My Borough
What is a Fairtrade Borough? A Borough which has made a public commitment to supporting and using products with the FAIRTRADE Mark. The Council, retailers, local businesses, community organisations, faith groups, schools, universities and individuals all have to contribute to the promotion and purchasing of Fairtrade. Those Boroughs marked with a have already achieved Fairtrade Borough status; most of the others are working towards that goal. To get involved or for more information, please get in touch with your borough using the contact information below or www.fairtradelondon.org.uk
- BARKING & DAGENHAM
- BARNET
- BEXLEY
- BRENT
- BROMLEY
- CAMDEN
- CITY OF LONDON
- CROYDON
- EALING
- ENFIELD
- GREENWICH
- HACKNEY
- HAMMERSMITH & FULHAM
- HARINGEY
- HARROW
- HAVERING
- HILLINGDON
- HOUNSLOW
- ISLINGTON
- KENSINGTON & CHELSEA
- KINGSTON
- LAMBETH
- LEWISHAM
- MERTON
- NEWHAM
- REDBRIDGE
- RICHMOND
- SOUTHWARK
- SUTTON
- TOWER HAMLETS
- WALTHAM FOREST
- WANDSWORTH
- WESTMINSTER
BARKING & DAGENHAM
Barking and Dagenham Council passed a resolution in 2006 to support Fairtrade and continues to work towards Fairtrade Borough status. More organisations, from businesses, schools and churches to shops and cafes are using and selling Fairtrade products. To find out more about what’s happening locally:
Contact
volunteer@fairtradelondon.org.uk
environmentalsustainability@lbbd.gov.uk
Barnet’s schools and faith communities – both Jewish and Christian – are at the forefront of helping to raise awareness of Fairtrade locally. The Independent Jewish Day School is one of a number of schools involving parents as well as pupils in its Fairtrade activities. New North London is one of seven Fairtrade Synagogues in the borough and there are over a dozen Fairtrade Churches. The Edgware Business Forum is supportive with a range of retailers and cafés already on board. Middlesex University has become a Fairtrade University and is working with Viridian Housing, which manages the student accommodation on the Colindale campus, to promote Fairtrade to its students. If you are interested finding about what’s happening locally,
Contact:
volunteer@fairtradelondon.org.uk
edgware@london.anglican.org
In Bexley Borough, there are many shops & other outlets where you can access Fairtrade goods. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find bananas, coffee & sugar that are NOT fairly traded! At Christ Church Bexleyheath there has bTeen a Traidcraft stall for many years. In this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight, we not only had several successful coffee mornings in church, but also supplied six other churches with goods to sell & provided free information.
Contact:
Mrs Hilary Jakeman hilary.jakeman@gmail.com
Brent Fairtrade Network celebrated achievement of Fairtrade Borough status for Brent on Saturday 3 March in Harlesden at the Convent of Jesus & Mary Language College, hosted by Assistant Headteacher Ms Nicki Walsh. About 150 people saw the presentation of a Fairtrade Borough certificate to the Mayor of Brent by Mr Mike Gidney from the Fairtrade Foundation. Speakers and films showed how Fairtrade helps poor people work their way out of poverty. Mr Jaishankar Talreja described how India has created its own fair trade label. The Rev Dr. Peter Lemmon, who founded the Network in 2004 when he was Mayor, was present to celebrate the achievement of Fairtrade Borough status. The event was a great success as a celebration of promoting Fairtrade.
Contact:
Robin Sharp robisharp@googlemail.com
www.brent.gov.uk/fairtrade
Fairtrade products in Bromley are available in supermarkets and coffee shop chains. The Cotton Store in Hayes sells Fairtrade cotton items (www.thecottonstore.co.uk).
Many local churches have Fairtraders selling Traidcraft products, usually after a morning service. Bromley Road Beckenham Methodist Church runs a community cafe selling Fairtrade products (weekdays 11am to 2 pm). Bromley Parish Church (Church Road) has a Traidcraft Stall in the Church Rooms on Saturday mornings 10am to 12 noon. Some Fairtraders keep a larger stock, or will place orders post-free for customers (www.traidcraft.co.uk/stockists).
Contact: fairtrader@bromleyparishchurch.org or margaretelves@waitrose.com
We are a diverse and friendly group of volunteers who are proud of Camden’s ongoing commitment to Fairtrade.
