Community news
West Silvertown Foundation: empowering residents and strengthening neighbourhoods
West Silvertown Foundation (WSF) recently marked another year of achievements with the launch of its 2024 Impact Report. As the organisation approaches its 30th anniversary, the report highlights how it remains a cornerstone of life in West Silvertown - strengthening community connections, building resilience, and nurturing a vibrant and thriving neighbourhood.
Operating from Britannia Village Hall and Royal Wharf Community Dock, WSF delivered an expanded programme of activities in 2024. Key highlights include:
- Service delivery increased by 25% from 2023, providing 2595 hours of activities and services over the year - an average of 50 hours per week
- 1740 people attended regular activities
- 76 volunteers gave 2260 hours of time to serve their community
- 32 people were employed on the London Living Wage with over 50% of staff walking to work
- 20 organisations used WSF’s spaces for community events and meetings
WSF remains one of our key allies in the Royal Docks. Helen and her team deliver essential services for local residents and are in many ways the foundations of the Silvertown community.
Matt Davies, Head of Economic Development, Royal Docks Team
ESOL students at Limehouse marina
Supporting new arrivals and tackling food insecurity
A major highlight of 2024 was WSF’s Welcome Project, supporting 150 refugees and new arrivals with free English classes, monthly London trips, cultural exchanges, and community lunches. The project helped newcomers not just improve their language skills, but build confidence, friendships, and a deeper sense of belonging.
WSF’s Community Food Pantry, launched in mid-2023, grew significantly in 2024. By the year end, 92 households regularly attended the pantry, paying a small fee for access to groceries valued up to £25. Supported by food partners and volunteers, the pantry promoted dignity and choice for all members by offering a shopping experience where members choose their items.
Summer scheme activities included a youth leaders training programme and a zumba fun day.
Activities for all ages
WSF’s social activities for adults flourished, including table tennis, salsa, pasta-making classes, and a women’s meet-up group.
Children and families remained central to WSF’s mission. Almost 1,000 individuals benefited from a packed programme, with 8 sessions a week for under-5s, after-school kids’ clubs, and special seasonal events such as Lunar New Year celebrations and Halloween parties. A SEND stay-and-play session ensured children with additional needs and their families felt supported and included.
Young people leading the way
WSF’s youth programme engaged 321 young people aged 10–19 — an 18% increase on 2023. Programmes included Youth Club, leadership training, mentoring, and a Summer Scheme. Young leaders were at the heart of the Summer Scheme, with 34 teenagers planning and running activities daily for over 100 younger participants. Roller skating, DJ workshops, dance performances, and adventure trips were some of the year's highlights.
The Silvertown Partnership is proud to work with West Silvertown Foundation. We’re committed to creating spaces that foster connection and provide opportunities for existing and future residents, and WSF’s insights are supporting us to ensure that these spaces will genuinely serve the people who call, and will call, Silvertown home.
Zen Mumtaz , Socio-Economic Development Manager, Silvertown Partnership
Looking ahead
Although 2024 presented challenges, including funding pressures and uncertainties around tenancy arrangements, the organisation adapted, reorganising activities and staffing where needed. WSF remains firmly focused on expanding its reach, with plans progressing to refurbish Britannia Village Hall, creating a more modern, flexible space to better serve the needs of the growing community.
Read the West Silvertown Impact Report - here
West Silvertown Foundation (WSF) has been working at the heart of the community for the past 29 years. Proudly community-led since 1995, the organisation has partnered with neighbours to navigate challenges, support the most vulnerable residents and break down barriers in the community.
To support WSF’s work or to get involved visit: https://wsfroyaldocks.org/
If you would like to donate to the charity’s work you can donate via their secure Local Giving page at localgiving.org/wsf
Read our interview with Helen Fernandes, CEO of West Silvertown Foundation, who talks about local life and why Britannia Village Hall and Royal Wharf Community Dock are the heart of the Royal Docks.
