In March 2022, Way of Life founded Community Life, a long-term strategic commitment, working collaboratively with grassroots initiatives to deliver a positive social impact. Inspired by the idea of ‘offsetting’ (like your flight, or car journey) residents are encouraged to donate to grassroot initiatives on a monthly basis alongside their rent.

Who is on the project team? 

Gavin Chetty, Brand Director

Ellie Burns, Communications & Partnerships Manager

Leyla Laksari, Founder - Living Under One Sun

Describe the context of this project and its neighbourhood and people?

Way of Life believes that successful neighbourhoods are diverse, inclusive and multifaceted. We are committed to playing a fundamental role in nurturing vibrant, greener, and inclusive communities wherever we are present. In March 2022, Way of Life founded Community Life, a long-term strategic commitment, working collaboratively with grass-root initiatives to deliver positive social impact. Community Life is Way of Life’s social responsibility programme, which connects residents, staff and local communities to encourage a sense of community spirit, and spotlight grass-root organisations across the country which are working to give back.

Inspired by the idea of ‘offsetting’ (like your flight, or car journey) residents are encouraged to donate to grassroot initiatives on a monthly basis alongside their rent. Way of Life has invested in its own funding infrastructure, working with nationwide charity Groundwork UK to develop its own online donation system (page 5/6) that safely facilitates payments. One-off or regular payment options including Paypal, card or even Apple Pay are secure and tightly ring-fenced by Groundwork UK before being donated to the local community project the resident’s building supports. Local charity partners and projects are chosen with consideration and heart, allowing residents to trust the Community Life initiative and feel encouraged to get involved. This bespoke offering encourages Way of Life residents to put down lasting roots and feel part of the wider community.

The project began with Living Under One Sun (LUOS) (page 3) – a community hub in the heart of Tottenham Hale next to The Gessner.

How did you enliven the place? 

Storytelling sits at the core of Community Life’s strategy – celebrating the extraordinary people and initiatives that residents can donate to, with high-quality content visible across Way of Life’s social channels and online Journal (page 7). Weekly newsletters are also shared with residents including updates from their local Community Life partner, which sit alongside accessible QR codes at the concierge offices to drive donations. Projects are seen end-to-end, allowing residents to see where their money has benefited those in the area and encourage residents to feel a sense of pride and togetherness. 

In May 2022, Way of Life hosted its Community Life launch party (page 8) on the sun terrace of The Gessner with LUOS to raise awareness of the corporate citizenship programme and encourage residents to set up donations. Entertainment included local drumming and dance workshops, with complimentary home cooked food inspired by all cultures, made with fresh vegetables and herbs grown in the community garden. At the event, residents were invited to donate to the Community Life platform via a postcard created with a direct QR code. Today, residents continue to engage with LUOS regularly; volunteering and attending their events such as the Festival of Healing with Haringey Council for Refugee Week and Afro Caribbean Christmas Craft Fair in December 2022.

How did you engage the community? 

The Community Life launch event received 93 sign ups with a guest list of 101. In total, 60 residents attended including families, students and independent residents. Over £230 was raised in the evening alone. Total contributions to Living Under One Sun from The Gessner is £1.5k.

"Thanks so much for organising the event last night! We really enjoyed it and it was lovely to meet more people from the building, and get to know more about the ’Living Under One Sun’ project" – Resident

"I’ve loved the Community Life launch event, and I’ve supported and visited Living Under One Sun since." – Resident

"Thanks for all your lovely smiles and cheerfulness and help and love, especially everyone in the background doing loads too. Residents were great and they have a beautiful home. The team of Way of Life are so lovely and kind, funny and positive" – Leyla, Co-Founder, Living Under One Sun

“We use the community garden across the road, Living Under One Sun, a lot too. We treat it like an extension of The Gessner. In the summer, they held regular workshops for kids, so we’d go a few times a week and ride bikes, or do art, or play games. Leyla [Laksari, who runs Living Under One Sun] is brilliant. The Gessner, the kids’ school and the Living Under One Sun community hub is very much our little world. It’s like a little triangle for us. – Resident

Did the project make a positive social and environmental contribution? 

Way of Life and The Gessner’s relationship with Living Under One Sun has blossomed into an effortless partnership. From the smallest of favours (using The Gessner’s printer for community posters) to combining our voices to amplify positive change and a sense of belonging within the local area. Residents and the team are very lucky and feel proud to have Living Under One Sun on their doorstep.

This activation and partnership also acted as a segway for additional partnerships within the area. In July 2022 Way of Life partnered with Made By Tottenham (page 15) with Haringey Council and Mayor of London Creative Enterprise Zone to host a networking and panel discussion for local creatives in the area.

"A fantastic evening was had by all with a great discussion and views across Tottenham" – Made By Tottenham

"More please! Amazing location and so inspiring to be together with creative minds from Tottenham and across Haringey" – Guest