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Case Study:

One Community: "Let me be part of the change"

This month we’re putting the Locality spotlight on One Community, a community organisation intent on reenergising the town of Tilbury.

Published: 03 December 2024
6 minute read

This month we’re putting the Locality spotlight on One Community Development Trust in Tilbury, Essex.

Founded in 2009, One Community emerged in response to the economic challenges facing Tilbury, a town with a rich history but hit hard by closures and rising unemployment.

One Community are intent on reenergising the town and its residents.

“We're here to make it possible for people to live a good life to live a healthy life, to live their best life” said Yewande Kannike, Chief Executive of One Community.

Under Yewande's leadership, One Community support locals through skills development, job opportunities, and community programs, challenging stereotypes and uniting people across divides.

As Yewande shares her experiences as a Black leader in a predominantly white area, she also reflects on the importance of breaking down prejudices and creating a shared vision for Tilbury.

"Everyone wants to be to have good health, everyone wants to be able to make money so that they can provide for their families. Everyone wants to have friends, and people they can relate to".

Yewande Kannike
Chief Executive, One Community

Everything we do is person centred and community led. When you give people the power to decide what they want, they actually come up with the best ideas

Yewande Kannike
Chief Executive, One Community

I first came in 2019, asking for help, because I had a housing issue. I had free time to become volunteer. I have gained more confidence. I am a shy person. So that's helped me to meet people from different backgrounds, talk with people every day. I got a better life. You can see I'm so happy.

Karima Serroukh
Projects Admin