Recent events have included a ‘Take a Step’ Fairtrade Walk through the borough, handing out Fairtrade window stickers to supportive shops, and a wine and chocolate drinks reception in the mayor of Camden’s offices!
We work with schools and universities around the borough, last year joining in with Fairtrade bunting decorating activities, and with ‘Take a Step’ activities this year, drawing round their feet, cutting them out and writing pledges on them. We work well with the council who let us put up Fairtrade banners in various public places every Fairtrade Fortnight.
We meet at Camden Town Hall to plan activities, so join us if you’d like to get involved!
Contact: camdenfairtrade@googlemail.com
The City of London’s Square Mile has had Fairtrade Status since 2007 and the City’s Community, businesses and residents continue to show their commitment. We are proud that we have a committed and active steering group who each year organise a range of meet-the-buyer events, debates and breakfasts to promote Fairtrade. As a world-leading international financial and business centre, the City of London has an interest in helping the businesses that Fairtrade supports play their part in global trade and development – access to markets being a key theme for the business City.
Contact: fairtrade@cityoflondon.gov.uk www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/fairtrade
Croydon is proud of its status as the first Fairtrade London Borough. During 2011 we held a Fairtrade Cotton photography and bunting exhibition in the Croydon Clocktower during Fairtrade Fortnight. The bunting was also displayed in Croydon’s Whitgift Shopping Centre, which hosted the successful flagship London Fairtrade Red Carpet Event. The Group provided Fairtrade refreshments at Croydon’s first Green Fair and took part in Mondial’s Sustainability Week. During Fairtrade Fortnight 2012 we had a very successful stall in the Whitgift Centre.
Contact: rosashea@hotmail.com
In Ealing, Fairtrade is supported by all age groups, from Infant Schools right through to the University of the Third Age. A series of assemblies have been held in Primary Schools and Ealing U3A hosted a Fairtrade talk and tasting session. High School students attend Fairtrade Steering Group meetings and help to run activities in school and the wider community. The University of West London has an active Fairtrade Group and is working towards Fairtrade Status. Throughout 2012 our Giant Fairtrade Footstep will be out and about in the borough encouraging residents to register their Step for Fairtrade.
Contact: Jackie Whitaker – info@ealingfairtrade.org.uk
In 2011 our group decided we could be most effective in promoting Fairtrade through organisations and businesses in Enfield. We have made a particular effect to work in local schools – & would like to mention Enfield County School, who have really embraced Fairtade, holding coffee mornings, a cake baking competition and a Fair Trade design competition. Other initiatives included building links with local independent stores, to show that support of Fairtrade can work side by side with support for local business.
This is in addition to promoting Fairtrade at a number of community events and the annual Enfield Town Show.
Contact: Nina Tweddle
www.fairtradeenfield.btck.co.uk
The Royal Borough of Greenwich was awarded Fairtrade status 2006 for its commitment to supporting Fairtrade. Since then, the Royal Borough has expanded its work with local schools, retailers and charities to support a fair deal for producers and farm workers around the world.
Fairtrade Fortnight 2012 was launched with a presentation from speakers from the Fairtrade movement. Local schools showed their support with Charlton School selling Fairtrade food in their tuck-shop over the Fortnight. Charlton Manor School teamed up with ASDA to promote the Fairtrade message at a local store. The 2012 Year of Cooperatives, Ghana Independence Day and International Women’s Day were also marked with events in the Royal Borough as part of Fairtrade Fortnight celebrations.
Contact: Dan.Stephens@Greenwich.gov.uk
www.greenwich.gov.uk/fairtrade
Hackney became a Fairtrade Borough in 2008. As one of the Olympic Boroughs we would like to make a splash with Fairtrade in 2012. We have already stepped up our activity: holding a series of talks, chocolate tastings and other events at Dalston Library during Fairtrade Fortnight. Skinners Academy pupils have been increasing Fairtrade awareness in their partner schools. Continued active council support for the group gives us a good foundation, and we are keen to widen the number and range of residents, businesses and community organisations involved in our activities, and to demonstrate the support of fairtrade in our borough.
