Posted on: 2 October 2025
Happy birthday One Community! The network marked its seventh birthday with an event and special guest, Joe Powell, Member of Parliament (MP) for Kensington and Bayswater.
The grassroots, service-user-led initiative supports mental health recovery across North Kensington and beyond. Over the past seven years, it has grown into a vibrant network of friendship, creativity and mutual support, with activities at St Charles Hospital, its gardens, and the Bay20 Community Centre.
The initiative is supported by the Kensington and Chelsea Foundation and CNWL NHS Health Charity, with growing partnerships across the NHS, local authorities, the voluntary sector, and academic institutions. One Community is also part of a new Citizen Science programme, spearheaded by Natural England, helping to shape resources and access to nature.
Joe Powell, who recently marked his first year as MP, joined the crew to celebrate and spoke warmly about the atmosphere he found.
“It’s incredible to see the energy, the friendships, and the variety of activities people are doing here… hearing how passionate you are and how you’ve built this together is truly inspiring. I know you come from all over North West London not just Kensington, and I’m keen to help in any way I can. This has become such an important space for people - we want to see it flourish and continue to go from strength to strength.”
The event was co-hosted by Cate Latto, Founder and Lead of One Community, together with other members. Cate felt deeply honoured as everyone gathered to celebrate, especially because her own birthday had been the day before.
“I wasn’t ready for the outpouring of love and speeches, but seeing everyone show up, chat, and share the love was incredible. That warmth is what makes One Community so special - it builds safety and wellbeing for everyone who shows up for each other week after week, year after year.”
There were speeches, live music, comedy, singing, food, an art showcase, as well as poetry from network members, including Laura:
“In One Community you have created a new kind of interdependence.
On those difficult days just knowing we are part of this network which holds us and we can bounce as many times as needed in the safety net without judgement.
What a gift, what a lifeline.
From One Community we can all be proud individuals who have been guided by the spark.
What a blessing we know each other by our names not our diagnoses or labels.
We have become a container for the uncontainables.”
We received lots of messages of love and support from attendees:
Abdul Farah, One Community Project Support said:
“It was such a special day. The atmosphere was full of warmth and laughter, and everyone came together - there was a real sense of community. Celebrating both birthdays (for One Community and Cate) made it even more meaningful, and seeing so many smiles reminded me why One Community is so special. It was just magic, really, kind and caring. I felt very privileged and It was good to see our MP talking to everyone.”
Ridwanah Chetty, Danube Ward Admin, St Charles Mental Health Unit said:
“Every Friday, I look forward to attending Bay20. It not only helps our service users to get out for some fresh air, but coming to Bay20 enables them to engage in activities and meet their peers. Seeing service users joining us, feels like an achievement. To see them from the day of admission to post discharge; it brings tears to my eyes because we get the chance to see how well they are doing. They also travel far every Friday to make it to Bay20. Even for me, I look forward to the knitting and the drawing, it is so therapeutic to step out of the ward and relax my mind.”
“I was in my element, every conversation I had meant something. I hoped the words I delivered had so many smiles to give for the true essence of this monumental movement.”
“I just wanted to say how hugely impressed I was by One Community. You have created something really special. Thank you for the positive impact you have had on my son’s recovery and his ongoing wellbeing.”
“Our network members, visitors and family felt a warm glow and to feel as important back as the next, valued, cared about, and safe.”
Thank you to Joe Powell for coming to share this day with us. Here’s to the next seven years!
