Current & Past Projects

Evidence Islington

Supporting collaboration and evidence-informed practice across Islington's VCFSE sector

Evidence Islington is a Voluntary Action Islington project that helps strengthen how the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector uses evidence to improve services and demonstrate impact. The project began with a borough-wide training needs assessment, which identified a strong demand for more support with research, evaluation and sharing learning across organisations.

In response, we are now developing the Evidence Forum Pilot Project to bring together VCFSE organisations, Islington Council and academic partners to share evidence, explore local issues and identify opportunities to collaborate. The Forum aims to build a stronger evidence-informed approach to improving outcomes for children and young people in Islington.

The Local Wellbeing Network

Strengthening local networks through partnership, collaboration and shared learning

The Local Wellbeing Networks project was led by Voluntary Action Islington in partnership with Octopus Community Network and a wide range of local community organisations, residents, faith groups, and public sector partners, with funding from Islington Council, to strengthen connections across Islington.

Working across North, Central and South Islington, the project created spaces for collaboration, shared learning, and community action. Through regular network meetings, events, and engagement activities, it supported organisations and residents to work together on local priorities including wellbeing, inequality, and community resilience.

Although the project has now concluded, it helped build stronger local partnerships, cross-sector collaboration, and lasting community connections that continue to support collaborative working across the borough.

Food Aid Capacity Building Project

Strengthening Islington's food aid network through collaboration, training and volunteer support

The Food Aid Providers Capacity Building Project was delivered by Voluntary Action Islington in partnership with Octopus Community Network, Help on Your Doorstep, Manor Gardens Welfare Trust, local food aid organisations, and community partners, with funding from Islington Council, in response to rising living costs and increasing demand for food support across Islington.

The project strengthened and connected local food aid providers through training, partnership working, volunteer development, bilingual support, and shared learning opportunities. It helped organisations provide more joined-up, person-centred support by linking food provision with advice, wellbeing, employability, and community services.

The project also worked directly with local food banks to recruit and support volunteers, many of whom were experiencing mental or physical health challenges. Over the course of the project, 30 volunteers were supported through mentoring, wraparound support, and signposting to relevant health, wellbeing, and community services, helping to build confidence, skills, and longer-term community involvement.

Although the project has now concluded, it helped strengthen collaboration across Islington’s food aid network and supported more sustainable, dignified approaches to community food support.