Next Forum meeting

The next full Forum meeting will be the Annual General Meeting, when we present our annual report and accounts for the past year, review priorities for the year ahead, and elect a committee to steer the Forum through the next year.

This will be on Thursday 6 June from 7 pm at the Vida Walsh Centre, 2b Saltoun Road, SW2 1EP (entrance faces Windrush Square).

If your group wishes to present its work or highlight a forthcoming activity or service, at this or a future meeting, please contact the Forum Secretary at apiperbrix@aol.com

Local News

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour

Following the public meeting with Police and Council representatives on 27 March, Action on ASB continues to press for a plan which is SMART – more Specific, with Measurable targets, Achievable, Resourced and with set Timescales. Their recent survey received 450 responses, now being analysed.

The Council have been slow to get to grips with the impact of the 24-hour economy on life for Town Centre residents.

A website is up and running, to report progress and advising how to report issues – the Police have been clear that more complaints help them attract more resources. A small police team has been reinstated to focus on the Town Centre. The Brixton BID has also been giving crime prevention advice to its members.

See www.ACTIONonASB.org or enquiries to aoasb@outlook.com

Brockwell Park Events

A series of major events in Brockwell Park starts on Friday 24 May with Project 6, closely followed by the Wide Awake Festival on Saturday 25^th, Cross The Tracks on Sunday 26^th and City Splash on Bank Holiday Monday 27^th May. Brockwell Bounce on Wednesday 29^th is advertised as a free family event, before another major music event, Mighty Hoopla, on Saturday and Sunday, 1^st/2^nd June.

The following weekend, 8/9 June, sees the site being used for the Lambeth Country Show.

Please be aware that large parts of the park will be fenced off for setting up and dismantling staging and marquees from 13 May until 16 June. On event days, many streets north of the park, and Brockwell Park Gardens, will be closed or resident access only. Enquiries to the Brockwell Live community liaison team on 020 3886 2184 (residents) or 020 3886 2185 (local businesses) or community@brockwell.live.com or to

Lambeth Events, events@lambeth.gov.uk

Daylight Robbery: Council’s threat to Tesco and Halfords

Consultation closed on 3^rd May on the latest version of Lambeth’s Site Allocations plan, which promotes high-density rebuilding of 3 sites in Brixton. This is to be achieved by stealing the daylight from residents who live near these sites. It will weaken Brixton’s appeal for shoppers by removing Halfords and Curry’s, while it’s not certain that Tesco would survive rebuilding – their current lease expires in 2028. Councillors have not yet realised that building taller means that costs increase, which allows developers to claim they cannot afford to provide affordable housing, while those who buy the new flats will face higher service charges.

The struggle is far from over, and officially the next step is for a Planning Inspector to review the proposals.

That hearing is likely to be held in the Autumn, though it’s open for the Council to withdraw or modify their plans before then.

If you have specific concerns, we urge you to share them with other local groups, and with us, or with the Brixton Society at planning@brixtonsociety.org.uk

For the Tesco site specifically, also see the website https://www.bit.ly/brixtontesco

Brixton Road Works

From 12^th May to 7^th November, road repairs will be underway along Brixton Road. Work is being carried out at night, between 9 pm and 6 am, so look out for closures and diversions where side roads join. Work will be done in stages on different sections of the main road, organised by Transport for London.

Green spaces, Green issues

Spaces of Hope

The next session in the series of community conversations will be on Friday 7 June at 3Space (International House). This time the topic is “Space Invaders – the right to Housing and sustainable community spaces.”

Booking enquiries to the Brixton Project at hello@thebrixtonproject.com

Friends of Windrush Square

Plans are being considered for a Windrush Day commemoration on Saturday 22 June. Following the success of the Big Caribbean Lunch last summer, arrangements are being made for another inter-generational event on Sunday 23 June. If you would like to be involved in either event, please contact the Friends group at

friendsofwindrushsquare@gmail.com

Brockwell Park Car Boot Sales

The Friends of Brockwell Park have resumed monthly car boot sales in the Lido car park, off Dulwich Road, the next being on Sunday 16 June. Open free to buyers 9 am to 1 pm, sellers set up from 7 am, charge £12 per car, £15 per van. Enquiries to membership@brockwellpark.co.uk

For details of upcoming events and courses at the Community Greenhouses, see the website https://www.brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk/events

Events in Myatt’s Fields Park

Sunday 9 June: Conduct me! (Pico Players)

Saturday 15 June: Pride Picnic.

Saturday 22 June: Windrush Celebration.

Sunday 23 June: A Midsummer Night’s Dream Saturday 29 June: Fiesta del Sol (Andean Festival).

For information about the park and these events, see www.myattsfieldspark.info

London Land Justice Fair, 21 July

Myatt’s Fields Park will also be hosting this Sunday afternoon event, with opportunities for grassroots groups to run stalls or workshops. Enquiries to peopleslandpolicy@gmail.com or see website www.peopleslandpolicy.org

Events at Brixton Windmill

Guided tours of the windmill are now taking place on at least one weekend a month.

There are also a number of regular weekly activities in the education centre alongside.

For all events in Windmill Gardens, please see the website for details and booking, www.brixtonwindmill.org

On Your Bike

Brixton BID continues to sponsor monthly sessions by Dr Bike mechanics for cycle safety checks and essential maintenance. The next will be on Wednesday 29 May, 12 to 3 pm outside British Heart Foundation, Acre Lane (across the road from Tesco).

Other Coming Events

Ecosystem Coldharbour celebrates!

Thursday 23 May will see a Celebration Ceremony at ML Community Enterprise (Marcus Lipton Youth Centre) Minet Road SW9. Presentations of Changemaker Community Awards will be accompanied by a market showcase for local goods and businesses, live music, entertainment and food. Times 5-30 to 8-30 pm, tickets are free but please book in advance via www.ecosystemcoldharbour.org

Southwyck House Community Events

Cre8ivearts are stepping up activities at the Southwyck House community centre. In addition to art workshops, a wider range of activities are on their way.

On Sunday 19 May, Giulia will be on hand to teach you how to make pasta from scratch.

From Saturday 1^st June, Marie Arlette starts her French class for those who want to start or brush up. Enquiries to cre8tivearts@pm.me

Millennium Community Solutions still have computer coding sessions there on Mondays at 4 pm, but now operate at several sites around the borough – for full timetable, see www.southwyck.co.uk

Black Culture Market returns

This popular event returns to Downstairs at the Department Store, 248 Ferndale Road SW9 on Saturday and Sunday 1^st & 2^nd June, open 11 am to 5 pm each day. Support Black-owned businesses and makers in Brixton. Admission free but please book in advance via the website, www.blackculturemarket.co.uk

If you want to trade at these events, please e-mail to hello@blackculturemarket.co.uk

Arts, Culture, Leisure

Works at Brixton Tate Library

The first floor is being redecorated, and should open again in the second week of May. To provide temporary study space, tables have been placed in the ground floor exhibition room. As soon as the first floor reopens, the painters will start work on the ground floor fiction area. The final phase of the works starts on 24 May, when the library will close for up to 2 weeks for installation of the new lift, including removing the old one and filling the hole where it was.

