Woolwich community kitchen to get a makeover thanks to new social value portal

A community kitchen in Woolwich, is set to reap the rewards of brand-new makeover from the Royal Borough of Greenwich's trial with an online social value platform aimed at supporting community organisations and businesses across the borough.   

As part of the two-year trial, the council is using Match My Project (MMP), to connect community organisations with businesses and suppliers that can offer assistance. Community organisations can post projects they need support with, and suppliers can find and support projects by offering their expertise and resources. 

Councillor Denise Hyland, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Social Value said: "As a council, we’re still feeling the enormous impact of 14 years of underfunding, so it’s important that we use every avenue open to us to support our communities. 

"We’re proud to be among just 10 local authorities and housing associations using Match My Project, which connects businesses with community groups in need. The upcoming refurbishment of a local community kitchen shows just how powerful these partnerships can be. We’re excited to see more collaborations like this happening across Royal Greenwich." 

The Somali Teaching Group in Woolwich will be one of the first recipients to benefit from the scheme having secured a much-needed free kitchen refurbishment.   

In December 2024, the council and its partners launched the Greenwich Giving scheme, which helps local people and businesses willing to contribute money, time, space, skills, or essential items, to projects that support local places and communities. By linking Greenwich Giving with the MMP service, the council was able to match the Somali Teaching Group with a local business that could help transform their kitchen. 

For nearly 30 years, the Somali Teaching Group has supported local people by providing education, advice, and a safe community space. However, the kitchen is old and run-down, making it harder to provide food and drinks for those who rely on their services. 

Thanks to Greenwich Giving initiative and the MMP platform, their request for a new kitchen was picked up by Amber Construction, which, along with its partners, will supply and install a brand-new kitchen as part of its social value commitment. 

The community centre will be able to offer warm meals, refreshments, and a safer, more welcoming space for children, elderly residents, and families in need. 

Greenwich Giving is fundraising to strengthen community connection and tackle loneliness in the borough. Would you like to donate to Greenwich Giving? 100% of donations are directed to local charities and residents get involved in deciding which projects to support. Find out more here: greenwichgiving.org.uk  

Match My Project is free for community groups and makes it easy to connect with businesses that want to give back. To find out more or sign up, visit matchmyproject.org