Lewisham Thriving Communities

Lewisham Thriving Communities helps people who are facing challenges in their lives to engage in creative community activities. This year, there are additional activities on offer as part of Lewisham Borough of Culture. This page outlines all activities so that Social Prescribers can make appropriate referrals. Participants must be 18+.

This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund. The UK Community Renewal Fund is a UK Government programme for 2021/22. This aims to support people and communities most in need across the UK to pilot programmes and new approaches to prepare for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It invests in skills, community and place, local business, and supporting people into employment. For more information, visit here.

This page contains information for social prescribers to refer participants into these projects. Please use the referral form that led you here and send it on to the relevant organisation’s contact below.

REFERRALS ARE NOW CLOSED.

Outsider – Arts Network

Come and create your own unique billboard art in our creative, friendly workshops! Just bring yourself and your creativity, and let’s make some amazing art together. At the end there will be an exhibition in our gallery space and selected artwork will be displayed on billboard sites across Lewisham during Lewisham Borough of Culture to coincide with World Mental Health Day on 10th October, which has the theme of “Mental Health in an Unequal World”.

WHERE: Arts Network, 8-12 Eltham Road, SE12 8TF

WHEN:

Wednesdays 11 am – 1 pm, 8 June – 27 July

No. of sessions: 8

SESSION LENGTH: 2 hrs

ACTIVITY: 

  • – All creative workshops run by artistic facilitators with other arts network members on hand to make people feel comfortable.
  • – All materials provided.

GROUP SIZE: up to 15

FORMAT: In person

IDEAL FOR: The sessions will be open to anyone 18+ with a diagnosis of mental ill health.

 AGE: 18+

CONTACT: Declan McGill – Declan@artsnetwork.org.uk

MORE INFO: 

https://artsnetwork.org.uk

ACCESS: The building is fully accessible

Nearest station: Lee (10 minute walk)
Nearest DLR: Lewisham (25 minute walk)
Bus: 122 / 178 / 202 / 261 / 321

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Creative Walks for Wellbeing – Enable

Want to feel fit, get social and shift your perspective a little? Sometimes the world just feels like a better place when you get outside. Join Enable’s Creative Walks for Wellbeing each week at one of Lewisham’s wonderful green spaces. Get to know some new people, while connecting with nature and creativity. 

We finish every walk at a local Lewisham venue for creative activities and sharing photography and artwork from the walks.

WHEN AND WHERE:

These walks will take place throughout May and June 2022 at the following times and meeting points:

Tuesday, 10.30am or at 10.45am Forster Memorial – Meet outside Goldsmiths Community Centre at the Longhill Road entrance to the park. Walk to and around the park, on mostly smooth paths (45-minute walk, 45-minute creative activity) 

Wednesday 1:45pm at Ladywell Fields — Meet at the Blue glass column just before the footbridge from the hospital grounds into Ladywell Fields. There is good accessibility, gentle slopes, good paths. You can do half a lap (20 mins), a full lap or two! (20 – 45mins) plus 45-minute creative activity

Thursday, 11am – Horniman Museum: Meet by bench just inside London Road main gates of park. There are steeply sloping areas of the park, but more level routes are possible around flower gardens. (45-60 min walk, 45-minute creative activity) 

ACTIVITY: 

  • – Walking followed by a creative workshop.
  • – With participant’s permission, we hope to create a digital gallery of photography and artwork that we’ll share as part of Lewisham Borough of Culture.

GROUP SIZE: 15-20 

IDEAL FOR: Everyone. 

Creative walks for wellbeing are well placed to support people experiencing isolation and loneliness, mild to moderate mental health issues, and physical inactivity.

CONTACT:  Sarah Dowson, Health and Wellbeing Manager –  lewishamwalks@enablelc.org

ACCESS: 

Some walking routes might be steeper than others and this information is listed for each walk. Walk leaders are well trained and can make modifications as required.

Community venues are accessible to all.

 

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Nature for Wellbeing and Planet – Horniman Museum and Gardens

Do you feel connected to nature? Ever wondered how sustainable gardening can support your wellbeing and help our environment? Want to learn more about trees, insects, ecology and other cultures’ approach to the natural world? Come and spend time in the Horniman Gardens, enjoy our peaceful surroundings and friendly group activities.