Art in De Alleyway – Carnival Dreams

Sunshine International Arts at Loughborough Junction are showcasing their carnival designs over another weekend:

17 & 18 May, 12 till 6 pm.

Free but please book via https://siabigweekends.co.uk

Grants for Arts research & publications

We have mentioned the Paul Mellon Centre in past years as a potential funder of arts history, research fellowships and publications. This is early warning that the next round opens on 5 August and closes on 30 September, and will also offer support for digitising collections and archives.

Health and Social Care

Healthy Living Platform update

A quick update on the Community Pantries run by Healthy Living Platform. Basically, these are community shops which offer members a weekly choice of healthy food at affordable prices. On each visit you pay £2.50 or £5, and the food offered is a mix of fresh fruit and veg along with other food cupboard donations. Enquiries to 07 701 365 551.

Locations:

Moorland Estate Community Centre (Southwyck Pantry) 50a Corry Drive SW9 8QT (off Somerleyton Road): Thursdays, 11 am to 3 pm.

Myatt’s Fields North Community Centre, Crawshay Road SW9 6FZ: Tuesdays, 10 am to 1 pm.

Jubilee Hall, Tulse Hill Estate, SW2 2LY, Tuesdays 12 noon to 2 pm.

For pregnant women, and families with children under 4, there is another session at:

The Liz Atkinson Centre, 9 Mostyn Road, SW9 6PH, Fridays 12 noon to 2 pm.

Boxing Fitness for people with or at risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Longfield Hall is hosting boxing/ boxercise fitness classes for adults with type 2 diabetes on Mondays 6 pm to 7 pm, over 24 weeks from 29 April. Free and open to adults of all ages – see https://longfieldhall.org.uk

Community Connectors Wanted!

Project Smith aims to recruit volunteers within the community who can help people find their way through the health system to reach the care that they need. The next round of four training days will be held within Lambeth over 6,12,13,20 June – for more details contact emma@rbeassociates.com

Funding, Training & Support

Grant deadlines approaching

Once again, a reminder of grant schemes already notified by Integrate – if you missed the original alerts, contact them at: eoin.heffernan@integrateagency.co.uk

Making London More Liveable (City Bridge Foundation) – grants up to £200,000 to reduce social isolation, deadline Friday 31 May.

Yapp Charitable Trust: grants for charities with annual turnover below £40,000, closes 31 May

UnLtd Funding for Social Enterprises – start-up grants of £8,000 and scale-up grants of £18,000, closing date 30 June.

The Steel Charitable Trust – grants up to £25,000 for local community impact, deadline 11 July.

London Councils are consulting on their 2026-30 pan-London grants programme, but responses must be made by Tuesday 4 June.

Go London!

Go London are looking for social entrepreneurs aged 16-24 with a passion for building businesses that bring sports and physical activities to local communities. Successful applicants will receive grants of up to £15,000 each, plus dedicated support over a year-long programme, including mentorship. See more at www.golondon.org.uk

Training Opportunities

Social enterprises and small businesses within the Brixton BID area should be able to join their free training courses. Next up are:

• Mental Health First Aid (level 2), Wednesday 5^th June, 10 am to 4 pm.

• Conflict Management, Monday 17 June, 10 am to 4 pm.

Most sessions are held at International House. Enquiries to admin@brixtonbid.co.uk

BeLambeth Awards

Apply or nominate now for the 2024 awards, closing date Friday 31 May. Start-up businesses, social enterprises and established charities are all eligible, with 10 categories for organisations or individuals. Each participating organisation can nominate in 3 categories, and entries are free. More details at www.belambethawards.co.uk

Your Forum Bulletins

If you are doing something around the Brixton area, you are welcome to use these bulletins to tell other Forum members. We aim to circulate about the 10^th of each month – but things can go wrong! So, send items to the Forum Secretary at apiperbrix@aol.com by the 3^rd of the month.

Keep in Touch

We want to be inclusive and ensure that these bulletins reach all community organisations, social enterprises and activists in the wider Brixton area. Please contact us at admin@brixtonneighbourhoodforum.org

• If you want to be added to our mailing list, or to add a colleague or neighbour.
• If you want these bulletins sent to a different e-mail address, so that you see them more quickly or reliably.
• To unsubscribe, if you have moved away or are no longer interested.

We are later than usual this month because it took longer than expected to fix a date and place for our Forum AGM. We have taken the opportunity to include some other upcoming events and news that only arrived in the past few days.

Next Forum meeting

The next full Forum meeting will be the Annual General Meeting, when we present our annual report and accounts for the past year, review priorities for the year ahead, and elect a committee to steer the Forum through the next year.

This will be on Thursday 6 June from 7 pm at the Vida Walsh Centre, 2b Saltoun Road, SW2 1EP (entrance faces Windrush Square).

If your group wishes to present its work or highlight a forthcoming activity or service, at this or a future meeting, please contact the Forum Secretary at apiperbrix@aol.com

Local News

Time is running out to save Brixton from Council plans

As we reported last month, Lambeth Council planners are pushing their Site Allocations Plan document, which highlights 3 sites in Brixton (and 2 more at Loughborough Junction) for high-density rebuilding. It’s now clear that – despite past objections – they want taller buildings on the Tesco site, while slightly scaling back ambitions for the Effra Road site (so the Mosaic Clubhouse at least is saved).

Residents in Arlington Lodge, Baytree and Porden Roads and the Trinity Gardens conservation area are organising both a petition and professional objections to the Tesco development, which actually appears to be driven by HSBC. One result of building taller is that costs increase, partly due to more stringent fire precautions after the Grenfell Tower fire. Developers can then avoid any obligation to provide affordable housing, while those who buy the flats will face higher service charges.

The draft plan is only open for objections until Friday 3^rd May. If you have specific concerns, we urge you to share them with other local groups, and with us, or with the Brixton Society at planning@brixtonsociety.org.uk

For more about the campaign, see the website https://www.bit.ly/brixtontesco or to support the petition, go to https://change.org/p/no-brixton-tesco-high-rise

The full package of Council documents can be found on the Lambeth website at: https://www.lambeth.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-policy-guidance/site-allocations-development-plan-document

Community Conversations

As announced in our February issue, the Brixton Project last month led 3 days of discussions and workshops at International House, supported by Impact on Urban Health and many supporters and contributors. The emphasis was on involving local people more actively in community research and gathering insights into services provided by public authorities and potential funders.

If you missed that one, here comes another chance, this time a joint effort between the Brixton Project and Transition Town Brixton to present a series of discussions and provocations over several months, leading up to a People’s Assembly and Community Action Plan to create alternative solutions to Brixton’s most pressing issues.

It all kicks off on Friday 26 April, 6-30 to 9 pm at International House with Spaces of Hope.

