THE IMPORTANCE OF GRASSROOTS COMMUNITY NETWORKS IN HARINGEY

There are a number of self-organised and independent borough-wide networks of residents groups. They are run by and for local people, and largely unfunded. These networks are important for many reasons:
· They promote direct sharing of news, views, experiences, mutual aid and good practice
· They encourage us as residents to organise ourselves and speak up for the needs of our communities or key sections of our communities
· They are able to develop, articulate and advocate their members’ collective views and needs
· They identify and promote successful examples of community action and empowerment which can inspire local residents throughout the borough
· They can liaise and collaborate with other bodies (including the Council) as equal partners

Here are just some examples – there are probably many more……………………………………………………
* Haringey Turkish and Kurdish Network – c/o gikderuk@gmail.com(mailto:gikderuk@gmail.com) Links together 10-15 organisations and centres (since 2022).
* Haringey Friends of Parks Forum – https://www.haringeyfriendsofparks.org.uk/ 65 local green space Friends Groups. Meet bi-monthly with Parks Service officers (since 2001).
* Haringey Community Centres Network – https://lordshiphub.org.uk/haringey-community-centres-network/ 40+ community-run Centres. Discuss leases, rents, repairs, services provided, borough-wide activities etc. (Active since 2015)
* Haringey Community Food Network – www.hcfn.org.uk(http://www.hcfn.org.uk/) A network of food growers, suppliers, emergency food providers, food banks, community kitchens, food delivery services, homeless outreach projects and food support organisations. (Active since 2020)
* Haringey Federation of Residents Associations – https://www.hfra.org.uk/ A loose and occasional network of up to 100 local Residents Associations (formed in 2001).
* Sustainable Haringey – https://sustainableharingey.wordpress.com/ A loose information/communications network of green groups and individuals (active since 2007)
* Haringey Community Action Network – https://x.com/HaringeyWeCan 30 community groups and trades union branches campaigning to spread community and workplace solidarity and to oppose ‘austerity’ policies (active since 2023).
* Friends of Reading and Education in Haringey – Umbrella organisation for local Friends Groups in a number of libraries. https://librarylondon.org/localgroups/haringey/home.html (Active since 1999)
* Haringey Allotment Forum – Umbrella for local allotment site societies. www.haringeyallotmentforum.org.uk(http://www.haringeyallotmentforum.org.uk/) (Latest iteration formed in 2016)
* Haringey Trades Union Council – haringeytuc@gmail.com(mailto:haringeytuc@gmail.com) 25 delegates and 10 local TU branches. Promoting workers’ rights, self-organisation & solidarity. (Active since 1965)
* Our Tottenham network – Communications and solidarity around planning/‘regeneration’. www.ourtottenham.org.uk (http://www.ourtottenham.org.uk/) (Formed in 2013)