WHERE: Horniman Museum and Gardens, in the ‘Pavilion’ building at the top of the site.

WHEN: Thursdays 1000-1300,  7 April – Thu 26 May

SESSION LENGTH: 3hrs

ACTIVITY: 

  • – Planting and growing
  • – Nature trails
  • – Group conversations and reflection
  • – Creating a scrapwall and audio recording

GROUP SIZE: 10 

IDEAL FOR: People living with mental health difficulties, who are able to get around the gardens ok. Wheelchair users may need support to help get around the hillier pathways – please get in touch in advance if you require this.

AGE: All 

CONTACT: 

Isaac Palmer – ipalmer@horniman.ac.uk

MORE INFO:  www.horniman.ac.uk/plan-your-visit/access

An uphill walk from Forest Hill station (15 mins). Several bus services stop at both the station and Museum.
By bus: 176, 185, 197, 356, P4 – stop outside the Museum and Gardens on London Road

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Hummingbird Senior Citizens Club

Aged 55 and looking to spend time with others? Join the Hummingbird, a Caribbean social club! We provide a range of activities including arts and crafts, dominoes, gentle exercise, games, health promotion talks, singing, reminiscence talks, poetry, digital skills, music, intergenerational projects and visits to places of interest.

WHERE: St Laurence Church, Catford, 37 Bromley Road, Catford, London, SE6 2TS

WHEN:

Mondays: 11.30 am – 3.30 pm (dominoes)
Fridays: 12.30pm – 4.30pm

SESSION LENGTH: 4hrs

ACTIVITY: 

On Fridays between May 2022 and October 2022, you can take part in our weekly session that will include:

  • – African drumming: we will be holding 3 African drumming sessions between June and August led by a professional drummer.
    – The Catford Gyratory Project: we are one of 12 groups participating in the Catford Gyratory community dance organised by St Laurence Church, where we are based. Over the next few weeks, participants will have the opportunity to learn the community dance. The dance will be performed at a borough of culture event on 18th June 2022. In addition to learning a community dance, Hummingbird will be performing a short play at the event. You can take part in the play too if you choose to.
  • Windrush Day celebrations on the 24th June, including a singalong, painting and a trip down memory Lane.
  • The Hummingbird remembers Project: Between June and October 2022, participants attending Hummingbird will be able to participate in a reminiscence programme that will use a range of creative tools, such as singing, dancing, poetry, and drumming, aimed at improving their well-being. The programme will be different each week and culminate in an event for black history month and as part of the borough of culture in October.
  • Day Trips to a seaside resort and places of interest.

GROUP SIZE: 12-15 for dominoes on Mondays and 45-50 on Fridays

FORMAT: In person

IDEAL FOR: Anyone aged 55+ wanting to get out and meet people and participate in a range of creative activities and have fun.

CONTACT: 

Claire Pitter – humbirdpl@gmail.com

ACCESS:

Building is accessible.
Catford Bridge nearest station.
Buses 171, 320, 208, 467, 54

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IRIE! dance theatre – Dance and Drumming Workshops

African Dance –  Drumology – Women’s Only Dance Classes African & Caribbean Dance Fusion – Lewisham Borough of Culture (LBOC) Bop Workshop 

Come and join IRIE! dance theatre as we explore the diverse world of dance and reveal exciting insights about African and Caribbean drumming, movement, and creativity. Our dance workshops will develop your skills as you gain a greater sense of self-confidence and learn to express yourself through dance and drumming. Fun for your whole family! Or just come along on your own…

WHERE: IRIE! Dance Theatre, Moonshot Centre, Angus Street, Fordham Park, SE14 6LU 

WHEN:
African Dance – Tuesdays 6:30pm – 9:00pm 
Women’s Only Classes – Thursdays 7:30pm – 8:30pm
Drumology – Saturdays 11:00am – 1:00pm
LBOC Bop Workshop – Date and time tbc – please contact for info

ACTIVITY: 