There will be further sessions on Food, Health, Housing, Youth issues, Education, Policing and Money, 4-6 weeks apart. Enquiries to info@transitiontownbrixton.org

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour

Action on ASB hosted a meeting with Police and Council representatives on 27 March, but many present were disappointed that what was proposed fell far short of being a joint plan for action. The Council have been slow to understand the impact of the 24-hour economy on life for Town Centre residents.

The campaign continues to press for a plan which is more Specific, with Measurable targets, Achievable, Resourced and with set Timescales. The recent survey received 450 responses, now being analysed.

A website is up and running, to report progress and advising how to report issues – the Police have been clear that more complaints help them attract more resources.

See www.ACTIONonASB.org or enquiries to aoasb@outlook.com

Arts, Culture, Leisure

Brixton Blog & Bugle Art Show

A reminder that entries close on Monday 13 May for the ever-popular Brixton Blog & Bugle Summer Art Show. The show is open to any artist – professional or self-taught – who is at least 16 years old and is based in or around Brixton.

You can submit up to TWO works. They must be no larger than one metre square and capable of being hung safely and securely on a wall. To enter, all you have to do is send up to three digital photos of each work to arts@brixtonblog.com

Please entitle the email ‘Summer Art Show’ and include your name, address, contact number, social media, the title and a brief description of the work including its dimensions.

All selected works will be exhibited in the Summer Art Show in the Brixton Tate Library throughout July 2024. The winner will be decided by a people’s vote.

Supported by the Arts Council of England and local businesses.

198 Gallery Exhibition Extended

Reel: Dyke Hands is a group show which showcases 8 short films by black lesbians. It has been extended to run until 12 May, open Wednesday to Sunday 10 – 5 pm (from 11 am at weekends). 198 Gallery is at the corner of Railton Road and Hurst Street, SE24 0JT.

Art in De Alleyway – Carnival Dreams

Sunshine International Arts at Loughborough Junction are showcasing their carnival designs over 3 weekends:

3 & 4, 10 & 11, 17 & 18 May, 12 till 6 pm.

Free but please book via https://siabigweekends.co.uk

Other Coming Events

Advocacy Academy returns

The Advocacy Academy have been signing up young people aged 16-18 who live or study in SW or SE postcodes for their 2024 programme

This was due to close on 21 April but you might just scrape in – the link is https://mj5ulgub.paperform.co or contact assemblies@theadvocacyacademy.com

Mayor and Assembly Elections

These take place on Thursday 2^nd May. Although thegovernment has removed the option of voting for a second choice for London Mayor or GLA members, there will still be a number of GLA members elected in proportion to the number of votes cast for each party. These are additional to those elected for each area.

Remember too that your polling station may be different to the last time you voted.

Ecosystem Coldharbour celebrates!

Thursday 23 May will see a Celebration Ceremony at ML Community Enterprise (Marcus Lipton Youth Centre) Minet Road SW9. Presentations of Changemaker Community Awards will be accompanied by a market showcase for local goods and businesses, live music, entertainment and food. Times 5-30 to 8-30 pm, tickets are free but please book in advance via www.ecosystemcoldharbour.org

Black Culture Market returns

This popular event returns to Downstairs at the Department Store, 248 Ferndale Road SW9 on Saturday and Sunday 1^st & 2^nd June, open 11 am to 5 pm each day. Support Black-owned businesses and makers in Brixton. Admission free but please book in advance via the website, www.blackculturemarket.co.uk

If you want to trade at these events, please e-mail to hello@blackculturemarket.co.uk

Local Job Vacancies

Healthy Living Platform have a few jobs open and would prefer to employ local people: https://healthylivingplatform.org/vacancies

Age UK Lambeth have been seeking a part-time events worker for their MYSocial events programme. Enquiries to dolores@ageuklambeth.org

Sunshine International Arts are seeking a part-time Centre & Artistic Support person to assist with their events and art activities. Closing date 26 April: send your CV and a short cover e-mail to admin@sunshinearts.co.uk

Health and Social Care

Community Connectors Wanted!

Project Smith aims to recruit volunteers within the community who can help people find their way through the health system to reach the care that they need. The next round of four training days will be held within Lambeth over 6,12,13,20 June – for more details contact emma@rbeassociates.com

Wednesday 15 May at 6-30 pm.

Longfield Hall is hosting boxing/ boxercise fitness classes for adults with type 2 diabetes on Mondays from 29 April, 6 pm to 7 pm, over 24 weeks. Free and open to adults of all ages – see https://longfieldhall.org.uk

Green spaces, Green issues

Events at Brockwell Park

Community Greenhouses

The next big thing is their May Fete on Bank Holiday Monday, 6^th May with an appearance by the Brixton Tatterjacks Morris Dancers and pizzas from the hand-built cob oven, with local craft beer, botanical cocktails and organic wine on sale. More details on their website at https://www.brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk/events

On Your Bike

Brixton BID continues to sponsor monthly sessions by Dr Bike mechanics for cycle safety checks and essential maintenance, 12 to 3 pm at various sites:

• Wednesday 24 April, outside F Mondays, Brixton Hill (near corner of Blenheim Gardens).
• Wednesday 29 May, outside British Heart Foundation, Acre Lane (across the road from Tesco).

Events in Myatt’s Fields Park

Sunday 9 June: Conduct me! (Pico Players)

Saturday 15 June: Pride Picnic.

Saturday 22 June: Windrush Celebration.

Sunday 23 June: A Midsummer Night’s Dream Saturday 29 June: Fiesta del Sol

For information about the park and these events, see www.myattsfieldspark.info

Events at Brixton Windmill

Guided tours of the windmill are now taking place on at least one weekend a month.

There are also a number of regular weekly activities in the education centre alongside.

For all events in Windmill Gardens, please see the website for details and booking, www.brixtonwindmill.org

Funding, Training & Support

Lambeth Charity Networking Event

Thursday 9^th May, 4 to 6 pm at High Trees Hub, corner of Tulse Hill and Upper Tulse Hill, SW2. A chance to compare notes with other community groups, forums and networks, with the emphasis on sharing learning and finding ways to work better together. Enquiries to anna.coffey@high-trees.org

Grant deadlines approaching

Once again, a reminder of grant schemes already notified by Integrate – if you missed the original alerts, contact them at: eoin.heffernan@integrateagency.co.uk

AB Charitable Trust – grants up to £90,000 over 3 years for charities dealing with human rights abuses, closes on 26 April.

Thomas Wall Trust – grants up to £5,000 for projects helping disadvantaged people into employment, deadline Monday 29 April.

Shared Endeavour Fund (Mayor of London) – up to £100,000 to deliver social projects, deadline Sunday 5 May (round 5).

Innovate Now (City Bridge Foundation and Do It Now Now) – up to £12,000 and other support for black-led charities and enterprises, closes Thursday 9 May.

Youth Music Catalyser fund – grants between £30,000 and £300,000, deadline 10 May.

Making London More Liveable (City Bridge Foundation) – grants up to £200,000 to reduce social isolation, deadline Friday 31 May.

