Hackney is a fantastic place, but it has many problems and is a borough of extremes. While prosperity (measured by median average annual residence income) is above the national average, 2010 saw the borough’s average deprivation score rank it as the second most deprived Local Authority in England. Many of the most deprived communities are long-established, with poverty and lack of opportunity an inter-generational problem. Some of the children of these communities do manage to create a pathway, through education, to a better life. Equally, with its vibrant nightlife, Hackney is a magnet for students coming to London universities. If we can link the enthusiasm and idealism of the young and educated with the needs of our communities, we can enrich their education and support the process of building strong, confident, inclusive communities that can create positive and lasting change in the community.

What we'll deliver:

• Build bridges with academic departments to create opportunities for students to get involved with Hackney's communities
• Work with local student unions to create student societies that encourage students to 'give back' to the community
• Train students in community organising so that they can share their skills whilst also learning from the community
• Develop a database of 'needs' of local community groups including research opportunities that we will share
• Undertake research into permanent funding opportunities to make this a permanent project

Why it's a great idea:

Hackney is a fantastic place, but it has many problems and is a borough of extremes. While prosperity (measured by median average annual residence income) is above the national average, 2010 saw the borough’s average deprivation score rank it as the second most deprived Local Authority in England. Many of the most deprived communities are long-established, with poverty and lack of opportunity an inter-generational problem. Some of the children of these communities do manage to create a pathway, through education, to a better life. Equally, with its vibrant nightlife, Hackney is a magnet for students coming to London universities. If we can link the enthusiasm and idealism of the young and educated with the needs of our communities, we can enrich their education and support the process of building strong, confident, inclusive communities that can create positive and lasting change in the community. By encouraging ‘give back’ we can begin to build strong sustainable communities.

Steps to get it done:

• Recruit a part time (one day per week) facilitator to ‘build bridges’ between students and the community
• Meet with leading academics interested in community/academic collaboration
• Create a framework through which students and communities can meet (a sort of 'matchmakers' for research)
• Utilise out network of volunteers to add value to the project