Celebrating a decade of partnership with the Peabody Trust
Dot Dot Dot’s partnership with Peabody began in 2014, marking a decade of collaboration. To support Peabody’s regeneration project in Thamesmead, south-east London, we transformed empty properties into homes for guardians passionate about volunteering for good causes. Over ten years, our guardians contributed over 65,000 volunteering hours, valued at £1 million and equivalent to 37 years of full-time work.
While our partnership concluded in October, we’re proud of the impact we’ve made. From cleaning up local spaces to tackling social challenges, guardians made a tangible difference—like the paramedic who delivered a baby in a car park or the team who turned laughter into community healing through comedy workshops.
Guardians driving community impact
Dot Dot Dot’s mission to create positive change through housing aligns seamlessly with Peabody’s vision of fostering strong communities and supporting personal growth. 52% of guardians volunteered locally and played a key role in enhancing the Thamesmead area, contributing to cleaner, safer, and more vibrant public spaces.
From repairing a local basketball cage to clearing rubbish from the Thames, their efforts left a visible mark. Beyond environmental work, guardians supported social initiatives, such as volunteering with local organisations to address food insecurity and homelessness.
One memorable example of their impact came in 2018, when a guardian paramedic delivered a baby in a supermarket car park in the Thamesmead area – a testament to the value of embedding compassionate, capable individuals in the community.
Fostering connection and belonging in the neighbourhood
In 2023, we launched the Guardian Community Events Fund to empower guardians to create events that benefit their neighbours. Several Thamesmead guardians utilised Dot Dot Dot’s sponsorship to dedicate their volunteering efforts to enriching the community experience and supporting local residents.
Among them, Chloe and her fellow guardian, Bea, launched a six-week comedy workshop for local residents, culminating in an open mic night. The comedy events proved to be a resounding success, leaving a lasting impact on participants. One workshop attendee shared with Bea how the experience had brought a sense of joy and playfulness back into her life after several challenging years.
Creating a safer environment
Our guardians also contributed to safety by reporting antisocial behaviour (ASB) and maintaining open communication channels with local authorities and Peabody’s ASB reporting systems. This proactive approach enhanced the sense of security for residents and supported Peabody’s efforts to build a safe environment for its remaining residents.
A legacy of positive change
Although our partnership with Peabody in Thamesmead has concluded, its impact endures. With 79% of surveyed guardians expressing a desire to remain in the area, the foundation laid during this collaboration will continue to benefit the community and Peabody’s residents for years to come.
Dominique Maynard, Senior Service Coordinator at Dot Dot Dot says: “Working with Peabody on their regeneration project has been such a rewarding journey. Together, we turned empty homes into places full of life and purpose, where guardians made a real difference in Thamesmead. Whether it was cleaning up public spaces, running community events, or supporting local charities, their efforts genuinely changed lives. Even though our partnership has ended, the impact of our guardians’ 65,000 hours of volunteering will keep making Thamesmead a stronger, more connected community for a long time.”