Contact: khosi.mabena@hackney.gov.uk; daniel.stevens@hackney.gov.uk
http://fairtradehackney.wordpress.com/
The Fulham and Hammersmith steering group have said goodbye to Mary Corall who orchestrated some fantastic projects in her time as Chair for six years and was responsible for the borough gaining Fairtrade status and made Fairtrade a staple of the community. The steering group are looking forward to a bright future under new chair Lottie Whyte with a focus on local schools, bi-monthly events in the area and gaining support from the local council.
Contact – Lottie Whyte 07504912644 lottie.whyte@collegehill.com
volunteer@fairtradelondon.org.uk
Haringey has completed its first year as a Fairtrade Borough. During Fairtrade Fortnight our local primary schools made bunting and enjoyed fair trade assemblies. Bunting adorned the Civic Centre for our initial celebration, as was later displayed in local Oxfam shops.
Over twenty people attended our Fairtrade celebration picnic, sharing Fairtrade food and drink, flying our bunting and new banner. Our Fairtrade Soiree in Stroud Green Library promoted Liberation Nuts through an inspiring speaker images displaying ‘nut’ jewellery. Flame Tree who import women’s crafts from Northern Ghana were the focus of a summer evening on Broadwater Farm Estate. We campaigned at Harringay Green Lanes Food Festival and Tottenham Winter Wonderland Parade, signing up folk for our e-news.
Contact
fairtrade.haringey@haringey.gov.uk
www.fairtradeharingey.btck.co.uk
Harrow’s Campaign to become a Fairtrade Borough continues under the theme “It takes two”. It simply means: try and make sure two items in your shopping basket are Fairtrade. Also, think of two things steps you can take to raise awareness of Fairtrade and to help Harrow’s support for Fairtrade, which includes encouraging businesses to stock more Fairtrade products.
The Harrow Fairtrade Campaign took part in The Souk, an International Food Market and Fair on Saturday 10th March 2012 in Harrow Town Centre to raise awareness of Fairtrade. The Harrow Bunting Challenge is an attempt to link Harrow Civic Centre and Brent Town Hall with Fairtrade cotton bunting. Help us take this step for Fairtrade by getting involved in the challenge.
Contact
Nana Asante; cllrasante@yahoo.co.uk 020 8424 1344
The London Borough of Havering continues to consider becoming a Fairtrade Borough and there is strong support from the community to promote Fairtrade. This year has seen an upsurge in activity amongst the borough’s schools, including Redden Court School. Havering’s school catering includes Fairtrade orange juice and – given the Council achieved good marks in other aspects of London Food Link’s ‘Good Food for London’ report – it is hoped that their backing for the Fairtrade campaign will follow in time.
Contact
volunteer@fairtradelondon.org.uk
Hillingdon continues to work towards Fairtrade Borough status. Brunel University is leading the way, having gained Fairtrade University status and being one of London’s most active and creative universities during Fairtrade Fortnight. Local schools, churches and synagogues are all involved in raising awareness of Fairtrade. A further push on getting more cafés and outlets stocking Fairtrade goods is planned, but persuading the Council to back Fairtrade is the main goal left to achieve.
Contact
volunteer@fairtradelondon.org.uk
In 2012, we will continue to promote Fairtrade in Hounslow by encouraging everyone to take a step in the right direction by making a pledge to Fairtrade.
Throughout 2011, community groups, businesses and residents hosted a number of events to raise awareness of Fairtrade, particularly within different faith communities.
In spring, MAWAH (Muslim Active Women, Around Hounslow) celebrated Eid in Hounslow during Ramadan. Members of the Hounslow Fairtrade steering group hosted an awareness-raising stall at the event and gave away promotional Fairtrade goodies.
Chiswick Churches of Justice and Peace hosted a stall at the Hounslow Friends of Faith Interfaith event. Visitors were treated to workshops, performances from different community groups as well as Fairtrade products.
Contact
www.hounslow.gov.uk/index/community_and_living/fairtrade.htm
Islington continues to strongly support Fairtrade through its active and supportive community, council and steering group. In the last year, we have promoted Fairtrade from market stalls to activities in the Town Hall. For Fairtrade Fortnight we held a poster competition with local schools and the outcomes were breath taking. Everyone was wowed by over 120 poster entries depicting what Fairtrade meant to each student. We will continue to engage with the local community and seek to reach out to schools, business, institutions and the people of Islington.
