Paula Vincent: Connecting The Dots
Paula connects the dots. Dots between people, places and possibilities.
As Community Development and Partnerships Manager, Paula works across the Lampton Group to build meaningful partnerships with local charities, VCSEs (Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises), sports clubs and public sector organisations. Her attention is focused on making sure Lampton’s spaces, services and expertise are used in ways that genuinely meet the needs of the local community.
Turning partnerships into impact
A big part of Paula’s work could be described as a ‘matchmaking’ service. When a community organisation or the Council identifies a need, whether that’s inclusive activities for children with SEND, mental health support through physical activity, or safer spaces for young people; Paula looks at how Lampton can help.
For example, connecting a charity with one of Lampton’s leisure centres, creating inclusive outdoor programmes in green spaces, or bringing in specialist partners to deliver activities Lampton can’t provide alone.
Paula recently worked with a mental health charity to deliver supported physical activity sessions in Lampton leisure centres, creating safe, welcoming spaces for people living with mental health challenges. She’s also been involved with inclusive fishing sessions for young people with autism, using the great outdoors to support additional needs.
A role connecting the group
Previously focused on leisure, Paula’s role has now expanded across Lampton Greenspace, Lampton Recycle and other services, giving her a much broader view of what Lampton can offer.
This means opportunities to develop new types of activity, from countryside-based holiday programmes and nature play to future plans for Bedfont Lakes, where new partnerships could unlock open water swimming and community-focused outdoor experiences.
“My new role gives me oversight of everything we can do as a group,” Paula explains. “It’s about stepping back and thinking, where can we join the dots to create something that really adds value to the community?”
Focused on those who need it most
Paula’s work aligns closely with Hounslow’s Core 20 Plus 5 strategy, which focuses on the borough’s most deprived communities and key health inequalities. By working closely with the Council, NHS partners and local organisations, Paula helps ensure resources and funding are targeted where they can make the biggest difference. Initiatives like Warm Space packs for the homeless, blood donation partnerships with the NHS, and funded community activity programmes, for instance. These are all designed to reduce barriers and improve wellbeing.
Why it matters
For Paula, the most rewarding part of the role is seeing real outcomes.
“ For me, it’s all about seeing young people take part in something they wouldn’t otherwise have access to and watching their confidence grow. That’s what it’s all about!”
At its heart, Paula’s role is about making Lampton more than just a provider of services. It’s about using partnership working to build stronger communities, healthier families, and more inclusive spaces across the borough.
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