ian Williams Ltd stepped in again to support the hire.

This helped Good Neighbours keep the event free while providing an essential facility for the people attending.

Good Neighbours described Ian Williams as “responsive, supportive and a pleasure to work with”, adding that its contribution had made “a real difference to our community event.”

Two requests, one partnership

The two matches addressed different needs, but both came from Good Neighbours as it prepared for the same community event.

The partnership also continued after the first match. When Good Neighbours had another clearly defined need, it knew who it could approach. Ian Williams was able to respond again.

“We really appreciate their continued support of Good Neighbours and our local community.”

Sinead O’Neil from the Ian Williams Team described Good Neighbours as “a great organisation to work with.”

The second match gave the partnership a chance to continue beyond a single request. Good Neighbours brought another need forward, and Ian Williams was able to build on what had already been established between them.

The details behind a welcoming event

The Kids Corner gave younger children somewhere to play. The portable toilets made the event easier for families, volunteers, performers and older residents.

Both helped Good Neighbours put the practical pieces in place around the activities, performances and community gathering it had organised.

For Good Neighbours, these details helped to create regular opportunities for children, young people and families to meet, spend time together and build connections on the estate.

About Match My Project

Match My Project connects community organisations with local businesses to deliver Social Value. Get in touch at hello@matchmyproject.org to find out how your organisation can get started.