UnLtd Funding for Social Enterprises – start-up grants of £8,000 and scale-up grants of £18,000, closing date 30 June.

Training Opportunities

Social enterprises and small businesses within the Brixton BID area should be able to join their free training courses. Next up are:

• First Aid (level 2), Tuesday 23 April, 10 am to 4 pm.
• Fire Safety (level 2) Tuesday 7 May, 10 am to 4 pm.
• Conflict Management, Thursday 23 May, 10 am to 4 pm.

These 3 sessions will all be at International House. Enquiries to admin@brixtonbid.co.uk

Your Forum Bulletins

If you are doing something around the Brixton area, you are welcome to use these bulletins to tell other Forum members. We aim to circulate about the 10^th of each month – but things can go wrong! So, send items to the Forum Secretary at apiperbrix@aol.com by the 3^rd of the month.

Keep in Touch

We want to be inclusive and ensure that these bulletins reach all community organisations, social enterprises and activists in the wider Brixton area. Please contact us at admin@brixtonneighbourhoodforum.org

• If you want to be added to our mailing list, or to add a colleague or neighbour.
• If you want these bulletins sent to a different e-mail address, so that you see them more quickly or reliably.
• To unsubscribe, if you have moved away or are no longer interested.

Next meeting – 21 March
You are invited to the next General Meeting of the Forum on Thursday 21 March from 7 pm at the Vida Walsh Centre, 2b Saltoun Road, SW2 1EP (entrance faces Windrush Square). 
The main agenda items will be:

• Neighbourhood Plan, seeking your agreement to take this forward.
• Priorities for the year ahead, so we can apply for renewed funding.

Enquiries to the Secretary at apiperbrix@aol.com

Whose Plans for Brixton?
We flagged up last month that we had started to explore developing a Neighbourhood Plan for Brixton, to reflect local preferences and needs.  We have been consulting with nearby neighbourhood forums about boundaries.

In parallel, Lambeth Council has just launched the latest version of its Site Allocations plan document, which highlights 3 sites in Brixton (and 2 more at Loughborough Junction) for high-density rebuilding.  At first sight, it seems to threaten us with more tall buildings, while putting the squeeze on health and community facilities.

The full package of Council documents can be found on the Lambeth website at: https://www.lambeth.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-policy-guidance/site-allocations-development-plan-document  

This latest draft of the plan is open for comments or objections until Friday 3^rd May.  We should warn you that there are limited grounds on which you can object, and we aim to provide more guidance on this shortly.  If you have specific concerns, we urge you to share them with other local groups, and with us, or with our friends at the Brixton Society at planning@brixtonsociety.org.uk
 
336 Brixton Road One of the target sites on Brixton Road in the Council’s current plan 

Other Coming Events

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour
Arrangements have been confirmed by Action on ASB for the follow-up meeting with Police and Council representatives.  This will be on Wednesday 27 March in the Level 4 Hall at St. Matthew’s Church, Brixton Hill SW2 1JF. Enter by the basement doors at the side of the church (lift available).  Please reserve a place via Eventbrite at https://tinyurl.com/brixton001
 
It would be helpful if you have time to complete an online survey by 25 March, to help identify the main issues and “hot-spots” of local concern.  Find the form at https://tinyurl.com/brixton002
 
Black Culture Market
Their April event is once again Downstairs at the Department Store, 248 Ferndale Road SW9 on Saturday and Sunday 6 & 7 April, open 11 am to 5 pm each day.  Support Black-owned businesses and makers in Brixton. Admission free but please book in advance via the website, www.blackculturemarket.co.uk
If you want to trade at these events, please e-mail to hello@blackculturemarket.co.uk
 
Events at Brixton Windmill
Guided tours of the windmill, on at least one weekend a month, start from 30/31 March(Easter weekend).  As with other events, please see the website for details and booking, www.brixtonwindmill.org
 
Sadly, there will be no Beer & Bread Festival this year due to increased challenges with staging it, however, other events are forthcoming:
Easter Family Day on Sunday 31 March, between 1 pm and 5 pm.
Baking Workshop for families, Sunday 14 April, 10-30 am, for families with children aged 6 to 12.
More events will follow.
 
Mayor and Assembly Elections
These take place on Thursday 2^nd May.  We should remind you about two government measures to reduce support for other parties: Firstly, voters will need photo ID to vote in person. 
The other change, which has had less publicity, is that you will no longer be able to vote for a second choice for London Mayor or GLA members.  Also note that, following the boundary changes to Council wards a couple of years ago, your polling station may be in a different location to the last time you voted.

Arts, Culture, Leisure

 Brixton Blog & Bugle Art Show
Entry is now open for the ever-popular Brixton Blog & Bugle Summer Art Show. The show is open to any artist – professional or self-taught – who is at least 16 years old and is based in or around Brixton.

You can submit up to TWO works. They must be no larger than one metre square and capable of being hung safely and securely on a wall.  To enter, all you have to do is send up to three digital photos of each work to arts@brixtonblog.com

Please entitle the email ‘Summer Art Show’ and include your name, address, contact number, social media, the title and a brief description of the work including its dimensions. The closing date for entries is Monday 13 May 2024.  All selected works will be exhibited in the Summer Art Show in the Brixton Tate Library throughout July 2024. The winner will be decided by a people’s vote.
Supported by the Arts Council of England and local businesses.

Youth Drama Opportunities
You are You is a drama group for the 11-16 age range, held at St. Vincent’s Brixton Community Centre, Talma Road SW2 1AS.  Their sessions run from 4-30 to 6 pm on Wednesday evenings.  There are a couple more sessions yet before the Easter break, or you could even join at their Easter party on 6^th April.  Enquiries to Leanne Twidale, by
e-mail to LeanneT@svp.org.uk or text to 07 960 445 930.  Travel costs support available for asylum seekers/ refugees.
 
Longfield Hall is hosting a free drama programme during the Easter school break for ages 6 upwards. The aim is to devise and perform a Play in a Week, for 3 age groups:
Age 6-8, Monday 8 to Friday 12 April, 10 am to 1 pm daily
Age 9-11, also 8-12 April, 2 pm to 5 pm
Age 12+, Tuesday 2^nd to Friday 5^th April, 2 pm to 5-30 pm
To book a place, call 07 988 629 697 or e-mail youthmanager@longfieldhall.org.uk

Brixton House Theatre Community Consultations
Brixton House are developing their creative engagement programmes for the local community and would like to find out more about Brixton individuals, businesses and community organisations at one of 3 events in March:
Daytime consultation: Tuesday 19^th March at 12pm to 2pm
Evening consultation: Thursday 21^st March at 6.30 to 8.30pm
Weekend consultation: Saturday 23^rd March at 11am to 1pm
RSVP to community@brixtonhouse.co.uk with the date you would like to attend.

 Health and Social Care

Local Health Events
Health professionals are concerned at the rising number of measles cases among children and young people, in part due to low take-up of vaccinations.  These can be arranged with your GP practice, or there is a community catch-up clinic at the Civic Centre, 6 Brixton Hill SW2, on Saturday 23 March between 10 am and 4 pm.
 
