Our Community Programme
Harnessing gifted business support to enhance Islington’s community sector
and create a borough that’s equal for all
In a borough where there is still so much poverty, inequality and isolation, Islington’s not-for-profit sector provides
a lifeline to many local residents. Whether that be diverting young people away from knife crime,
combating isolation amongst older residents or supporting people with mental health problems.
Our Community Programme takes a needs-led approach and sees us spending time to understand what our community partners are trying to achieve, along with the challenges they face. By doing this we’re able to direct our businesses and their employees to provide the right support when it’s needed most.
This is at the very heart of what we do.
In 2022/23, over 2,000 business volunteers supported
Islington communities across our three main programmes:
Skills-based volunteering
Since 2013 BIG Alliance has helped over 2,500 volunteers deliver their corporate skills and expertise to charities and community groups, allowing them to deliver over 12,000 hours of skilled support.
Both as an individual or as part of a small group, volunteers have the opportunity to test and develop their skills, as well as gaining new experiences.
Team Challenges
Our Team Challenges place teams of business volunteers across Islington to create, maintain and improve community spaces.
We work with a range of amazing community partners, such as adventure playgrounds, schools, parks and community centres and gardens. From the planning stages through to the day itself, we provide full project management support to both our partners every step of the way.
Frontline volunteering
Frontline volunteering is an opportunity for corporate volunteers to engage with the service users of Islington’s community organisations. Our community partners support a range of beneficiaries, such as families, older people, migrants and refugees, and people experiencing mental illness, amongst others.
Together, we offer a variety of activities, such as digital literacy workshops, social afternoons and conversational English activities.