Creating A Supportive, Participatory Community in Marylebone
Marylebone is one of the last villages in London. What an amazing group of people live here. Highly educated, international, talented, optimistic, well-meaning - our residents are some of the world’s top problem-solvers. We are in the habit of participating, being pro-active. Wherever we go, we want to make a contribution.
And yet. When people from across the world arrive in Central London, they often find it difficult to absorb into the established community. They want to be good citizens, to contribute their boundless energy, but do not find an easy way to do so.
This sense of disconnect has been massively increased during lockdown. Many people are still struggling to overcome the setbacks which lockdown imposed on their lives. We can debate what government got right or wrong over the past two years, but looking forward - how can we help people recover?
Westminster is one of the few local authorities in the UK which derives most of its income from business rates rather than from council tax on residents. This has led to residents being ignored and sidelined. When we try to deal with the council, the response is rather antagonistic. Residents do not have the time or energy to engage in such battles, so they sensibly shrug their shoulders and say, ‘You can’t fight City Hall.’
However, I believe there is a different approach.
As we emerge from the pandemic, Westminster City Council owes it to the residents to create channels for harnessing residents’ skills, interests and talents for the greater good of our community.
Everyone benefits when residents become part of the team. It is in purposeful endeavour with our neighbours that we find community. Putting our skills in the service of the community, with other well-intentioned people, solves our own disconnection, as well as improving the lives of those around us.
The move to working from home has exacerbated loneliness in our community. It is vital that people are given the opportunity to meet others and to serve purposefully together on meaningful projects that contribute to everyone’s well-being.
The village of Marylebone can recover from lockdown to be a better, more human-oriented place. Westminster City Council can lead the way.