Community Power
Radical Place-Based Leadership
Our Story: It Started with a Conversation
In early 2025, Sandra White (the Chair of the Harlesden Neighbourhood Forum) joined a series of conversations with Brent Council and other local project leaders. They weren't just talking about fixing potholes or picking up litter, but asking a bigger question: How can we stop doing things in Harlesden and start doing things with Harlesden?
This was the birth of the Harlesden Pilot. We realised that the Council's old approach was not working for complex issues like housing, health, and jobs. We needed a Radical shift, one that puts the community in the driving seat.
The Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INT)
To make this real, we created Integrated Neighbourhood Teams (INT). Think of this as an all-in-one team of experts, social workers, health professionals, debt advisors, and employment coaches all working together in a single, collaborative space right here in the community.
Instead of you having to tell your story five times to five different departments, the team works around your interconnected needs.
Why Harlesden?
We chose Harlesden as the testing ground because this community has an incredible spirit and a strong network of local groups. While we face challenges with deprivation and health, we also have the willing partners needed to challenge the status quo and try something completely new.
This is a journey from trust-building to real community power. We are learning as we go, making sure that local leadership is diverse, skilled, and ready to lead Harlesden into a fairer future.
Want to get involved? We are currently recruiting for Neighbourhood Advisory Boards and training young leaders through the Synchrony Project for the Youth Advisory Board. Come sit at the table with us!
