A Million Acts of Hope at Cambridge Riverside

Last Sunday, 60,000 people took to the streets of London as part of Tommy Robinson’s Unite the Kingdom movement. Speakers railed against Muslims and Islam, voiced dire warnings of invasions and takeovers by alien cultures and called on the British people to prepare for battle.

At the same time, coordinated by Hope Not Hate (of which I am a non-executive director), over 1,000 small events were taking place across the UK to celebrate the value of community. Under the banner of A Million Acts of HOPE, people from all walks of life came together to prove the value and power of daily acts of kindness and generosity.

As part of this endeavour, 30 of us enjoyed a tea party outside Darwin House to support Abbey People, a local community charity, serving the Abbey Ward, which neighbours our development. 

We were joined by the charity’s dynamic CEO, Nicky Shepard, who told us about the work they undertake and how our community might become involved.  It is a very impressive story, the heart of which is the charity’s Food Hub. 

The Hub serves around 500 people from the Barnwell area who can purchase food at significantly reduced prices in the charity’s shop.  Its offering includes fresh fruit, vegetables, bread and eggs (much donated by local supermarkets), as well as a broad range of canned products.  Nicky told us how important it is that the shop creates an inviting environment for its users.

Nicky received lots of questions from residents about how we could get involved.  Amongst some of the ideas discussed were helping Abbey People develop music or drama projects, environmental work (preserving a local chalk stream and gardening), donating books to their free library, becoming involved in the charity’s governance and, of course, donating food or time to the Food Hub. Our generous residents also donated £350 on the day and I know several have signed up to make monthly donations.

After all this hard work, we tucked into a well-deserved tea.  Thank you to everyone who took part in the event, and especially to Gill who organised refreshments and seating.  

While voices of anger may fill public squares, it is in local communities — through everyday acts of generosity, kindness and hope — that a stronger and more just society is built.

Simon Gallant