  • – African Dance: Come and learn the traditions of West African dance and drum language.
  • – Women’s Only Dance Classes  African & Caribbean dance fusion: If you have an interest in African & Caribbean dance fusion and are looking for a safe space to challenge yourself physically and rhythmically, this is the class for you.
  • – Drumology with Ras Happa: Come and learn Caribbean drum rhythms, connect your mind, body and soul. Bring your drum if you have one!
  • – Lewisham Borough of Culture (LBOC) Workshop: Calling all Lewisham residents! Are you ready for a borough celebration? We are at IRIE! Join us to learn the newest signature dance entitled LBOC BOP! Suitable for all ages and abilities as a fun, shared experience. So, if you want to be able to bussa move L BOC you need to know the L BOC Bop!

GROUP SIZE: Up to 35

FORMAT: In person

IDEAL FOR: All ages and abilities

CONTACT: Connor Taylor – Connor.taylor@iriedancetheatre.org

MORE INFO: https://www.iriedancetheatre.org/l-boc-bop

ACCESS: Building is fully accessible

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Kinship Carers — Cooking Club

Kinship carers cooking club is a weekly group where families raising their relatives or friends’ children can get together and cook a meal from scratch. We don’t discriminate based on legal order, so whether you’re a Special Guardian, Connected Carer, or have no court order at all, but you are raising a relative or connected child full time and long term, we want to hear from you! Every week we will deliver the ingredients and a recipe card directly to your home and we will then send you a link to take part in an online cook-along on Zoom. We meet in person every 4-6 weeks to strengthen our connections and have fun together! Upcoming dates can be found in the Events tab on our website.

WHERE: Online and at Somerville Youth & Play provision, 260 Queen’s Rd, London SE14 5JN

WHEN: Weekly on a Saturday

NO. OF SESSIONS: Every week until 31st July 2022; sessions will then resume in September 2022.

SESSION LENGTH: Online- 1 hour; In-person- 12-4 (arrive and leave at any time in between)

ACTIVITY :

  • – Meet other kinship families
  • – Learn to cook healthy delicious dishes
  • – Do a bonding activity with your child

GROUP SIZE: Up to 50 families

IDEAL FOR: Kinship families with any court order or no court order; kinship families in assessment (as long as the children are already living with you)

CONTACT: Anna-Lou at info@kinshipcarershub.com

MORE INFO: https://www.kinshipcarershub.org/

ACCESS: Somerville is fully accessible and buses 436, 36 and 172 stop right outside. The centre is a short five minutes walk from Queens Road Peckham Station. Please talk to us if you would like to take part but don’t have the right technology to access the online sessions.

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Lewisham Borough of Culture Volunteering Programme – Lewisham Local

Want to be part of Lewisham Borough of Culture (LBOC)? Lewisham Local are training volunteers to work across LBOC events throughout the year. If you do the training, then you can choose which volunteering opportunities you want to be involved in. Dee and Josiah will lead the session and then show you how to sign up via the portal. 

WHERE: Lewisham Local, UNIT C PLACE/Ladywell, 261 Lewisham High Street, Lewisham, SE13 6NJ

WHEN: 

1 x training session- Monday 16th May (subject to change)

Ongoing volunteering opportunities to choose from

SESSION LENGTH: Training Session – 5 hrs

ACTIVITY: 

What’s covered in the training session:

  • – What is meant by ‘culture’
  • – Who are Lewisham Local what is our Lewisham Borough of Culture volunteering programme
  • – Being Volunteer Ready
  • – Safe and Effective Volunteering
  • – Being a Great Volunteer Ambassador
  • – How to find volunteering opportunities

GROUP SIZE: Up to 10

FORMAT: In person training session and volunteering opportunities – although online volunteering is an option in some circumstances.

IDEAL FOR: Anyone

AGE: 16+

CONTACT:  Dee Saund – lbocvolunteers@lewishamlocal.com

MORE INFO: Visit our website for more information about our programme. You may also find it useful to read through the Volunteer FAQs.

