🧡Introducing Mindful Space - Space to Belong

At Kingston Giving, we’ve always listened - to local voices, our partners, and the evolving needs of our community.

Since transitioning from Kingston Charitable Foundation to Kingston Giving, and aligning with our network of ‘Givings’ through London Funders as part of the London’s Giving movement, we’ve strengthened our mission to connect funders, businesses, charities, and residents around what really matters in Kingston.

🗣 Listening to Our Community

Our City Bridge Foundation-funded ‘What Kingston Thinks’ peer research was a key milestone. Talking to 200 residents, we discovered that mental health and wellbeing are the top concern for 39% of people in Kingston. Young people told us they wanted support “in real spaces, not clinical ones” - places where they could simply belong.

🤝 Collaborating with Experts

We convened a Task & Finish Group with Lived + Practice Experts, including representatives from RBK, NHS, leading mental health charities, and community groups. Their insight highlighted that 18–25-year-olds were being underserved in ways they needed.

📘 Small Questions, Big Impact

In response, we created practical, community-designed leaflets: ‘What’s Up for Children + Young Adults’ and ‘How are you doing for Adults’. These tools help people check in with themselves and others - proving that small, everyday conversations can spark meaningful connection and early support for wellbeing.

💡 Catalyst Grants for 2026

With support from Royal Borough of Kingston neighbourhood grants, we’re launching our Catalyst Grant Programme in early 2026. Small, flexible awards will help residents on low incomes access opportunities that build confidence, connection, and wellbeing. Trusted local charity partners apply on behalf of individuals, with decisions made by our paid Participatory Grant Makers, creating a light-touch, trust-based model.

🌇 Shaping Kingston’s Everyday Spaces

Our focus on mental health for 18 - 25-year-olds now extends to Kingston’s everyday places — cafés, gyms, arts venues, pubs, and parks. Through ongoing consultations with hospitality leaders, venue managers, mental health professionals, and people with lived experience, we’re shaping Mindful Space – Space to Belong: social spaces that are inclusive, welcoming, and supportive.

🌱 The Next Chapter

‘Mindful Space’ will bring young people, venues, and community partners together to rethink what a “safe, welcoming space” really looks like. Small, thoughtful changes can make a big difference to wellbeing and belonging - and we’ll be doing this with and for local people and businesses.

This represents the next chapter in Kingston Giving’s journey: from research and insight to collaboration and action, making Kingston a place where everyone has a space to belong.