Tilbury on the Thames Trust

One Community Development Trust Honoured with Tilbury on the Thames Trust Impact Award 

Tilbury, Essex – One Community Development Trust is proud to announce it has received a Community Impact Award from Tilbury on the Thames Trust, presented by RCCG Fruitfulland, in recognition of its ongoing contributions to the Tilbury area.

 The award acknowledges One Community’s deep-rooted commitment to empowering local residents, promoting inclusion, and supporting a wide range of grassroots initiatives. This includes its vital role in the 2019 Tilbury Carnival, where the Trust helped recruit and coordinate volunteers to create and carry vibrant, handmade flags—bringing life, colour, and cultural richness to a landmark community event inspired by the legacy of the Empire Windrush. 

The Tilbury Carnival was part of a major celebratory project funded by the Windrush Day Fund, the Port of Tilbury, Thurrock Council, and Arts Council England. The event marked a continuation of Tilbury’s connection to the Empire Windrush, which docked at the Tilbury Cruise Terminal in 1948. Working in partnership with organisations including Kinetika and the Tilbury on the Thames Trust, One Community hosted design sessions for the carnival’s signature 30 silk flags, helping residents from all backgrounds contribute their stories to the celebration.

 “We’re incredibly honoured to receive this award,” said Yewande Kannike, CEO of One Community. “It’s a tribute to the hard work and dedication of our staff, volunteers, and local partners. We believe that real change happens when communities come together, and this recognition reflects the impact of that collective effort.”

Beyond the carnival, One Community continues to support Tilbury through vital services such as employment support, counselling and wellbeing programmes, youth development, digital skills training, and community outreach. The Trust also plays a key role in hosting events, promoting civic engagement, and ensuring the voices of underrepresented groups are heard.

The award presentation marks not just a moment of reflection, but a renewed commitment to strengthening Tilbury’s future. It affirms the shared mission between One Community and Tilbury on the Thames Trust: to invest in people, build pride in place, and celebrate the stories that make the community unique.