ACCESS: Fully accessible

Bus: 36, 47, 54, 75, 122, 136, 181, 185, 199, 208, 225, 284, 285, 484, P4

National Rail: Ladywell or Lewisham

DLR: Lewisham

Parking: On street parking can be found on adjacent roads Longbridge Way and Courthill Road

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© Meet Me staff and volunteers

 

Meet Me At The Albany – The Albany, Deptford

In person: Are you over 60 and free on Tuesdays? Want to meet brilliant local artists and explore crafting, painting or weaving? Perhaps you are a budding writer, ready to tell your story, or a singer looking for a choir? Or do you like gardening?

Meet Me at the Albany is an Arts and Social club, where you can do as much or as little as you like.

OR

On the Phone: Our “Cluster Calls” group is led by our Albany creatives – storytelling, poetry, fabulously curated conversations that you won’t want to miss out on. 

OR

​Volunteers: join our volunteer community – in person or on the phone. A great way to meet people and give back to your community.

WHERE:

The Cafe and Red Room, The Albany,  Douglas Way, Deptford, SE8 4AG 

OR

From home on the phone!

WHEN: 

In person: Every Tuesday at The Albany 10:30am – 12:30pm

On the Phone: Every Monday 3pm – 4pm, Every other Wednesday 2pm – 3pm.

SESSION LENGTH: 

In Person: 2-4 hrs

On the phone: 1 hr

ACTIVITY – in person: 

  • – Crafting, painting, weaving
  • – Photography, recording for radio, filming
  • – Gardening, cooking “home grown” food
  • – Storytelling – writing, poetry
  • – Singing – choirs, acapella
  • – Opportunities to join Meet Me at the Movies film club and monthly trips with Meet Me on the Move.

GROUP SIZE:

In person: 25 – 45 people 

Group phone calls: 6 to 10 people

IDEAL FOR:

In Person – anyone who is comfortable in a public space and respectful of others.

NB: If participants have a tendency to wander, require help with eating, taking medication, or going to the loo, they must come with a carer or relative.

On the phone: anyone who is able to comfortably take a phone call.

Volunteers: anyone who is available at the required times and keen to meet the Meet Me at the Albany community members

AGE: 

Participants: 60+
Volunteers: 18+

CONTACT: Jasmine.Sparrow@entelechyarts.org

ACCESS: ​Fully accessible with disabled toilets

MORE INFO: Volunteering https://entelechyarts.org/we-are-looking-for-new-volunteers/

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Translating Lewisham: Poetry translation workshops – The Albany, Deptford

Do you like playing with words? Join this friendly group of poetry lovers to discover different cultures through the craft of translation. Every week we’ll work together to open up a poem in its original language and reassemble it in English. A rough and ready guide translation is provided, so there is no need to know the language being translated. Just bring yourself and your love of words!

These workshops are the perfect way to keep you feeling creative, engaged and connected to the world at large.

We are focussing on the languages of Lewisham for this series, including Arabic, French, Spanish, Vietnamese, Portuguese and Bengali.

WHERE:  The Albany, Douglas Way, London SE8 4AG

WHEN: Monday 1830-2000, 25th April – 23rd May

SESSION LENGTH: 1.5 hrs

ACTIVITY: 

Led by London-based poet Helen Bowell and guided by an expert translator, we’ll focus on:

  • – Language
  • – The poet’s history
  • – Translating the poem
  • – Discussing it’s meaning
  • – Reading out the completed translation

GROUP SIZE: 10-12

FORMAT: In person

IDEAL FOR: 

These workshops are open to everyone, but may be difficult for people who speak no English

AGE: 16+

CONTACT: Erica Hesketh – erica@poetrytranslation.org

MORE INFO: https://www.poetrytranslation.org/

ACCESS: Building is fully accessible, but these workshops are not set up for visually impaired participants unfortunately.

Close to Deptford, New Cross stations and lots of buses.

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Lewisham Sings with Quaggy Community Choir – Morden Mount Primary School 

Are you a secret karaoke queen or rock god? Like singing in the shower and feel ready to take it to the next level? At Quaggy Community Choir we believe in the power of singing and community. No auditions, no musical experience, just great people and eclectic songs. Let’s sing it out!

