Havering’s New Community Venue Network

For me, creativity has always meant freedom. In times of uncertainty, when I’ve questioned myself or felt lost, music and writing have been my lifeline. Spilling doubts into beats, lyrics, or stories has always offered me space to breathe. Over time, I’ve realised that not everyone has that same outlet – not because they lack creativity, but because they haven’t been given the opportunities to discover it. When creative opportunities are made available, they can change the course of someone’s life. It is this belief that excites me as I begin my role as Producer of Havering’s Community Venue Network.

A Collective Vision
The Community Venue Network brings together venues across Havering, supported by a £150,000 capital investment fund. Each venue will be able to develop its space, while contributing to a collective initiative that strengthens the borough’s cultural life. The network is about removing barriers, enabling collaboration, and giving more people the chance to not only take part but shape a cultural life where they live.

A Hub for Belonging
One current example of a thriving community hub is MyPlace, a youth and community centre in Harold Hill. With a recording studio, performance space, café, and games room – it is a hub where people can connect and belong. Building Manager Ian Weir explains:

“Helping someone find their spark is incredibly rewarding… That’s what MyPlace is all about – helping people find opportunities they might never have considered.”

Through partnerships, including with Havering Changing, MyPlace has already been able to extend opening hours and introduce new arts activities. For Ian, the Community Venue Network represents a vital next step:

“The Community Venue Network is a fantastic opportunity to connect with other centres, share my experience, and learn from theirs. The potential for collaboration really excites me. We’ll all be stronger together.”

Building a Culture of Collaboration
Across Havering, venues like MyPlace are making a difference every day. The Community Venue Network will strengthen their impact by linking them into a shared network: crosspromoting, sharing expertise, and working collectively to grow. The Community Venue Network aims to make Havering a place that celebrates artistic diversity, brings opportunities to people’s doorsteps, and champions community-led creativity. My own journey has taught me how creativity can transform a life. The Community Venue Network is about ensuring that same possibility is open to more people across Havering. The vision is simple: communities empowered to express themselves, venues strengthened by collaboration, and a borough alive with creativity.