The Tottenham Community Press is turning one and to recognise this milestone, the social enterprise newspaper is hosting a birthday get-together on Thursday 30th November.
The Tottenham Community Party aims to celebrate the local area and will offer local entertainment, free food made by local chefs and an exhibition by the Tottenham Photography Group. It will also mark the launch of the Tottenham Community Press crowdfunding campaign.
Tottenham Community Press is crowdfunding to secure its future as the only truly independent local newspaper in the area. Since its launch in 2016, the not-for-profit newspaper has become a trusted, independent source of local news and a platform for local people to speak out on the issues that matter to them.
In a survey conducted earlier this year, 97% of respondents said that Tottenham needed a local newspaper. The top three areas that respondents wanted to see more coverage of were: regeneration and development of the area, community project and arts and culture.
The Tottenham Community Press is part of a growing movement of community publications that are experimenting with innovative models to ensure the survival of local news.
Research has found that over 180 local newspapers have closed nationally since 2005. The Media Reform Coalition reports that: “Six companies account for over 80% of local newspaper titles.” The Coalition describes this as a ‘democratic deficit’.
David Lammy MP for Tottenham said: “In an age of fake news, of rising hate crime, of concern and vulnerability of communities, particularly in areas like Tottenham, we need the Tottenham Community Press.
“We have to have a press that is accountable, we have to have a set of information that’s edited, that’s real, that’s true, that speaks truth to power – not just people on Twitter asserting what they want. That’s why I believe in community journalism and all that Tottenham Community Press represents.”
Seema Chandwani, Selby Centre, said: “Residents need to feel that their voices are heard – whether it is on regeneration, police and community relations. Not having the paper almost takes away that voice.”
Miranda Grell, Haringey Law Centre, said: “Having the Tottenham Community Press in existence means that there is definitely more transparency about some of the many developments and changes happening in our area.”
For more information about the Tottenham Community Press, the Tottenham Community Party and the crowdfunding campaign, contact Ellie or Anna:
Email [email protected] or call 020 8521 7956
The Tottenham Community Party: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-tottenham-community-party-tickets-39181707542?aff=es2
About Tottenham Community Press
Tottenham Community Press is a free, independent, community newspaper, which launched in November 2016. We are a print newspaper and currently publish on a bi-monthly basis.
We operate as a not-for-profit publication written by and for local people. We rely on local advertising to provide this service. All income is spent on making and improving the paper. The Tottenham Community Press marks a return to real local news, giving readers the chance to learn more about what’s going on in their area and to read (and write) news stories about what matters them.
We want to provide an opportunity for local people to contribute and raise important issues. We aim to reflect the vibrancy and diversity of the Tottenham area, to celebrate its rich traditions and cultural heritage. Our aim is to promote the work of local community organisations and voluntary sector groups, along with arts and cultural activities taking place in Tottenham.
About Social Spider CIC
Social Spider CIC helps people to make change happen. We are a social enterprise delivering research, writing, publishing and training services as well as running our own local and national projects. Social Spider CIC works in partnership with other social enterprises and charities to produce two community newspapers: the Waltham Forest Echo and the Tottenham Community Press.