Contact
In Kensington & Chelsea, a small group is now forming to coordinate activity in the Borough, and we’d love to hear from people who’d like to join us! Whether you are willing to act as a contact for local community or faith groups, schools or colleges, businesses – or just a local resident willing to volunteer your help, please do get in touch. Latest activity in 2012 includes campaign stalls at Whole Foods Market Kensington during Fairtrade Fortnight, mapping of local outlets, some local press and the launch of our new Facebook page, and website. Contact us in any of the following ways:
www.facebook.com/fairtradekc http://fairtradekc.wordpress.com
Contact
Trudi Ranik or Barbara Crowther fairtradekc@googlemail.com
www.facebook.com/fairtradekc http://fairtradekc.wordpress.com
In Fairtrade Fortnight Kingston hosted Zaytoun Fairtrade olive growers from Palestine. They saw their olive oil in a local shop, Food for Thought, and were interviewed for its website.
We continue to work with schools, and have Fairtrade stalls at various events, including the university Freshers’ Fair. Kingston, a Fairtrade University, hosted an ethical fashion event with speakers from the Fairtrade Foundation, Gossypium and the London College of Fashion.
2012 plans include giving window stickers to small shops and cafes selling Fairtrade, and participating in the May Merrie and Think-in-Kingston festival of ideas in this International Year of Co-operatives with a Fairtrade co-op speaker. The Kingston Group is looking for new members to support events as well as to provide new blood to steering group.
Contact
Peter Watson 07949 755926
peterwat@hotmail.com
www.kingstonfairtrade.org.uk
Fairtrade in Lambeth is about promoting Fairtrade and spreading the message far and wide and having fun while you are doing it.
We have held different types of events throughout the year which included having the actual farmers come and talk to our council, fashion shows, wine tastings, flash mobs and face painting 600 kids at the Lambeth Country Show. We have great support locally from the council and some local businesses. This has allowed us to keep events free, or on a donation basis.
Contact
Lewisham has been a Fairtrade Borough since 2005 with many local shops, cafes and community venues offering certified Fairtrade products. Campaigns and events are planned by Lewisham’s Fairtrade Steering Group & supported by Lewisham Council. The Group consists of amoung others, local residents and staff from Lewisham Council.
The Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards have a Fairtrade category that rewards businesses, community organisations and individuals promoting Fairtrade in the borough. As part of Fairtrade Fortnight 2012, a poster competition was run. The winning design by Esosa Joe-Oshodi, aged 12 from Bonus Pastor Catholic College, appeared across the whole side of a recycling vehicle taking the Fairtrade message across the borough as it did its rounds.
Contact
Kevin Turner 020 8314 8229 kevin.turner@lewisham.gov.uk
Activity is on-going promoting Fairtrade at local community events. We were very proud of the amazing bunting produced last year and even Haydon, the AFC Wimbledon mascot, took part and modelled some of it! Strong links have been formed with the local Tesco Extra, where the Take a Pledge campaign will be promoted. The steering group have recently developed links with a Green Coffee group and through this group are now linked with a local mum’s network and food co-operative that are helping to spread the word. The council continues to support and promote Fairtrade, including in its Climate Change and Procurement strategies.
Contact
Newham gained its Fairtrade Borough status in 2008. The hub of activity in the borough is the University of East London, which celebrated its first year as a Fairtrade University during Fortnight 2012 and continues to inspire students and the wider community with its Fairtrade activities. The new Westfield Stratford Shopping Centre has also opened up new opportunities for Fairtrade shopping and promotion in the area. And the borough has one of the highest number of schools working towards Fairtrade School status in the capital.
Contact
volunteer@fairtradelondon.org.uk
Redbridge was awarded Fairtrade status in 2008. A small but dedicated Steering group raises awareness of Fairtrade at local events, libraries and community group meetings. In 2011 a Fairtrade evening in Redbridge included participation from local secondary school students, the local MP and Alex Yeboah Afari from Fairtrade Africa. We remain committed to supporting action in schools, amongst young people and community groups as well as developing links with local business partnerships.
