Established in 1965, Lambeth is home to approximately 318,000 residents, making it one of London’s most densely populated boroughs. With vibrant African and Caribbean communities, it stands as a hub of cultural diversity and heritage.

  To support local residents and community projects, Lambeth established the Changing Lives Social Value Fund. This initiative fosters employment, training, and volunteering opportunities while helping organisations bring their visions to life.

  Baobab Steelband received crucial support through this fund to advance its charitable objectives, enhance youth development and education, whilst fostering community participation. It has also strengthened our resilience for long-term growth.

  Founded in April 2018, Notting Hill Genesis (NHG) is one of London’s largest housing associations, managing 66,000 homes for 170,000 residents. The organisation serves a highly diverse population, and prioritises ways to enhance community life.

  NHG’s Love Where You Live Fund supports local projects that enhance wellbeing and social cohesion. Through this initiative, Baobab Steelband secured space in an NHG-managed community centre for rehearsals and instrument storage.

  This support enables us to champion participation in the arts, celebrate Steelpan culture and history, advance musical education, and improve health outcomes whilst bringing residents together to enrich our local community.

  Clarion Housing Association, part of Clarion Housing Group, is the UK’s largest provider of affordable housing, serving 360,000 residents since 2016.

  Clarion Futures, the group’s charitable foundation, supports employment, training, financial guidance, digital inclusion, and community development to help people overcome challenges and reach their potential.

  Founded in 1965, Places for People is a leading housing and regeneration group operating across England and Scotland.

  The Places for People Resilience Programme, launched in June 2023 with Clarion Futures and the Fusion21 Foundation, assists grassroots organisations through business support and grants to create lasting community impact.

  Baobab Steelband has benefited from core cost funding, networking opportunities, governance support, and strategy development, ensuring the continuation of our vital work.