New publication celebrates big impact of small projects backed by Thamesmead Community Fund
Dozens of local people and grassroots groups in Thamesmead have been recognised in a new publication by Peabody celebrating the impact of their work.
Published: 29/04/2026
Launched today, The Power of Community: Funding Local Projects In Thamesmead shines a light on inspirational local projects supported by Peabody's Thamesmead Community Fund. The document sets out our approach to funding community-led projects, highlights the collective impact of the initiatives we support, and encourages others to apply to the fund.
Supporting community-led initiatives is a key part of our plan to improve, grow and look after Thamesmead for the long term. Peabody has invested more than £450,000 in proiects in 164 initiatives through the Thamesmead Community Fund so far. We are on track to reach our £500,000 investment milestone later this year.
The fund provides grants of up to £3,000 to people looking to improve life through community and cultural projects that bring people together, improve health and wellbeing, or teach people new skills. Projects previously funded include exercise classes, creative workshops, wildlife walks, day trips and support sessions for people with additional needs.
As its name suggests, the fund puts the local community at its heart. Money is earmarked for Thamesmead-based proiects, funding decisions are made by a panel of local people, and many recipients run projects at low or no cost from the community buildings and outdoor spaces we own and manage.
Thamesmead Community Fund is financed by the Peabody Community Foundation (PCF) and from revenue from film and photography shoots organised by Peabody's culture team in Thamesmead. During 2025/26, the fund was supplemented by Lovell, who are developing the second phase of homes in South Thamesmead.
Esther Sesay is CEO of the Javan Coker Foundation. She applied to the Thamesmead Community Fund after setting up her charity to support children with additional needs and their families. Over the years, her charity has grown, with more than 400 people on their books. Esther said: "If we hadn't had the support, we would not have been able to get to this point. The funding has given me and a lot of my colleagues the opportunity to grow, to work, to support in a way we could not have otherwise."
Gez Kellaghan, Community Investment Manager at Peabody, said: "Across Thamesmead, local people and grassroots organisations are doing incredible things for their communities. This event is our way of recognising their energy and enthusiasm, and their work to help people feel positive about the place they call home."
Lisa Drew, Senior Cultural Programme Manager at Peabody, added: "Thamesmead Community Fund is all about supporting creativity, culture and connection across communities. Through it, we're enabling people to feel that Thamesmead is a place for them. With money from professional location shoots flowing into brilliant local initiatives, we're helping even more great ideas take root."
The Power of Community: Funding Local Projects in Thamesmead is one of a series of documents telling the story of Peabody's long-term investment in Thamesmead.
Funding application
The latest round of the Thamesmead Community Fund is open until 11:59pm on 21 May 2026. All funding applications are administered on Peabody's behalf by the London Community Fund. Find out more about the eligibility criteria and see how to apply.
