Our neighbourhoods: Meet Rupert

We spoke to local residents to find out why they love their local neighbourhood, what makes them proud to live here and what they’d like to be improved.

Rupert has lived in Cann Hall ward for 18 years, following a move to the borough from West London. 

We’re all in this together, we’re here for you

"My neighbours on Huddlestone Road are supportive, helpful, and super friendly. We have street parties every year – it brings us all together, introduces us to each other – mixing, mingling. We encourage neighbours to bring food from their culture and it really is from all over the globe – somebody will offer jollof rice from West Africa, someone else Hungarian food, someone else Romanian food. It’s marvellous and I’ve never lived on a street where the neighbours know each other so well. 

There are all kinds of groups and resources that bring people together – St Margaret’s Church runs a pop-up shop for people who need to top up their shopping, and I love the free Spring Bulbs offer to encourage community groups to be green fingered and beautify our street, our neighbourhood watch keeps an eye out for each other. 

I like the mutual aid that happens in this neighbourhood. It makes people feel less isolated and alone, we’re all in this together, we’re here for you.”