Is London Dying?

A Panel Discussion With Dot Dot Dot’s Founder, Katharine Hibbert

On Monday Dot Dot Dot founder Katharine Hibbert featured on a panel discussion about the provocative question ‘is London dying?’ at Conway Hall, Holborn. Alongside Ian Sinclair, Tom Hodgkinson and Angus Hanton, Katharine spoke about some of the issues facing London in the immediate future. Housing featured prominently on this list.

Whilst all the panelists were concerned by London’s housing issues, the degree to which they thought this meant London was ‘dying’ varied.

The discussion covered many of the housing problems facing London. Rapidly rising rents, government inaction on housing and a lack of affordable housing stock were all thought to be strangling the capital, especially for the younger generation.

However, Katharine sees cause for hope and doesn’t think London is dying ‘just yet’. Whilst to many the situation only seems to be getting worse, there are actions that could be taken to create a better housing situation for future Londoners. Moreover, the continued vitality and diversity of London will remain a source of hope, even if housing woes continue.

Even if we are operating on a small-scale, at Dot Dot Dot we’re happy to provide an affordable living option in the thick of a housing crisis. We’re also proud to operate in a buzzing, diverse metropolis. We can’t see London dying just yet!

Spotlight on Kahina

Kahina has thrown herself into volunteering during her time with Dot Dot Dot and has spent over 50 hours giving back to the local community. She has worked with young people on a mentoring project and with other guardians on the Divest Bexley climate campaign. She described moving to this area as ‘the best thing that’s happened to her in a long time!’

Here’s what she has to say about being a guardian:

‘I moved to Abbey Wood in November as a new Dot Dot Dot guardian. What made me choose Dot Dot Dot Property is the fact that, unlike other Guardian Companies, it’s first and foremost a social enterprise. And having a strong background in volunteering, it was the right and obvious choice for me.

I decided to volunteer at The Link as it’s near to my building, which means that I can be flexible with my hours. I also like the fact that they offer a lot of help and support to the Thamesmead community. And it also happens to be a great building, which is a bonus!

I have been volunteering there alongside Lorraine Heath-Norwood, who is their Young People Employment Advisor. With her, I mentor Young People and help them getting work and professional training. A typical session would involve us meeting a young person for a follow up, seeing how they are doing with their job search, helping them with either writing or editing their CV, cover letter, work experience application, but also mock job interviews and tips of all sorts. What we offer is guidance and help. I have recently been asked to oversee the content of a leaflet advertising their next Careers Fair, so my involvement there is quite diverse, exciting and interesting!

The young people we guide come from different walks of life. Some have left school before gaining their A Levels, some hold a University degree but are struggling to get a job, and others have mental health issues that are holding them back. The highlight of my volunteering at The Link so far has been seeing one young person with mental health issues overcoming his disability and gaining enough confidence to get back into work. Which is extremely rewarding!

They are expecting their department to grow, which means that hopefully the number of young people seeking our help will increase. And that’s something I’m really looking forward to!’

Get involved

• If you’re interested in volunteering and becoming a guardian with dot dot dot, apply here today
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