Black Health Inequalities Summit
A reminder about this event organised by Inspire, to be held on Monday 25 March, bringing together black healthcare professionals and community activists.  Enquiries to hello@inspireblackhealth.london or see their website: www.inspireblackhealth,london
 
Feeding in to Local Health Services
Lambeth Together holds a Public Forum from time to time, and the next one takes place on Thursday 21 March at 1 pm.  This provides an opportunity for local communities to meet decision-makers, ask questions and raise issues with the leaders of Lambeth’s health and care services.  The open session is followed by the Board meeting between 2 pm and 5 pm, which the public can attend in person or on-line.  For more details including board papers and joining instructions, see www.lambethtogether.net/get-involved
 
Healthwatch Lambeth is the organisation which can support patients and carers who have issues or complaints about local health services.  They channel your feedback to NHS leaders and care providers to make changes happen.  Enquiries to: info@healthwatchlambeth.org.uk
 
Thriving Fiveways is a new health and wellbeing initiative encouraging community-based projects on the north-east side of Brixton.  Initially they are looking for ideas around the Angell Town and Moorland Estates.  Enquiries to Shanelle Webb at thrivingfiveways@gmail.com
 
Support for Older Residents
Age UK Lambeth has appointed a Wellbeing Champion to signpost older people to suitable resources for their health issues, as well as running events which offer basic healthy checks and advice.  Enquiries to 07 873 102 248 or to nicholas@ageuklambeth.org
 
They are also re-launching their MYSocial service, which offers exercise classes, meet-ups, visits and days out of London.  Most events are free, or otherwise at affordable prices.  From 1^st April, membership is £50 a year (payable in monthly instalments if preferred).  Enquiries to 020 3143 5695 or members@mysocial.london or via website https://www.mysocial.london/lambethjoin

Green spaces, Green issues

 Events at Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses
Just a taster – there’s more on their website at https://www.brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk/events
 
– Plant stall at Herne Hill market, south end of Railton Road SE24, Sunday 17 March.
– Introduction to Green Woodwork – from log to spoon, Friday 22 March, 12-30  to 4-30 pm.
– Plant Art Club, Sunday 31 March, 10-30 am to 1-30 pm.
– Nature Writing Workshop, led by Freya Bromley, Saturday 13 April, 2 pm to 3 pm.
– Willow Weaving Workshop – make your own sustainable plant supports!  Sunday 14 April, 10-15 am to 3-30 pm.
 
On Your Bike
Brixton BID is again sponsoring monthly sessions by Dr Bike mechanics for cycle safety checks and essential maintenance, 12 to 3 pm at various sites:

• Wednesday 27 March, by Brixton House Theatre, Coldharbour Lane.
• Wednesday 24 April, outside F Mondays, Brixton Hill (near corner of Blenheim Gardens).
• Wednesday 29 May, outside British Heart Foundation, Acre Lane (across the road from Tesco).

 Funding, Training & Support

Grant deadlines approaching
Once again, a reminder of grant schemes already notified by Integrate – if you missed the original alerts, contact them at: eoin.heffernan@integrateagency.co.uk
 
Sport England Small Grants Fund, up to £15,000, closing date 31 March.
 
Active Spaces Fund, up to £80,000 to improve sports facilities and inspire activity, closing date 19 April.
 
Locality has also advised us of these offers (Google the funder for contact details):
 
People’s Health Trust – Nature for Health: up to £40,000, closes on 20 March.
 
Peter Harrison Foundation – Opportunities through Sport, up to £50,000, closes 1 April.
 
Baring Foundation – Arts programme, up to £50,000, closes on 23 April.
 
Ironmonger’s Company, for charities working with disadvantaged young people, grants up to £10,000, closing date 31 July.
 
National Lottery Communities Fund – Climate Action Fund, opens for applications 27 March.
 
Training Opportunities
Social enterprises and small businesses within the Brixton BID area should be able to join their free training courses.  Next up are:

• Health & Safety, Wednesday 27 March, 10 am to 4 pm.
• Personal Licenses, Monday 8^th April, 10 am to 4 pm.
• First Aid (level 2), Tuesday 23 April, 10 am to 4 pm.

These 3 sessions will all be at International House.  Enquiries to admin@brixtonbid.co.uk
 
Running a Charity?
If your organisation is a registered charity, or aspires to be, support is available for your board members, trustees or management committee members.  Getting On Board runs a Trustee Learning Programme, mainly as free on-line sessions.  Find out more at https://www.gettingonboard.org
 
Your Forum Bulletins
We changed our production technique for these bulletins last month, so that we can also share it as a Word file or even paper copies. It worked more smoothly for us – but how was it for you?

Get your name out there!  If you are doing something around the Brixton area – an event, a new service, or making changes in what you already do – you are welcome to use these bulletins to tell (550+) other Forum members.  We aim to circulate around the 10^th of each month, but please allow us a week to put it together, because we work on a very part-time basis. So, send items to the Forum Secretary at apiperbrix@aol.com by the 3^rd of the month.

Keep in Touch
We want to be inclusive and ensure that these bulletins reach all community organisations, social enterprises and activists in the wider Brixton area.  Please contact us at admin@brixtonneighbourhoodforum.org

• If you want to be added to our mailing list, or to add a colleague or neighbour.
• If you want these bulletins sent to a different e-mail address, so that you see them more quickly or reliably.
• To unsubscribe, if you have moved away or are no longer interested.

Next meeting – 21 March 2024

The next General Meeting of the Forum will be on Thursday 21 March from 7 pm at the Vida Walsh Centre, 2b Saltoun Road, SW2 1EP (entrance faces Windrush Square). 

More details from us next month, but among other things, we want to identify priorities for the new financial year. Our board is meeting this week to agree the agenda but if you want to add to it, or make a presentation to the meeting, please contact the Secretary quickly at apiperbrix@aol.com

Making Plans for Brixton

The Brixton Neighbourhood Forum was set up in Summer 2011 with a view to devising a Neighbourhood Plan that would reflect the needs and aspirations of the community rather than the ambitions of developers or Lambeth Council planners.  As it turned out, there was not much in the Council’s Masterplan that we disagreed with, so the Forum has found other things to do, supporting local groups and community organisations to attract resources and network together.

After a dozen years, it’s clear that planning policies increasingly favour big developers over the local community’s concerns.  Time perhaps for the community to put forward its own ideas? Rather than cover everything, we may be more effective if we focus our energy on a few key issues or sites.  Concerns already raised with us include anti-social behaviour, the state of public spaces and the threat of over-development on the Tesco site in Acre Lane. But if there are other matters or sites that you think should be included, you need to tell us NOW.

Meanwhile, we will be sounding out other Forums who adjoin our catchment area and scoping out a series of consultation events for the months ahead.  We would like to make our initial bid for designation by the end of March, taking advantage of our links to Locality.