Contact
Richmond was awarded Fairtrade status in 2006. Working with schools is a big focus for Richmond Fairtrade Group and in March some of the children’s creative footprint posters were displayed in Orleans House Art Gallery. Group members will themselves be taking lots of steps as they distribute window stickers to deserving catering and retail outlets in the borough’s high streets. The attainment of Fairtrade University status by St Mary’s University College was very timely as the college prepares to host several Olympic teams, including South Africa. Richmond Fairtrade will build on its relationship with St Mary’s, continue to encourage council involvement and seek to develop new links with local businesses.
www.richmondfairtrade.org.uk
Contact
enquiries@richmondfairtrade.org.uk or Jerry Elloy on 0776 419 6294.
Southwark gained Fairtrade Borough status in June 2007. The borough is passionate about Fairtrade, with the Council taking a strong lead. Now the baton is being picked up by London South Bank University and schools such as Charles Dickens Primary. The borough is host to the seat of the Diocese of Southwark – London’s first Fairtrade Diocese – and also a very active local CAFOD group. The Bread of Life Centre and cafe in Christ Church, East Dulwich, is a hub for community participation in Fairtrade activities, and recently celebrated its tenth anniversary.
Contact
breadoflifecentre@hotmail.co.uk volunteer@fairtradelondon.org.uk
www.southwark.gov.uk/fairtrade
Sutton‘s status as a Fairtrade Borough was renewed again in February 2012. Sutton Fairtrade Community Group has developed an action plan in partnership with Sutton Council. This outlines a programme of events and activities that aims to include and enable recognition of the variety of localised Fairtrade activity that goes on in churches and schools. The plan also aims to build on the work of the sustainability team within the council in strengthening Fairtrade procurement policies. During 2012 Sutton will be taking forward its own version of the “Take a Step for FAIRTRADE” campaign. Fairtrade activities are designated a certain number of steps and the collective activities of borough residents will be collated with a view to reaching the target of representing a virtual walk round the borough by the end of 2012.
Contact
Our council recently committed to developing a comprehensive ethical procurement policy in consultation with NGO’s, incorporating Fairtrade and covering: catering for all relevant facilities/services; staff clothing; and possibly other product categories. Our plans: distribute ethical school uniform campaign leaflets, backed by the local NUT, MP’s, cllrs, Oxfam, Christian Aid, CofE etc; offer schools a model ethical uniform policy; a bigger Fairtrade schools conference at the town hall; promote co-ops and Fairtrade amongst council staff; more council newspaper/intranet coverage; continue distributing the product guide for schools, and suppliers guide for caterers; strengthen links with faith groups.
www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/fairtrade
Contact
Glenn Power, powerglen@gmail.com or Halim Abdul, halim.abdul@towerhamlets.gov.uk
www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/fairtrade
Waltham Forest became a Fairtrade Borough in 2007. The Waltham Forest Fairtrade Campaign Group is supported by the Council and made up of partners from across the Borough. Its campaign this last year has included regular distribution of the London Fairtrade Guide, running street stalls and events (particularly in Mayville school) as well as holding stalls in local libraries. In 2012, the Group is concentrating on encouraging more schools and faith groups to obtain Fairtrade status.
Contact
Brian Madican 07939 381917 walthamforestfairtrade@hotmail.co.uk
www.walthamforest.gov.uk/fairtrade
The Fairtrade Wandsworth Group continues to raise awareness throughout the boroug In 2011 for the fourth year running, volunteers supported the Fairtrade Foundation at the Ben & Jerry’s music festival on Clapham Common by talking to festival goers about Fairtrade and selling them Fairtrade merchandise. If you are running an event in Wandsworth borough such as a school fete and would like a Fairtrade table there (we even bring our own games!) then please
Contact
Amy Wilson at amywilson2011@gmail.com 07766953865.
www.wandsworthfairtrade.org.uk www.projectdirt.com
Westminster is home to four Fairtrade Universities (LSE, KCL, Westminster University and Westminster Kingsway College), and a number of flagship Fairtrade outlets, including the Houses of Parliament. There are over a dozen Fairtrade churches and the Catholic Diocese of Westminster is working towards Fairtrade Diocese status. There are two Fairtrade Synagogues; several schools promoting Fairtrade; and Fair Share Soho – a gift shop selling fairly traded products.
Contact
volunteer@fairtradelondon.org.uk
