In a neighborhood where every street echoes with stories of resilience, Plaistow South Big Local (PSBL) stands as a beacon of hope—a place where voices are heard, journeys are shared, and change begins with each small step.
Sheba’s story begins with a question that many of us carry deep inside: “How can I help change policies up there?“ Her journey from a career in banking—seeing only the surface of service—to becoming an advocate for her community reveals the true power of raising her voice. It was her firsthand experience of racial prejudice and her desire to build a fairer society that initiated a new chapter in her life—one driven by purpose and the pursuit of collective upliftment.
She recalls the challenging moments—sitting in hospital waiting rooms, overhearing conversations tainted with inequality and bias. She felt the weight of injustice—not just for herself, but for every woman and family facing the same battles. Her courage grew, and transformed into action. Her work in maternity voices partnerships, her advocacy, and her community engagement all serve as testament to her belief: “There was a project that came out—an advertisement about the maternity voices partnership—and I thought, that’s my calling. I’m going to apply for that. And I never looked back.”
That spark of initiative became her as for PSBL: to ensure that the voices of black and brown and asian women are heard and valued at every level. She believes that real change begins when voices rise together—when communities are seen and their stories are part of the decisions that shape policies.
Plaistow South Big Local is more than a name; it is a promise. A promise to equip residents with the skills they need—financial literacy, mental health support, community safety—to thrive. They support families through workshops, one-on-one sessions, and community events that resonate deep within their neighborhood.
From self-defense classes that empower women, to creating safe green spaces that breathe life into crowded streets, PSBL reminds us that community development is both a ground game and a long-term vision. They build relationships, foster trust, and listen to what their community truly needs—knowing that small seeds—when nurtured—grow into leafy trees of transformation.
Yet, their journey is not without challenges. Limited resources, the complexity of navigating systems, and the challenge of engaging every individual in a world full of distractions—all weigh heavily. But they press on, using every channel—from WhatsApp to face-to-face conversations, from local partnerships to online outreach—to keep their community connected and engaged.
And as they look toward the future, their aspirations grow bolder. They dream of sustainable spaces, of continued support for those most in need, and of systemic change that erases barriers of race and class. They see the Power to Prosper campaign (P2P) not just as an opportunity but as a lifeline to extend their work, deepen their impact, and amplify their collective voice.
Because at the heart of PSBL’s work are stories—the stories of resilience, struggle, and hope. Stories that could inspire policy change, build community action, and weave a future where everyone has a fair shot.