Initial comments and enquiries to Alan Piper (Forum Secretary) at apiperbrix@aol.com

More Events Coming Up

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour

Following the public meeting with police and Council representatives on 30 November, we hear from Action on ASB that another meeting to report back on progress is likely to be on Wednesday 27 March at the Town Hall.
 
In the meantime, the Safer Neighbourhood Panels have finally begun meeting, based on the ward boundaries adopted at the last Council elections.  These are open to community groups active in each ward, and meet every 3 months.  Brixton Windrush ward had its first meeting on 1^st February. 

Issues can be fed back to the ward’s police team by e-mail to ASMailbox-.BrixtonWindrush@met.police.uk but to report a crime, dial 101 or visit www.met.police.uk or in emergency, dial 999.  The police stressed that more crime reports help them attract more resources to the area.
 
Events at Brixton Windmill
Some special events are coming up:

• A Milling & Baking Day on Sunday 25 February, 10-30 to 4 pm;
• Flavours of Easter Baking Class with Fabio on Saturday 23 March, 10-30 to 4-30 pm;
• Easter Family Event with free craft classes on Sunday 31 March

Dates have been set for this year’s tours of the windmill, on at least one weekend a month, starting from 30/31 March (Easter weekend). Please book for all events via the website, www.brixtonwindmill.org
Wednesday Warm Space sessions continue between 1 and 3 pm until 20 March.
 

Arts, Culture, Leisure

Brixton Performs returns soon

Brixton Business Improvement District is organising another series of performance events at various local venues, during the period Tuesday 12 to Saturday 16 March.
If you want to present music, poetry, comedy or other performance, contact brixtonperforms@brixtonbid.co.uk 
 
Community Research Exchange

Tony Cealy has alerted us to an upcoming 3-day event in collaboration with the Brixton Project and Impact on Urban Health. 

Saturday 23 March will be the Narrative Exchange, including workshops for community members facilitated by local practitioners. The day will end with a discussion of preserving traditional communications and performances, curated by Vinyl Sound Memories.

On Tuesday 26 March, the theme will be community research in practice, presentations by creative performers will lead up to an 81 Acts retrospective.

Finally, on Wednesday 27^th, Shifting Power will involve keynote addresses, reports back from the community researchers and mapping exercises, concluding with an evening reception at International House.

Enquiries to hello@thebrixtonproject.com
 
Saturday Arts & Cooking (age 8-13)

Sessions run from 12 to 3 pm at St. Vincent’s/ Brixton Community Base, Talma Road SW2 1AS.  Kids take part in arts, crafts and cooking, lunch is provided.  To register, please e-mail to LeanneT@svp.org.uk or text to 07 960 445 930.  Travel costs support available for asylum seekers/ refugees.

Volunteer Assistants are also sought to help run the sessions with the Session Leader, for 3 hours a week for a 12-week term. Enquiries to Leanne Twidale, as above. 

Health and Social Care

Support for Mental Health

We shared some useful contacts last month, but we have received a more complete list from Lambeth Together which we can forward on request.  We should highlight:
 
Support and advice for under 18s: These 3 services all operate 24/7:
Kooth – website https://www.kooth.com/
Shout – Text YM to 85258,
Papyrus National Helpline: tel. 0800 068 4141 or text 07 786 209 697
 
Supporting staff and volunteers:
Employers are encouraged to sign up to the Mental Health Charter – bronze-level membership is free and you can join up online via www.mentalhealth-charter.co.uk
 
And if you rely on volunteers to keep the show on the road, don’t put them under too much pressure – invest in a copy of the Volunteer Management Handbook from the Directory of Social Change, see https://www.dsc.org.uk
 
Black Health Inequalities Summit

We flagged up the work of Inspire in last month’s e-bulletin.  They are now planning this summit for Monday 25 March, bringing together black healthcare professionals and community activists.  Enquiries to  hello@inspireblackhealth.london or see their website:  www.inspireblackhealth,london

Green spaces, Green issues

Views from Brockwell Park

One of the Council’s current consultations is on protected views from sites around the borough.  Most of these are at the north end of Lambeth, but there are a couple from within Brockwell Park worth a look.  This matters because of Lambeth planners’ enthusiasm for tall buildings.  More details on the consultation pages of the Council website, but the deadline for comments is 23 February.
 
Events at Brockwell Park

Community Greenhouses

Just a taster – there’s more on their website at https://www.brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk/events
 
Introduction to Green Woodwork – from log to spoon, Friday 23 February, 12-30 pm. A nature-based meditation workshop, Saturday 24 February, 1 to 4 pm.
Repair, Recycle and Refresh – a free community event including clothes swap and repairing, tool sharpening tips, and an update on the Brixton Remakery’s Materials Garden, Sunday 3^rd March, 12-30 to 3 pm.
Fermentation Workshop, Sunday 10 March, 12-30 pm.

Incidentally, their new Barn was recently shortlisted for the 2024 MacEwan Award, which recognises successful community buildings. https://www.ribaj.com/buildings/macewen-award-2024-longlist
 
On Your Bike

Brixton BID is again sponsoring monthly sessions by Dr Bike mechanics for cycle safety checks and essential maintenance, 12 to 3 pm at various sites:

•  Wednesday 28 February, Mosaic Clubhouse in Effra Road SW2.
• Wednesday 27 March, by Brixton House Theatre, Coldharbour Lane.
• Wednesday 24 April, outside F Mondays, Brixton Hill (near corner of Blenheim Gardens).
• Wednesday 29 May, outside British Heart Foundation, Acre Lane (across from Tesco).

Refuse Collection Changes

Household waste collection from black wheely bins will be reduced to fortnightly from 15 April. Recycling collections will continue weekly.
Further south, around Tulse Hill and West Norwood, fortnightly collections began on a trial basis from 6^th February.  Housing estates with communal waste storage should not be affected.  For more details of recycling and waste services, see www.lambeth.gov.uk/rubbish-recycling

Funding, Training & Support

Grant deadlines approaching

Once again, a reminder of grant schemes already notified by Integrate – if you missed the original alerts, contact them at: eoin.heffernan@integrateagency.co.uk
 
London Greening invite from the Kusuma Trust for creating or improving green spaces (aimed at larger organisations), closing date 28 February.
 
The Inman Charity grants programme offers up to £5,0000 for health and social care, closing date 29 February.
 
The Naturesave Trust Charitable Food Fund, grants up to £2500, closing 29 February.
 
Disability Justice Fund, from the Trust for London, for organisations led by people with disabilities, closing date 4 March.
 
Sport England Small Grants Fund, up to £15,000, closing date 31 March.
 
Digital Accelerator for Arts & Culture, from Bloomberg Philanthropies: offers grants and technical assistance with IT systems for nonprofit cultural organisations, closing date 13 March.
 
Locality has also advised us of these offers (Google the funder for contact details):
 
Peter Harrison Foundation – Opportunities through Sport, up to £50,000, closes 1 April.
 
Ironmonger’s Company, for charities working with disadvantaged young people, grants up to £10,000, closing date 31 July.
 
