As the nights draw in, many of us look forward to cosy times at home, but for many others it can feel as if their world is shrinking. Isolation can grow, and higher energy and living costs will bite harder. So, at SHAK we are gearing up to support those who need it most - bringing people together and delivering practical help. As always, residents drive our provision – from planning adult classes and coffee mornings to young people at the ARC telling us what they want to see and do. In this edition we report on Black History Month celebrations, commitment and achievement showcased at the recent annual Camden adult learning awards and look back at ARC’s summer programme and more recent exciting initiatives. A big thank you also to all at Mulally's with their kind donation to support some of our resident led activities. 

Two outstanding SHAK Learning participants were deservedly honoured at the recent Camden ACL Learner Awards.  

Our heartfelt congratulations go first to Amanda, who two years ago bravely tackled her agoraphobia and isolation by joining two of our well-being classes. Amanda found support and companionship as well as the skills to keep herself healthier and happier. Now she uses her newfound confidence to help others by regularly supporting the Healthy Cooking class tutor.  

We are also thrilled to highlight Mark, who has generously volunteered at our Digital Skills and Inclusion classes for an impressive 14 years. Mark is patient and encouraging with everyone as they learn the basics of digital literacy. He even helps one learner with health issues by carrying their laptop to class.  

Mark and Amanda are just two of the amazing volunteers who make our SHAK community, and we are very pleased to see them publicly recognised.

Young and old came together on the Alexandra & Ainsworth estate to celebrate Black History Month. Poet Nelissa Mendy attended to read out some of her poems such as “Empire Windrush Generation” 'What is The Difference Between Me And You?', and “Glad to be Me”. 

Nothing tastes better than Fishcakes you have made yourself from scratch. Ghanian Jollof rice, Jamaican banana fritters, Bajan saltfish fritters and Nigerian Puff Puff were other highlights of our ARC weekly cultural cooking sessions to mark Black History Month. Other activities included Shea butter hand cream making, jewelry making inspired by African patterns.

Meet Joe Espindola, SHAK’s new Community Engagement Coordinator. Joe comes to us from Sutton, where he helped residents to create a social enterprise project for people with a learning disability. He’s now turning his excellent experience to carrying on SHAK’s work to support Kilburn Community Champions and the "One Kilburn" project. Already thriving groups include the popular Kilburn Library knitting group, a weekly well-being walk, the Grange Park community garden and others – all of them resident-designed and led and giving people spaces to come together and strengthen their community ties.