Impact Stories

Basingstoke Is My Home Exhibition

Building on the Success of Windrush 75: Celebrating Diversity in Basingstoke

The recent exhibition, "Basingstoke's My Home: Local Stories with Global Roots," showcases the rich tapestry of cultures that have shaped our town. This project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and developed in partnership with Hampshire Cultural Trust, exemplifies the powerful impact of co-creation with community initiatives.

Building on the success of the Windrush 75 celebrations, members of Kikoi Connection leadership team played a vital role as part of the community collective to co-create this exhibtion. Three members were featured amongst the nine inspiring stories shared. This exhibition further solidified the strong working relationship between the Trust and the global majority community.

"Basingstoke's My Home" explored four key themes: work, religion, identity, and community, through personal narratives, cherished objects, and captivating illustrations by artist Nami Ralph. The exhibition not only celebrated the diverse histories of our communties but also served as a powerful platform for community voices to be heard.

This project reinforces the importance of collaborative partnerships and the power of community engagement. It demonstrates how, by working together, we can uncover and share the rich and diverse stories that make Basingstoke the vibrant community it is today.

Flag Raising Events

A Landmark Achievement

For many years, the vision of a Windrush flag flying proudly in Basingstoke remained just that – a dream. However, through dedicated advocacy, this vision became a reality in 2023, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the HMT Empire Windrush.

This inaugural flag raising ceremony, held at the Civic Offices, marked a significant turning point. It was a powerful symbol of recognition, acknowledging the invaluable contributions of the Windrush generation to our community. The event, attended by community leaders, local residents, and representatives of the Windrush generation, was a moving testament to the power of collective action.

Building on this success, the tradition continued. In October that year, the Black History Month Flag was raised for the first time to usher in celebrations for the month. The start of October now also has a launch event at the Civic Offices. Both events, now firmly etched in the civic calendar have become an annual act of recognition and celebration.

This achievement serves as a powerful reminder that consistent advocacy and the support of responsive leadership can bring about meaningful change. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Council Leader and the relevant Cabinet Member for their proactive approach and commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable community. Their willingness to listen and act on the concerns of their constituents has been instrumental in making this vision a reality.

This landmark achievement inspires us all to continue striving for a more just and inclusive society. It demonstrates that when we work together, with tireless dedication and a shared vision, we can overcome challenges and create a lasting legacy for future generations.

Ukraine Appeal

A Wave of Compassion: Our Ukrainian Refugee Appeal

In March 2022, Nsima Udoh led this appeal and we were humbled by the incredible outpouring of support from our community. Within two weeks, a wave of compassion washed over Basingstoke, as residents rallied together to provide essential aid to those fleeing the conflict.

The response was overwhelming. Mountains of donations poured in, filling our collection points with a tide of generosity.

• Clothing: 2,901 items of clothing for children, women, and men were collected, offering warmth and dignity to those who had fled their homes.

• Essentials for Daily Life: 2,799 nappies, 1,310 packs of wipes, and 4,073 units of sanitary products were donated, providing crucial hygiene and care for families with young children and women.

• Warmth and Comfort: 294 pairs of gloves, hats, and socks were collected to provide much-needed warmth during the cold winter months.

And that's not all.

• Further Clothing Donations: 687 additional items of clothing, 198 pairs of shoes, and 1,176 toys were gathered, bringing smiles to the faces of children and offering a sense of normalcy in the midst of displacement.

• Essential Supplies: 139 blankets and sleeping bags provided comfort and warmth, while 740 units of nappies, 601 units of sanitary products, and 104 packs of wipes ensured basic needs were met.

• Hygiene and Comfort Items: 465 units of shampoo, shower gel, bar soap, and deodorant were collected, along with 416 units of toothpaste and toothbrushes, offering a sense of dignity and personal care.

• First Aid and Practical Support: 161 packs of painkillers were donated to alleviate suffering, while 2 baby cots/carriers and 100 torch lights with batteries provided practical support for families in need.

The sheer volume of donations is a testament to the kindness and compassion of our community. Every item, every act of generosity, brought hope and support to those who were forced to flee their homes. This appeal would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of our dedicated volunteers who tirelessly sorted, packed, and prepared the donations for shipment. Their commitment and dedication were truly inspiring. We extend our heartfelt thanks to every single person who contributed to this incredible effort. Your generosity has made a real difference in the lives of those affected by the conflict.