SocietyLinks marks 15 years of local community support with family fun day

SocietyLinks, a community organisation in Shadwell, east London, has marked its 15th anniversary with a fun-packed celebration for local people.

Published: 25/09/2025

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The charity, which is one of our long-term partners, provides a wide range of services to support the local community, including many of our residents on the Whitechapel Estate. 

There was plenty on offer at the family fun day in Shadwell’s Swedenborg Gardens, including a bouncy castle, a barbecue, games, crafts, and an art competition. The event brought together people of all ages, from toddlers and teens to parents and older residents, to enjoy the sunshine while celebrating the fantastic work the group has done over the years. 

Rahima Khanom, office manager at SocietyLinks, said at the event: “Today we’re celebrating our 15-year anniversary. Every summer we do a big celebration for the whole family to come and enjoy. These events welcome everyone that we work with, it’s a chance for everyone to meet each other, have a chat and enjoy themselves. It’s such a lovely day.” 

The celebration culminated in a cake-cutting ceremony, as everyone gathered around to enjoy the treats on offer and give a round of applause to the team making the charity’s work happen. 

The event coincided with SocietyLinks’ wider Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) summer programme, which offered free lunches and activities for children who normally receive free school meals. As well as daily sports, crafts, and games, the programme included coach trips to the seaside and a weekend away. 

SocietyLinks works all year round to support local residents through a wide range of activities and services. These include:  

• Children's and youth programmes including stay and play, and study support
• Women’s and girls’ groups
• Training, employment support and volunteering opportunities
• A weekly food bank serving local households known as Fisher Foods 

The organisation, which is based in a building we own on John Fisher Street in Shadwell, works with people of all ages in the community and also runs a variety of skills workshops and fitness classes, from cooking to boxing. 

We've previously supported SocietyLinks with projects, including providing funding for an employment programme. 

Sharon Barbour, one of our Community Investment Leads, has played a key role in supporting SocietyLinks from the very beginning and said: “SocietyLinks has been running for 15 years now and it’s great to see the impact it’s had in the local area. What makes them stand out is how reliable and consistent they are, with a dedicated team that truly reflects the community they serve. The services they provide are really needed and people feel comfortable coming through the door. It’s a well-known and trusted organisation.” 

Sharon was also appointed chairperson at SocietyLinks several years ago, having played a key role in in building and maintaining a strong partnership between our organisation and the charity. 

Joyce Archbold, Managing Director at SocietyLinks said: “This celebration marking our 15th anniversary not only demonstrates the commitment and passion from our Trustees and Management team but the hard work that our delivery team and volunteers put in on a daily basis. We have been working towards making Tower Hamlets and neighbouring areas a more accessible place for everyone where everyone has opportunities to develop and grow and we hope to continue for many years to come." 
  
Ms Akther, a mother of three and a Peabody resident said: “The event has been lots of fun for the children and all summer we have come to the park to do activities. The children have stayed busy and always go to SocietyLinks. I also go to the women's group and have made really good friends there. Societylinks is very good for my family."