Meet the Directors of HGCA
Zaynab Akhtar
Dr Gianluca Fantoni
Dr Gianluca Fantoni
Zaynab Akhtar is a local resident and co-founder of Hyson Green Community Action, with a strong commitment to improving the environment and bringing the community together. She holds an LLB in Law, which supports her understanding of systems, advocacy, and working collaboratively with services.
She has experience working within family hubs and has been involved in community initiatives focused on collaboration and co-production. Zaynab is particularly passionate about tackling waste issues and creating cleaner, safer spaces for children and families.
Dr Gianluca Fantoni
Dr Gianluca Fantoni
Dr Gianluca Fantoni
Dr Gianluca Fantoni is a Senior Lecturer at Nottingham Trent University, specialising in modern European history, with a focus on politics, media, and public understanding.
Alongside his academic work, he is actively involved in the local community as a Clean Champion, regularly organising litter picking activities to encourage environmental responsibility. Gianluca brings strong skills in research, communication, and critical thinking to support informed and impactful community action.
Farzana Akhter
Dr Gianluca Fantoni
Farzana Akhter
Farzana Akhter is a director of Hyson Green Community Action with a background in psychology, bringing valuable insight into people, behaviour, and wellbeing.
She is passionate about supporting local families, strengthening community connections, and ensuring residents feel included and heard. Farzana plays an important role in encouraging participation and helping to create a more welcoming, connected Hyson Green.
Welcome to Hyson Green Community Action Community Hub
Meeting with counsellor
We recently met with our local councillor to address the ongoing issue of waste dumping in Hyson Green, exploring collaborative and long-term solutions to improve the local environment and community wellbeing.
Upcoming Events
We actively took part in a Hyson Green litter picking event organised by our local Asda, showing our commitment to taking action and improving our local environment.
News interviews
News interviews
Hyson Green Community Action was featured in an article highlighting the impact of fly-tipping on residents and the work being done to raise awareness, encourage community action, and improve the local environment.
Radio Dawn show
Leftlion interview
News interviews
HGCA took part in a Dawn Radio interview, sharing how Hyson Green Community Action began and highlighting the work being done to tackle issues affecting the local community.
Upcoming Events
Leftlion interview
Leftlion interview
Hyson Green Community Action supported Nottingham Garden Project in securing Hyson Green Community Voice recognition for the Berridge Road Curve Garden, which recently achieved 2nd place in the Nottingham Community Garden of the Year Awards.
This space has been transformed from a long-standing fly-tipping hotspot into a vibrant community garden, improving the local environment and bringing people together.
Leftlion interview
Leftlion interview
Leftlion interview
Hyson Green Community Action was featured in an article by LeftLion, highlighting how the group was formed and the work being done to tackle waste and improve the local environment.
The article explores the impact of fly-tipping on the community and the action being taken to create cleaner, safer streets.
Waste Awareness Activity at Faza Radio
Clean Champion: Leading Litter Picking Activities
Clean Champion: Leading Litter Picking Activities
At a recent radio event with Faza, we hosted a stand on waste and recycling, delivering a short interactive demonstration to highlight the impact of waste on the local environment.
The activity gave residents a brief but powerful insight into the realities of living around waste.
Clean Champion: Leading Litter Picking Activities
Clean Champion: Leading Litter Picking Activities
Clean Champion: Leading Litter Picking Activities
As a Clean Champion, Gianluca regularly organises local litter picking activities, taking practical action to tackle waste and improve the environment in Hyson Green.
These efforts help create cleaner streets while encouraging others in the community to get involved.
Using Stories to Raise Awareness
Clean Champion: Leading Litter Picking Activities
Using Stories to Raise Awareness
We use storytelling on social media to help people understand the impact that waste and environmental issues can have on communities. By presenting relatable scenarios, we encourage discussion, reflection, and greater awareness of local challenges.