The idea
Henrietta’s Kitchen & Community TV Hub is a user-led project in Fulham providing food, creativity, and support. Each week we help over 100 people, including elderly residents, carers, lone-parent families, people with disabilities, and those facing homelessness. The kitchen offers meals, friendship, and a safe space, led by volunteers who collect, pack, and distribute food.
Our Community TV Channel gives locals the chance to share stories and gain media skills. We’ve filmed music, interviews, and photography practice, with content on our website. A veteran journalist will present and mentor, while an experienced broadcaster and DJ will produce and present our documentary. We’ve also interviewed actor and author Paterson Joseph, showing the calibre of voices involved.
The community has asked for events that bring people together. We are preparing Black History Month, a Christmas gathering, and further creative activities to be filmed and shared.
What we'll deliver
- Install a chest freezer and coffee machine to expand food storage and service
- Provide weekly food and refreshments for 100+ people, with outreach deliveries.
- Furnish the hall with 4 small coffee tables to create a welcoming hub space.
- Run monthly Community TV recordings covering local events, stories, and performances
- Host community celebrations including Black History Month and Christmas gatherings.
- Train volunteers in Food Hygiene, Safeguarding, and DBS checks to build capacity.
- Purchase a laptop and production equipment to support editing and broadcast.
Why it's a great idea
- Enhances cultural awareness and community pride through events like Black History Month and Christmas gatherings, fostering inclusivity and shared experiences.
- Provides creative outlets and tangible outputs via filmed activities, encouraging personal expression and recognising local talent.
- Showcases high-profile collaborations, such as with actor and author Paterson Joseph, inspiring deeper community involvement and raising the project’s profile.
- Nurtures intergenerational connections, bridging gaps between different age groups and backgrounds through shared activities and stories.
- Delivers opportunities for knowledge-sharing with professional mentoring from journalists and broadcasters, boosting employability and aspirations.
Steps to get it done
- Purchase & set up equipment (Nov 2025)
- Train & support volunteers
- Film pilot community video (introducing Henrietta’s Kitchen and local voices)
- Produce 6 TV show episodes (monthly, with music, interviews, and stories)
- Host 3 live community events (Black History Month, Christmas, Easter)
- Final showcase & evaluation (Apr 2026)
