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Our Story

Open Horizons Collective CIC was established to address the interconnected barriers that individuals and families across London face when accessing opportunities, services and support.


Many communities experience challenges linked to digital exclusion, complex welfare systems, housing insecurity and limited access to appropriate guidance. These barriers often prevent individuals from fully participating in social and economic life.


Our organisation brings together expertise in public governance, community advocacy and digital education, combining policy insight with frontline experience and practical delivery.


We work to bridge the gap between communities and systems by delivering accessible, community-led programmes that support individuals to build skills, access services and achieve greater independence.


Our approach is rooted in inclusion, safeguarding and long-term impact.

Community-Focused Approach

We place communities at the centre of everything we do. Our work is shaped by real needs, lived experiences and ongoing engagement with the people we support.


By building trust and working closely with communities, we ensure that our programmes are relevant, accessible and responsive to those facing the greatest barriers.

Practical Impact & Expertise

Our programmes combine governance expertise, digital innovation and frontline advocacy to deliver practical, measurable outcomes.


We focus on enabling individuals to access services, develop skills and participate more fully in society, contributing to stronger and more resilient communities.

Our Team

Our leadership team brings together extensive experience across public governance, community advocacy, education and digital inclusion, ensuring that our programmes are both strategically designed and grounded in real community needs.

Maria Linforth-Hall

Director – Governance & Public Systems

María Rosa Linforth-Hall is a former Southwark Councillor with over a decade of experience in public service, community leadership and local governance. Her work has covered housing, social care, public health, community safety and support for vulnerable residents, giving her strong insight into the challenges faced by diverse communities and the systems that affect their everyday lives.


Within Open Horizons Collective CIC, María Rosa brings valuable expertise in governance, policy, safeguarding and strategic decision-making. Her experience strengthens the organisation’s ability to work responsibly with communities, build trusted partnerships, and develop projects that respond to real local needs while promoting inclusion, wellbeing and long-term social impact.

Evelyn Llumitasig

Director – Digital Inclusion & Education

Evelyn Llumitasig Alvarez is an experienced adult education professional, digital inclusion specialist and community programme designer with a strong track record of supporting adults from diverse backgrounds to build confidence, skills and independence. She specialises in designing and delivering practical learning programmes in digital skills, AI literacy, online safety, employability and entrepreneurship, with particular experience supporting people facing barriers such as low digital confidence, language needs, limited access to technology and social exclusion.


Through her work in adult community learning, Evelyn has developed inclusive, learner-centred programmes that help individuals use technology in meaningful ways for everyday life, work, education and business development. Within Open Horizons Collective CIC, she brings expertise in curriculum design, project coordination, outreach and partnership working, contributing to community-led initiatives that promote inclusion, opportunity and long-term social impact.

Sofia Estrella

Director – Welfare & Safeguarding

Sofía Estrella brings over 13 years of frontline experience supporting migrant communities, with a strong focus on welfare advice, community advocacy and practical support for individuals facing barriers to services. Her work has involved helping people understand their rights, navigate complex systems, access essential support and overcome challenges linked to language, confidence, social exclusion and unfamiliarity with UK services.


Within Open Horizons Collective CIC, Sofía brings valuable expertise in welfare systems navigation, safeguarding, advocacy and culturally sensitive community support. Her experience strengthens the organisation’s ability to engage trusted relationships with migrant communities, provide practical guidance, and develop inclusive projects that improve access, wellbeing and long-term community resilience.

Our Strengths

Our work is built on a combination of strategic expertise, community insight and practical delivery. We bring together:

Governance and Policy Insight
Strong understanding of public systems, safeguarding frameworks and local authority processes.

Digital Innovation and Education
Expertise in digital inclusion, AI literacy and accessible learning models.

Frontline Community Advocacy
Direct experience supporting individuals navigating welfare, housing and social care systems.

Evidence-Informed Approach
Programmes designed using real community needs, with a focus on measurable outcomes and continuous improvement.

Latest Case Studies

Our programmes are informed by the professional experience of our founding team, who have delivered a range of community-based initiatives across London in education, welfare support, safeguarding and empowerment.

The following examples reflect areas of delivery that inform the development of our current and future programmes.


These experiences inform the design of Open Horizons Collective CIC’s future programmes, ensuring they are grounded in practical delivery, community need and measurable impact.


01

Digital Inclusion & Skills Development

Digital Skills & AI for Everyday Life


A series of community-based workshops designed to support adults with low digital confidence to develop essential digital skills for everyday life, communication and employment.


The programme included:

  • Basic digital skills (devices, internet use, email)
  • Online safety and responsible use of technology
  • Introduction to AI tools for daily tasks (writing, communication, information search)
  • Practical activities focused on real-life applications

The programme supported participants to build confidence, reduce digital exclusion and improve access to services, employment opportunities and communication tools.

02

Welfare Guidance & Systems Navigation

Community Welfare Drop-In Support


A frontline support initiative providing one-to-one guidance to individuals navigating complex welfare, housing and public service systems.