Training Opportunities

Social enterprises and small businesses within the Brixton BID area should be able to join their free training courses.  Next up are:

• Food Safety (level 2) 28 February, 10 am to 4 pm at International House.
• Conflict Management, 11 March, 10 am to 4 pm at Brixton House.
• Health & Safety, 27 March, 10 am to 4 pm at International House.

Enquiries to admin@brixtonbid.co.uk
 
Learning from High Trees

High Trees was set up 25 years ago in the former St. Martin’s Library on Tulse Hill.  Based on their wide experience across social action and employment training, they have produced these free guides and templates.

• A practical guide to collaborative working, aimed at smaller VCS organisations trying to work together.
• A guide to delivering person-centred employment services.
• Templates for VCS organisations running community buildings (with the Lambeth Community Hubs Network).

Enquiries to hello@high-trees.org  

Your Forum Bulletins

Get your name out there!  If you are doing something around the Brixton area – an event, a new service, or making changes in what you already do – you are welcome to use these bulletins to tell other Forum members. That’s well over 550 on our current list.  We aim to circulate around the 10^th of each month, but please allow us a week to put it together, because we work on a very part-time basis. So, send items to the Forum Secretary at apiperbrix@aol.com by the 3^rd of the month.

Keep in Touch

We want to be inclusive and ensure that these bulletins reach all community organisations, social enterprises and activists in the wider Brixton area.  Please contact us at  admin@brixtonneighbourhoodforum.org

• If you want to be added to our mailing list, or to add a colleague or neighbour.
• If you want these bulletins sent to a different e-mail address, so that you see them more quickly or reliably.
• To unsubscribe if you have moved away or are no longer interested.
• www.brixtonneighbourhoodforum.org See more about the Forum on our website 

 

NEWS ROUND UP

It takes a while to get up to speed after the Christmas/ New Year break, but we already have several items to share, and a few more worth repeating in case you missed them in the run-up to Christmas.

Planners Bid for Revenge?

Lambeth Planners, thwarted by the collapse of their favoured Hondo Tower proposals in the face of local opposition, are renewing their efforts to damage Brixton.  The Brixton Buzz website recently reported two sets of proposals going to Lambeth’s Cabinet on 15 January.

The first is a package of 4 sites proposed for over- development: Tesco in Acre Lane, sites on the east side of Effra Road around Curry’s, on the west side of Brixton Road opposite Max Roach Park, and at Loughborough Junction between the station and the new tower block. Among other issues, this revives the threat to We Are 336 in Brixton Road and the Mosaic Clubhouse in Effra Road.

The second report is a review of 3 local Conservation Areas, Brixton Town Centre, Ferndale Road and Loughborough Park, where additions proposed by the Brixton Society were brushed aside.  The only addition to the Town Centre is the staff smoking area behind the new Civic Centre, while the former Brixton School of Building is to be deleted from the Ferndale Road CA.

The Challenge of Anti-Social Behaviour:

Over the past few years, our meetings have picked up concerns over anti-social behaviour in the Town Centre, much of it blamed on the night-time economy and the Council’s failure to adapt to it. Yet, despite the flagship O2 Academy being closed for the past year, it is widely felt that the situation has deteriorated in that time, particularly with aggressive begging, drug dealing and street sleeping added to the familiar problems of noise, rowdiness and nearby streets and forecourts being treated as public toilets.

Over 20 local groups and many individual residents have come together as Action on ASB to press for action from the authorities, and a well attended public meeting at the Town Hall on 30 November heard responses from the Police and the Council. However, Health authorities were notable for their absence, and links with mental health services will be crucial in resolving cases and reducing reoffending. The authorities have promised to bring an Action Plan and timetable to a follow up meeting in March. In the meantime, Action on ASB can be contacted at aoasb@outlook.com

Brixton on the Move:

Popular pizzeria Franco Manca is relocating from Market Row to the former Railway Hotel on the corner of Atlantic Road and Electric Lane, which was briefly used by Wagamama.  Franco Manca has been trading in Market Row since 2008.

 We also hear that Studio 73 Art, absent since 2020, will be returning to Brixton soon in purpose built exhibition space, so expect more news soon of a “We are back” art show.

Dwaynamics in Loughborough Park: The Dwayne Simpson Foundation are now operating from the former Playgroup building in the centre of the Loughborough Park open space (access from Moorland Road or Loughborough Park, SW9 8UA). Soup & Support Sessions are held between 12.30 and 2pm, 3 days a week (Tuesday, Wednesday Thursday). The aim is to offer, not only food and drinks, but also a comforting atmosphere and some respite from the cold weather, completely free. Enquiries to 020 7274 6691 or see their website www.dsfcic.co.uk

LOCAL EVENTS COMING UP

Tai Chi Classes:
The free classes initiated by the Friends of Tate Library Brixton will return to the Library from Saturday 3rd February. In the meantime, the sessions on Saturdays 13, 20 and 27 January will be at St. Matthew’s Estate TRA Hall in  St. Matthew’s Road SW2. The classes run from 9.30 to 10.30 am. Enquiries to foftlbrixton@gmail.com

Events at Windmill Gardens:
For the over 50s, there are also Beginners Tai Chi classes at the Windmill Centre on Wednesdays, 10-30 to 11 30 am – free and no need to book. Pilates sessions for the over 50s are run on the same basis on Fridays, noon ’til 1 pm. For a wider age range, there are also Tai Chi sessions in Windmill Gardens on Saturdays at 11-30am on a pay what you can basis. Warm Space Wednesdays run in the Centre from 1 pm to 3 pm, providing a hot drink and a chat, with a drop-in advice service available from 2pm. For further events and services, see the website www.brixtonwindmill.org

Events at Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses:
Their next music gig will be on Sunday 14 January, at 5 pm. The magical Demi Spriggs, supported by violin and piano duo, Anser. Two upcoming workshop sessions will be: Fermentation on Sunday 4 February at 12 30pm;  Introduction  to Willow Weaving on Sunday 11 February from 10 15am – make a simple bowl or basket. For more events and details, see their website,  https://www.brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk/events

Sunday Drama Classes at Longfield Hall:
A reminder that the hall, across the street from Minet Library, will be hosting free drama classes for children from Sunday 14 January for 10 weeks Age 6-8 from 10am to 11-30, age 9-11 from 12 noon to 1-30pm, age 12-16 from 2-30 to 4pm. To book a place, please email to youthmanager@longfieldhall.org.uk or phone 07988 629 697.

Art4Space Courses and Studio Sessions:
Once again, several courses and workshop sessions are on offer at their studio in Jeffreys Road SW4 6QU – see their website www.art4space.co.uk Among this year’s courses, Creative Pathways is a free art course for young people between 18 and 30, on Wednesdays 2 pm to 5 pm, starting on 17 January for 10 weeks and leading to an Arts Award/ NOCN accreditation.