WHERE: Morden Mount Primary School, Lewisham Road, London SE13 7QP

WHEN:
April: 26th 7pm – 8:30pm
May – June: Every Tuesday 7pm – 8:30pm (except June 7th)
July: 5th, 12th, 19th 7pm – 8:30pm

SESSION LENGTH: 1.5 hrs

ACTIVITY: 
– Mixed ability acapella singing with live accompaniment
– Fun vocal and physical warm-ups
– Line by line teaching
– Varied and eclectic music!
– Home made rehearsal tracks available online to our singers to listen to between sessions

GROUP SIZE: Up to 30

FORMAT: Group sessions

IDEAL FOR: Everybody!

AGE: All

CONTACT:  Jake Alexander or Priya Bose – quaggycommunitychoir@gmail.com.

ACCESS: Fully accessible. Large print sheet music and lyrics available.

MORE INFO: https://quaggycommunitychoir.com

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START: Creative Futures – Sydenham Arts

Are you an artist, in any discipline, keen to take things to the next level? Or do you want to work in the creative industries, but don’t know how?

START: Creative Futures is a series of workshops to nurture your creative flair and develop your skills and confidence to get to work.

WHERE: The Sydenham Centre, 44A Sydenham Road, London, SE26 5QX

WHEN:

Workshops: Monday 30th May, Mon 6 Jun, Tue 14 Jun, Tue 21 Jun, Mon 27 Jun, Mon 4 Jul and Mon 11 Jul.
Mentoring: Tue 7 Jun, Mon 13 Jun, Mon 20 Jun, Tue 28 Jun, and Tue 5 Jul.

SESSION LENGTH:
2.5 hr workshops with breaks and refreshments provided.
1hr mentoring sessions.

ACTIVITY: 

  • – Writing your CV and Job Applications
  • – Interview Techniques
  • – Applying for funding to develop your own creative projects
  • – Managing and producing your own work
  • – How to market yourself as a creative
  • – Mental Health and the creative Arts: how to manage a healthy work-life balance
  • – How to be a more productive Artist

There will also be opportunities for participants to be matched with a mentor – someone who has gone through the journey of developing their career and working in the creative industries.

GROUP SIZE: 10-12, though may sometimes be up to 20 people.

FORMAT:
In person workshops – practical exercises, in pairs and groups.
Mentoring – online.

IDEAL FOR:

  • – Practising artists in any discipline
  • – Young people who want to work in the creative industries.

AGE: 16-25 (mainly 18+)

CONTACT: james.hodgson@sydenhamarts.co.uk

ACCESS: Fully accessible building with step free access.

Travel routes: 

Short walk from Sydenham Overground Station
Buses which stop outside (Newlands Park) – 75, 194, 202, 450

MORE INFO: https://sydenhamarts.co.uk/

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© Hannah Smiles

 

Sydenham Garden Art & Craft group – Sydenham Garden

Do you want to be part of an arts and crafts community that’s hosted in our lovely garden? Do you like learning from local artists and meeting other crafters? Our arts and crafts group could be just the thing for you, a friendly informal group that meets weekly.

WHERE:  Sydenham Garden Resource Centre, 28a Wynell Road, London, SE23 2LW

WHEN: Once a week – Tuesday morning, Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday afternoon. Participants must be referred for 1 year placements.

SESSION LENGTH: 2hrs

ACTIVITIES:

  • – Print making
  • – Clay work
  • – Painting
  • – Weaving and mosaic making

GROUP SIZE: 8-10

FORMAT: Supportive community group.

IDEAL FOR: People whose mental health & wellbeing benefit from gentle group activities and are able to participate with other potentially vulnerable adults within the community.

AGE: 18+

CONTACT: Rachael Tyndall – rachael@sydenhamgarden.org.uk or referrals@sydenhamgarden.org.uk.

MORE INFO: https://www.sydenhamgarden.org.uk/referrals/how-to-make-a-referral/#self-referrals

ACCESS: Our Wynell Rd garden and community room is accessible and most of the activities will involve sitting around a table.  Tea breaks are taken out in the garden.

Walk from Forest Hill or Sydenham stations and various bus routes. Art & Craft weekly sessions are held in our community room, which is indoors. We are keeping the room ventilated and asking people to wear masks or visors, unless exempt.

 

When you sign up you will receive an Entelechy Arts email with projects, news and events a couple of times a year. We will never share your data.

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