Stamford Hill

Through the work of Keisha, as St Andrew’s N16 in Stamford Hill neighbourhood and Church-Based Community organiser, St. Andrew’s focused on strengthening the church community’s connections with the local area.
This included building relationships, growing the congregation, advocating for social justice, and providing training and development for church members.
Building Relationships
Much of the work as a neighbourhood and church-based organiser involves engaging with congregation members and the wider community. This involves listening to people’s stories, concerns, and aspirations and identifying and nurturing leaders within our community. These efforts create an intentionality that enables a more connected and supportive environment at St. Andrew’s.
Expanding the Congregation
Keisha’s work extends a hand to those in the local area who are not yet engaged with the church and their local community and would like to do so. She develops and implements strategies to welcome newcomers, making St. Andrew’s an inclusive and inviting space for everyone.
Acting for Justice

Through the neighbourhood organising arm of Keisha’s work, the church is trying to address social justice issues in their community. This is done by encouraging active participation from the congregation in campaigns for equity and justice, guided by the principles of community organising. They aim to bring about meaningful change in our local area by harnessing the power of collective action.

Most notably, they have successfully campaigned against the relocation of a Covid-19 Test Centre and supported residents of a local estate in their campaign for changes in the community. They also assisted the local community in addressing the issue of street rubbish and continue to work with the community to demonstrate our solidarity and unity.

Training and Development

Through the organising work, training and development opportunities for church members are ongoing, equipping them with the skills to lead and engage in church activities and community organising efforts. This includes conducting workshops on leadership, advocacy, and effective communication.

In the above work, local people-led initiatives have emerged with St Andrews, Stamford Hill community within the Church and the neighbourhood.

  • All Age Church: Keshia collaborated with local mothers to create a family worship experience that engages adults and children. She played a key role in leading and planning these sessions, ensuring they meet the needs of our diverse community.
  • Stamford Hill Unites: As part of the core planning team for Stamford Hill Unites, Keisha engaged actively with the local community. Her work here is focused on building strong relationships, empowering residents, and fostering collaboration to address local issues and promote social justice.
  • Interfaith Garden Group: Keisha worked with the local community to create a natural space for promoting and harnessing relationships. This garden serves as a symbol of unity and collaboration among people of different faiths and backgrounds in our area.