Our story
Hammersmith & Fulham Circle is born out of an approach that never stops asking people what they really want and then works with them to turn ideas and aspirations into services that work and are affordable. Our story began in 2007, when 250 older people and their families in Southwark shared their vision for a life that was rich in social connections with people of all ages, where every
day jobs were easily sorted together, and to be part of something that was as much about contributing their skills as it was about receiving help. They worked with our partners at Participle Ltd and colleagues at Southwark Circle to grow this vision into an organisation that now connects hundreds of people to each other, and that has grown faster than anybody expected! In early 2010, we began talking with people across Hammersmith and Fulham about what you want, and in October of that year we launched a membership organisation based on everything you told us. You told us you wanted a way to meet new people who live nearby, to share your hobbies, skills and interests and explore with others the many things that are on in London. You expressed a desire to help out your neighbours with everything from DIY, cat sitting, teaching how to sew and much more. We also heard (and agree) that it's important to have some fun and save some money in the process! In its first year, over 450 new members joined Hammersmith & Fulham Circle – our Neighbourhood Helpers carried out more than 400 jobs and members attended over 150 different social events . So it's all about you - the members and Helpers - and how you want the Circle to work for you in your local area. So whether you live in Brook Green, 'The Bush', White City, North Fulham, Sands End or the Alphabet Streets please get in touch to let us know your ideas and your views on how we're doing. Hammersmith & Fulham Circle is a social enterprise registered in the UK as a Community Interest Company (CIC). In other words, we're focused on maximising our social impact, not our bottom line. Any profits we make will be re-invested in the community we serve. We're proud to have received funding from Hammersmith & Fulham Council through the Third Sector Investment Fund to launch a new Circle here in the borough and develop a sustainable business model for it.