The initiative included:

  • Support with Universal Credit, PIP and benefit-related queries
  • Assistance with housing issues and communication with local authorities
  • Translation and interpretation support (Spanish–English)
  • Guidance on accessing statutory and community services

The project focused on reducing barriers to access, supporting individuals in crisis situations and improving their ability to navigate systems independently.

03

Safeguarding & Community Wellbeing

Community Wellbeing & Safeguarding Workshops

A series of community workshops and engagement sessions focused on raising awareness of safeguarding, wellbeing and social support systems.

The programme included:

  • Domestic abuse awareness and support pathways
  • Community safety and access to local services
  • Wellbeing and social connection initiatives
  • Engagement with vulnerable individuals and families

Delivered with a strong understanding of public systems and safeguarding frameworks, the initiative supported early intervention, increased awareness and stronger community resilience.

04

Employability & Economic Participation

Skills for Life & Economic Empowerment Programme

A community-based programme supporting individuals to develop practical skills for employability, entrepreneurship and economic participation.

The programme combined:

  • Digital skills and communication tools
  • Basic marketing and use of AI for small business ideas
  • Confidence-building and personal development
  • Guidance on pathways to employment or self-employment

Delivered through a combination of workshops and practical activities, the programme aimed to support participants in identifying opportunities, developing skills and increasing their economic independence.

Digital Inclusion & Skills Development

Digital Skills & AI for Everyday Life

Overview

This programme supports adults with low digital confidence to develop essential digital skills for everyday life, communication, and access to services. It is designed for individuals who face barriers due to limited digital knowledge, language challenges or lack of prior exposure to technology.

What we deliver

  • Introduction to digital devices (smartphones, laptops, tablets)
  • Internet navigation and online safety
  • Email communication and online forms
  • Use of AI tools for everyday tasks (writing, translation, information search)
  • Practical, step-by-step activities based on real-life scenarios

Who it supports

  • Older adults experiencing digital exclusion
  • Migrants and ESOL learners
  • Individuals with low confidence in using technology
  • People needing support to access online services

Outcomes

  • Increased digital confidence and independence
  • Improved access to services, education and employment opportunities
  • Reduced isolation through digital communication
  • Practical use of AI tools to support daily tasks

Welfare Guidance & Systems Navigation

Community Welfare Drop-In Support

Overview

A frontline support initiative providing accessible, one-to-one guidance to individuals navigating complex welfare, housing and public service systems. The programme responds to immediate needs while supporting long-term independence.

What we deliver

  • Drop-in sessions offering personalised support
  • Guidance on Universal Credit, PIP and benefits processes
  • Support with housing issues and communication with local authorities
  • Translation and interpretation (Spanish–English)
  • Assistance completing forms and understanding official communication

Who it supports

  • Migrants navigating UK systems
  • Individuals facing financial or housing instability
  • People with language barriers
  • Individuals in crisis or urgent need of guidance

Outcomes

  • Improved access to welfare and housing support
  • Reduced stress and confusion when dealing with systems
  • Increased confidence in navigating services independently
  • Early intervention preventing escalation of issues

Safeguarding & Community Wellbeing

Community Wellbeing & Safeguarding Workshops

Overview

A programme focused on raising awareness, strengthening community knowledge and promoting safe and supportive environments through safeguarding and wellbeing initiatives.

What we deliver

  • Workshops on domestic abuse awareness and support pathways
  • Guidance on accessing safeguarding and community safety services
  • Wellbeing sessions promoting mental health and social connection
  • Community engagement activities to reduce isolation
  • Signposting to relevant local services and support networks

Who it supports

  • Women facing vulnerability or risk
  • Individuals experiencing social isolation
  • Community members with limited awareness of support services
  • Groups at risk of exclusion or safeguarding concerns

Outcomes

  • Increased awareness of safeguarding and available support
  • Earlier identification of risk and access to help
  • Improved wellbeing and social connection
  • Stronger, safer and more informed communities

Employability & Economic Participation

Skills for Life & Economic Empowerment Programme

Overview

A practical programme supporting individuals to develop the skills, confidence and knowledge needed to access employment, explore self-employment opportunities and improve their economic situation.

What we deliver

  • Digital skills for employability (email, CVs, job search)
  • Introduction to AI tools for communication and productivity
  • Basic marketing and social media for small business ideas
  • Confidence-building and personal development
  • Guidance on pathways to employment or self-employment

Who it supports

  • Individuals seeking employment
  • Migrants entering the UK workforce
  • People exploring self-employment or small business ideas
  • Individuals needing confidence and skills development

Outcomes

  • Improved employability skills and readiness
  • Increased confidence and motivation
  • Access to pathways into employment or self-employment
  • Greater economic participation and independence

Get In Touch

We welcome opportunities to collaborate with organisations, funders and community partners.


If you are interested in working with us, supporting our programmes or learning more about our work, please get in touch.


📧 Email: openhorizonscollective@gmail.com

We aim to respond to all enquiries promptly.



A community-focused organisation delivering practical solutions to social and digital inequality across London.