Community action group marks two years of activism in Haringey

Haringey Community Action Network is now working with 26 local community and campaigning groups

A network of community action and campaigning groups in Haringey is marking its second anniversary

Nearly two years after launching, Haringey Community Action Network (HCAN) is now working with 26 local community and campaigning groups, as well as Haringey Trades Council and all its affiliated trade union branches.

Last week, an event at Karamel in Wood Green saw a screening of the short film Fighting to Put Power in the Hands of Our Communities which told the history of the group from its inaugural meeting at the Day-Mer Centre in Bruce Grove two years ago. It also showcased current campaigns and support for the junior doctors and council repair workers strikes and saw a performance from The Hanging Bandits.

Steve Jones, HCAN’s convenor and a Communication Workers Union (CWU) executive member, said: “I was blown away by the reports from more that a dozen active campaigns and disputes. This wasn’t a matter of people whinging about how crap things are and what other people should do. It was more about the success people have had, from attracting hundreds of people on a ‘Hunger March’ in Tottenham and securing and protecting renters from rouge landlords, to launching a new initiative to secure community spaces for foodbanks and a place to meet and socialise.

“We also heard about a numerous HCAN groups galvanising support for refugees being evicted from a hotel in Muswell Hill as well as support for Haringey activists arrested for peacefully demonstrating and raising legitimate concerns about the destruction of the planet and biodiversity.

“Another highlight was the contribution from Jess Turtle from the our newest ‘affiliate’, the simply remarkable Museum of Homelessness – it is an absolute honour to have them on board.”

Regarding the past two years of activism, Steve said: “It’s been worth all the tireless work which has resulted in the involvement of such a large number of excellent groups representing thousands of local people. There are great people doing brilliant and selfless work.

“Our biggest event so far was the ‘Right to Food’ march from the Spurs stadium to a festival at Tottenham Green in September last year. This started off as a Haringey event but soon became a London wide march, such was the interest – it was a brilliant and lively event. The best part for me was the enthusiasm from everyone who lined the high street, including those in the shops and cafes as we distributed thousands of leaflets.”

In November HCAN also worked alongside Extinction Rebellion Haringey by holding a “very successful” community assembly discussing how to respond to the climate crisis.

Steve added: “Haringey is one of the most poverty stricken boroughs in London – we will fight tooth and nail to provide much needed support. We will put pressure on wherever and whenever it’s needed.

“Without doubt HCAN has grown from strength to strength, we now have a reach of many thousands. We will continue to build, campaign, and fight for justice and equality wherever and whenever it crosses our path, be it in our communities, on the streets, or our workplaces.”

Anyone wanting to get involved with HCAN can get in touch:
Email [email protected]

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