Helena's Story

I joined Coin Street as a member of the Communications team almost 3 years ago, but unknowingly my relationship with the neighbourhood began long before.  

As a young teenager, the South Bank was one of the first places I explored in London. The buzzing space felt like the perfect escape, a place for my friends and I to grow up and find ourselves amongst the bustle of the city. School holidays and evenings were spent enjoying markets, watching artists and performers, and wandering along the river.  

I never imagined then that I’d spend the first few years of my career working on the South Bank, for the organisation that created this place for myself and so many others to enjoy. As a teenager, my visits to the Coin Street neighbourhood gave me freedom and independence, and as a young adult, working there helped me grow and begin my adult life.  

I’m inspired by the history of Coin Street and the people who fought for it. Everyday people who believed their community deserved more, coming together to make change happen. Their courage resulted in the Coin Street we see today, a safe haven for myself and so many others to explore, work, call home and find community. I see this courage reflected in the brilliant people who work for Coin Street now, powered by the continued belief that their community deserves more and a drive to support that.  

I’ve always enjoyed the spaces between the galleries, shops, homes and community buildings most in the neighbourhood. Spaces like Ernie’s beach, Bernie Spain Gardens and the riverside walkway. Small pockets of nature, carefully preserved to be enjoyed by all who visit. These spaces have been there for me through countless ups and downs, they’ve provided me with safety and solace to find quiet in the noise. I remember sunny strolls along the riverside walkway with colleagues turned friends and standing in the wind on the beach, throwing stones in the water while I made sense of my mind on heavier days.  

40 years on, I hope Coin Street’s campaigners and founders realise how many lives their efforts have improved. My relationship with the neighbourhood is just one of hundreds of thousands. Some have found love or a place to reflect after loss. Others have created homes, made lifelong friends, gained independence, started businesses or simply enjoyed a day out. Whatever our experiences in the neighbourhood, we all have Coin Street to credit for creating the space for us all.  

For Coin Street’s 40th anniversary, I’d like to thank the campaigners and founders, the residents and community, my former colleagues and friends, and all who have contributed in the last 40 years to making this neighbourhood so inspirational. Thank you for creating a space where I and so many others can flourish and belong.