One Community Celebrates a Landmark Year of Growth, Impact, and Community Leadership at AGM 202
A Year of Record Impact
In 2024–25, One Community supported 3,284 local people, up from 2,952 last year – a powerful reflection of growing community engagement and trust.
Our achievements include:
- 196 residents supported into employment
- 1,862 hours contributed by volunteers
- Meaningful one-to-one support through programmes such as Steps to Success, VIP, Little Things That Mean a Lot, and Work Mondays
Behind each statistic is a story of real change. One resident, recovering from a heart attack and facing financial hardship, received support applying for PIP and even had her phone contract renegotiated – saving her £45 every month. These everyday victories represent the spirit of One Community.
Programmes Driving Local Transformation
Our programmes continue to grow in reach and relevance:
- Little Things That Mean a Lot assisted 71 residents with practical day-to-day needs from digital help to important paperwork.
- Steps to Success and Headstart to Employment welcomed a total of 533 new enquiries, offering tailored guidance toward employment and personal development.
- VIP (Volunteer Investment Programme) continues to be a pathway to employment with 28 people building experience and confidence to work.
- Work Club Mondays has become a weekly lifeline for CV support, interview prep, and job searching supporting 504 local residents
One Community also remains a Hate Incident Reporting Centre and provides specialist support for people newly arrived in the UK.
Strong Governance and Leadership
During the AGM, members re-elected Trustees Maricia Johnson as a Board of Trustee, Aderemi Shodipe as the Treasurer and Michael Ojo as a Board of Trustee, with Lela Campbell continuing as Honorary Chair.
We also recognised the retirement of long-serving Trustee Tim Harrold, whose decade of dedication has shaped our growth. Tim played a key role in strengthening local arts partnerships, supporting major community trips, and helping develop our strategic vision, Building the New Different. We thank him sincerely and wish him well in the next chapter.
Celebrating Partnerships That Make Our Work Possible
Our community programmes and events are powered by the generous support of local partners including c2c, Tilbury Taxis, Amazon UK, Cazoo, TK Maxx, and Marks & Spencer, alongside essential funding from Greggs Foundation, ASDA Foundation, Lloyds Bank Foundation, and The National Lottery Community Foundation.
Our growing relationship with Grays DWP has also enabled our employment programmes to reach more people than ever before.
Introducing: Friends of One Community
One of the evening’s most exciting announcements was the launch of Friends of One Community – a new supporter network designed to bring residents, partners, and local champions into the heart of our mission.
For as little as £10 – £15 per month, Friends can directly support life-changing programmes and receive opportunities to get involved, volunteer, and help shape future initiatives.
This marks an important step toward creating a more sustainable One Community – powered not just by grants, but by the people we serve.
A Night of Connection, Vision, and Momentum
Held at The Gateway Academy, this year’s AGM drew strong attendance of over 70 people from residents, partners, and supporters. The evening included programme updates, trustee voting, future plans, and thoughtful discussion – followed by shared food, conversation, and warmth.
Looking Ahead
As we move into 2025, One Community remains committed to being a trusted anchor organisation for Tilbury and Southern Thurrock – delivering opportunity, promoting wellbeing, and building a community where everyone feels they belong.
We invite residents to join us in shaping the next chapter.
Become a Friend of One Community.
Help us inspire prosperity for all.
Written by Malikah Boucher Hart & Keeley Brenchley