Do you have a bright idea that could bring isolated and vulnerable people together and help them bond over a fun activity?

A community centre has launched a project to tackle loneliness and social isolation among new parents, refugees, the elderly and those with disabilities.

The Mill in Coppermill Lane, Walthamstow, announced ‘Grow Your Idea 2’ this week which will provide funding, room hire and mentoring for six people with the necessary skills and ideas needed to lead activities.

The project builds on the successful ‘Grow Your Idea’ initiative which the centre ran from 2012 to 2104, helping more than 40 community groups in Waltham Forest.

Project coordinator Charlotte Major said: “Loneliness is a growing concern in Walthamstow. The Grow Your Idea 2 project will help neighbours share their skills and hopefully turning people that live alongside each other into friends and increase community cohesion.

“Anyone with a good idea, motivation and commitment is welcome to apply. They won’t need experience of delivering projects. We will provide them with the support and resources they need to make their idea happen.”

Anyone who lives in Waltham Forest is eligible to apply to become a leader and applicants must have an idea that benefits the St James Street ward.

If successful, leaders will be awarded up to £500 for venue hire, £350 to cover resources, £50 for publicity as well as mentoring and fundraising training.

Rasheeqa Ahmed who runs Hedge Herbs ‘Practical Medicine Making’ workshops at The Mill was one of the leaders chosen for the centre’s previous project.

He said: “Taking part in Grow Your Idea really started me on my current career trajectory and enabled me to discover what I really loved in my herbalism journey - making connections in my community and initiating a much bigger vision for my work.”

To apply visit www.themille17.org.