Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

To celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth we hosted a Black vendors’ market at Kensington Town Hall yesterday for a celebration of Black culture, creativity, and entrepreneurship! We welcomed a diverse array of local Black businesses showcasing their unique art, talent and innovative products, as well as some delicious food. A huge thank you to colleagues from multiple teams across the Council who worked hard to organise the market.

This week as part of our BHM 2024 events, we had the incredible opportunity to host Maggie Semple, OBE, FCGI and Jane Oremosu, authors of *Blacktionary: My Little Pocket Book*. This pocket guide is designed for those entering the workplace and navigating their identity—an essential resource for fostering inclusivity. The interactive session was a vibrant exchange of ideas, diving deep into critical conversations around difference, race, and inclusion. Two thought-provoking concepts from the book—“colour blind” and “group think”—sparked diverse discussions that challenged us to break down barriers and engage authentically on race. We were also graced with the presence of Joy Kyei who shared her experiences of formulating a race network within the Metropolitan Police and the fulfilment she attained in doing so. A huge thank you to Maggi and Jane for sharing their insights and inspiring all of us. The turnout was fantastic, and the energy in the room was palpable! Together, we are making strides towards a more inclusive future. #Blacktionary #Inclusion #Diversity #Race #WorkplaceCulture #ThankYou

A new bronze sculpture of Oscar Wilde has been unveiled in Chelsea, celebrating the life and work of this influential figure who lived and worked in the area. The sculpture is a product of a collaboration between the Paolozzi Foundation and the Oscar Wilde Society. It was cast at the Pangolin Foundry and is now located on Dovehouse Green. This is a wonderful tribute to Oscar Wilde's legacy and a great addition to Chelsea's vibrant art scene. #OscarWilde #Art Kim Taylor-Smith Elizabeth Campbell

Your support can change a life. Find out more about fostering and make a no obligation enquiry. https://lnkd.in/egu5fspf

Build a new career in construction like Oscar ⚒️ Are you interested in a career in construction right here in Kensington and Chelsea? Hill Group UK is the main contractor on our new homes site at Barlby Road and has a number of apprenticeships in various trades starting in the coming months. Choose from bricklaying, scaffolding, plumbing or becoming an electrician and help to deliver 83 brand-new homes in the heart of North Kensington! For more information or to apply, send your CV to BarlbyRoad@hill.co.uk

Yesterday, alongside our partners the Digital Poverty Alliance we launched a device recycling scheme for Kensington and Chelsea residents. Mobile phones and other devices can now be dropped off at collection points around the borough, where they will be securely stored, wiped, and refurbished. They will then be redistributed to those in need in the borough and across London. One in seven adults, and one in five children do not have reliable access to the internet, making it harder for them to access services like education and employment, so donating your old phone can be a great way of helping us bridge this digital divide. Find out more about the scheme: https://lnkd.in/dmQdZV8b

Meet Claire 👋 After living in the UK for 15 years, Claire decided to do something new, bold...and a little bit daunting. It was last year that Claire first heard about the Independent Visitor scheme, a Council-run programme that pairs volunteers with children in care, giving them a safe, permanent person who can help them build confidence and create lasting, positive memories. 🚸 The life-changing role offered comprehensive training, ongoing support, a budget for activities and travel reimbursement. Claire shared how she felt some anticipation about meeting the young person she was paired with, but reflected: "It's like meeting any other human. If you click, then you go for it. If you don't, it's okay. It's not a reflection on either of you." Could you be a force of positivity in the life of a young person? We're looking for compassionate and committed volunteers to be part of this befriending scheme. To find out more, email advocacyandparticipation@rbkc.gov.uk.

We are over the moon to have been awarded the best affordable housing development - less that £20m by the Inside Housing Development Awards for our brand new 32-home scheme Acklam Road in North Kensington. This is the second year running that we have picked up this award, with Kelso Cochrane House winning last year. A huge thank you to our partners, contractors, and the local community for their support in making this project a reality.

We’re thrilled to announce the official opening of our award-winning new homes development Acklam Road in North Kensington! The 32 beautiful properties, 20 of which are for residents on our housing register, are part of our commitment to providing affordable housing in our borough. The development offers a mix of council homes and market rent homes, all designed with sustainability and accessibility in mind. We've also created a new community space for local residents, ensuring that this development is more than just homes - it's a place to connect and thrive. A huge thank you to our partners, contractors, and the local community for their support in making this project a reality. https://lnkd.in/eM52ZJJM Sof McVeigh Kim Taylor-Smith Morgan Sindall Construction PRP

Ready to level up your skills this Autumn? 🍂 Our adult learning hub has the perfect course for you! Whether you're looking to explore something new or dive deeper into your passions, you can start your journey today. 👉 https://lnkd.in/ekquqQNB