Memories of Brixton Rec:
A project kicks off in February to gather stories and memories of activities and events at the Brixton Recreation Centre.  There will be a series of workshops to learn how to collect community heritage, open to anyone over 18 and for which attenders will be paid.  This may lead to some paid work experience opportunities at future eventsThose events will aim to collect information from users and local residents, including commemorating individuals who have contributed to the success of the Rec or any of the activity groups based there. To get involved in any aspect of the project, see www.revisitingbrixtonrec.org.uk or phone 07966 878 433.

Calling Local Artists:
This is early warning that the Brixton Blog and Bugle Art Show will return next summer. The call-out for entries will be at the beginning of March, with a closing date of mid-May.  Last year, 52 artists exhibited over 70 works, and over 1000 people took part in the people’s ballot to select the show winners.

GREEN SPACES, GREEN ISSUES

Hedge-laying in Brockwell Park:
In case you missed last month’s note, volunteer help is welcome as work is resuming on hedge-laying, repair and fencing around the perimeter of the park. This is organised by Brockwell Park Community Partners and The Conservation Volunteers. Work days usually run  rom 10am to 4pm, but please check the website in case of any variations or cancellations – see www.tcv.org.uk Scheduled dates are Tuesday 9th, Wednesday 10th and Thursday 11th January, Tuesday 6th, Wednesday 7th and Thursday 8th February.

Rubbish, Recycling and Repair:
The Council’s general household waste collection, via black wheely bins, will be scaled back to fortnightly collection from APRIL. If you think you will need a larger bin to cope, please apply to www.wasteservice.lambeth.gov.uk/containers Residents are being urged to recycle as much waste as possible,  and the green wheely bins will continue to be emptied weekly. For bulky waste, see www.lambeth.gov.uk/bulkywaste  

Repair Cafe
Over the past year, the Repair Cafe has helped people with the repair and re-use of items that would otherwise be thrown out. So far they have helped 972 people at their monthly sessions, saved 304 kg of waste and prevented 2.7 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. The Repair Cafe CIC is a joint venture of We Are 336 and the Integrate Agency. Most sessions are on the first Saturday of the month at 336 Brixton Road, but occasionally they pop up at other locations – enquiries to Olga on 07951 400 025 or e-mail to olga.osuch@integrateagency.co.uk

School Streets Expansion:
As part of the next phase of reducing traffic pollution and accidents around local schools, Sudbourne and Loughborough Primary Schools are among 5 Lambeth schools proposed for inclusion.   However, this is moving slowly, and proposals are open for comments until 20 May – follow the links from the Consultations page on the Council website www.lambeth.gov.uk or email your comments direct to schoolstreets@lambeth.gov.uk

HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE

Crisis Lines and Support Services:
These are some of the contacts that were recently shared with us… In the runup to Christmas, Lambeth Larder circulated an updated version of their  Directory of local support services. If you missed  it, see https://www.lambethlarder.org  

For support and activities for older people, see https://www.ageuk.org.uk/lambeth/our-services/ 

For health and wellbeing support, see https://thrivinglambeth.co.uk/

For online support and counselling for children and young people, see https://www.kooth.com/ 

In addition, these National Crisis contacts were recently shared by the Mental Health Charter:
CALM – Call 0800 58 58 58 or visit thecalmzone.net which provides listening services, information and support for anyone who needs to talk.
SHOUT – Text SHOUT to 85258 or visit giveusashout.org for a confidential 24/7 text service offering support if you are in crisis and need immediate help. 

SAMARITANS – Call 116 123 or e mail jo@samaritans.org – open 24/7 for anyone who needs to talk.
THE SILVER LINE – Call 0800 470 8090 for support, information and advice for older people who may feel lonely or isolated.

Lambeth Together Public Forum:
South East London  Integrated Care System organises regular public forums to share information and concerns about local health services. Currently these are held on-line via Teams, and the next is on Thursday 18 January, between 1 and 2 pm. To join, see the webpage https://www.lambethtogether.net/about-us/lambeth-together-strategic-board-future-meetings-and-papers/ or contact the team by e-mail at hello@lambethtogether.net

Supporting the Health of Black Londoners:
The London Inspire programme is designed to raise awareness and promote targeted interventions to reduce health disparities faced by Black people in London.  It seeks to:
– facilitate community events and health screening;
– highlight best practice;
– map community assets;
– share key health resources.
More details on the website www.inspireblackhealth.london  or e-mail to hello@inspireblackhealth.london

FUNDING, TRAINING & SUPPORT

Grants Reminders:

What with Christmas shopping and then the Twixmas break, you might have missed the alerts about these approaching deadlines for grant applications. If so, contact the Integrate Agency: eoin.heffernan@integrateagency.co.uk  for:
– the 7 Stars Foundation, grants up to £2500, closing date 31 January.
– Lambeth Wellbeing Fund, grants between £1000 and £5000, closing date 31 January.
– The Naturesave Trust Charitable Food Fund, grants up to £2500, closing date 29 February.
– Disability Justice Fund, from the Trust for London, for organisations led by people with disabilities, closing date 4 March.
– Sport England Small Grants Fund, up to £15,000, closing date 31 March.

Training Courses:

The Integrate Agency has also lined up some on-line briefings (contact as above to book):
– Engaging and Influencing Parliament, Tuesday 16 January, 10 am to 11-30.
– Understanding Community Interest Companies, Tuesday 16 January, 12 noon to 12-30 pm.

Training with Brixton BID:
The BID has lined up another series of training sessions for local enterprises and their staff, including:
– Emergency First Aid (level 3), 25 January, 10 am to 4 pm;
– Mental Health First Aid, 25 February, 10 am to 4 pm;
– Food Safety (level 2), 28 February, 10 am to 4 pm;
– Conflict Management, 11 March, 10 am to 4 pm;
– Health & Safety, 27 March, 10 am to 4 pm.
This batch are all to be held at International House, Canterbury Crescent SW9. Enquiries to admin@brixtonbid.co.uk

Supporting Community Groups:
The current contract with Integrate for supporting voluntary and community organisations operating in Lambeth expires in April and the Council is consulting on the scope of a new contract.  Are there services which should be enhanced or added, or even scaled back to shift the emphasis elsewhere?  Should there be a collective voice speaking to the Council on behalf of community groups, rather than just a one-way information service? Would you suggest a different provider? The closing date for comments is Friday 2 February – there is an on-line survey via the Consultation pages on the Council website at www.lambeth.gov.uk/consultations  or you can e-mail your views direct to engagement@lambeth.gov.uk

BEFORE YOU GO
Something to share with us?
If you are doing something around the Brixton area, why not use these bulletins to tell other groups and activists about your next event or activities?
Please send items for future bulletins to the Forum Secretary at apiperbrix@aol.com Ideally by the 5th of the month so we can publish around the 10th.  We may not have time or space to include everything, so short announcements are preferred.

Keep in Touch:
We want these bulletins to reach all community organisations, social enterprises and activists in the wider Brixton area.
Please contact us at admin@brixtonneighbourhoodforum.org
– If you want to add a colleague or neighbour to our circulation list;
– If you want these bulletins sent to a different e-mail address, so that you receive them sooner or more reliably;
– If you have moved away, or are no longer interested.