Over the last three years, Fishermead has benefited from the presence of a Citizens Community Organiser who has worked with local institutions and residents to bring together many parts of the community to effect change.
One of the success stories was the recent Fishermead 50th Carnival, attended by hundreds of residents and the local MP, Mayor of MK and Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire.
Residents were able to enjoy a wide variety of foods, activities and music from the stage in the heart of the estate
The first screening of a new film, hosted by Fishermead Mosque, also took place featuring residents talking about their love for Fishermead.
A model of the original 1970s plan for the estate was also exhibited, the children of Jubilee Wood School sang a new song about Fishermead, and the staff and customers of Xtrim Hair & Beauty Salon won Gold in the Fishermead Business Olympics.
Pavle Trajkovski, pastor of the Seventh-day Adventist Church on Fishermead, said "Learning about the principles of Community Organising has helped me be more impactful within my own institution as well as more confident in building relationships with other leaders in the community."
David Hart, a long-term local resident, said: “Our Community Organiser has made a big difference in the estate. Despite Covid, he managed to get people talking to each other and inspired us to demonstrate how great Fishermead is.”
The three-year contract, funded by MK Community Foundation, ends in August.
Residents and organisations are currently planning how to continue the work and run another Carnival in 2024.
