Category Archives: Community

July 2023

Coming up soon

Wellbeing Festival, Wyck Gardens, SW9 7AH Friday 21st July 3pm ’til 7pm fun activities for all the family.

Windrush Family Fun Day @ Max Roach, Wiltshire Rd SW9 7NE Sunday July 23rd 1pm ’til 7pm drumming, face painting food and workshops.
 
Myatt’s Fields Family Fun Day Saturday July 29th 2pm ’til 7pm  Live music, face painting and fun

Summer events and courses at Art4Space

Summer Scrap Club – Wednesdays 10 – 2 pm, Thursdays 10 – 1 pm, Fridays 10 – 2 pm, from 2nd August to 1st September, for children 5 to 16 (under 8s must be accompanied) with priority to children receiving free school meals or with special needs or disabilities, limit 3 sessions per child.
 
Creative Pathways – for young people age 18-30, 14 to 18 August, 1 to 4 pm (5 days).  Free but limited spaces.
 
Creative Health – 8 week course starting 6 September, to help LGBTQ+ smokers practice mindfulness, creativity and healthy living as a route to stop smoking.  Thursdays 4 to 6 pm, free but limited spaces. 
 
Creative Community Champions – Tuesdays 10 am to 12-30 pm, 10 weeks from 19 September, producing a textile banner for climate change.  For people from Black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds, free but limited spaces.
 
Creative Enterprise – Wednesdays 10 am to 12-30 pm, 10 weeks from 20 September, an enterprising art project leading to selling the products at a local Christmas market, free but limited spaces.
 
All courses at Art4Space Studios, 31 Jeffreys Road, SW4 6QU. Enquiries to jewels@art4space.co.uk
 
Children’s Cricket Lessons, Myatt’s Fields Park
On Wednesday afternoons from 26 July for 4 weeks (last session 16 August), up to 64 free places available for boys and girls, either 5-8 or 9-11 age groups.  Enquiries to Kim Price at Surrey Cricket Foundation, 07500 950 517 or allstars@surreycricket.com 
 
Summer Coding Camp in SW8, 26 July to 23 August
Millennium Community Solutions are holding a 5-week course, Wednesday to Friday each week, for young people, covering computer coding, programming and robotics.  
Sessions for the 6-11 age group will run from 12-45 to 2-45 pm, and for those age 12-16, sessions will run from 2-45 to 3-45 pm.  Sessions will take place at Wimbourne House Community Hall, Wimborne Estate, South Lambeth Road, SW8 1AH.  For more information and registration, see www.southwyck.co.uk
 
Art in the Park, Windmill Gardens, Sunday 13 August
A range of free art workshops for both adults and children, materials provided, from 1 pm to 5 pm, around Brixton Windmill.

Repowering London is inviting you to participate in their Summer School of Power & Organising, a free, 2-week, practical, adult course based in Brixton. You’ll learn all things digital, art, energy and organising. The Summer School will take place from Tuesday to Friday, between the 1stand 11thof August, from 10 to 2pm. This is a family friendly school, and we will provide kids activities as well as free lunches. You can see the flyer at this link for more info and get in touch if you’d like to participate. To apply, visit tinyurl.com/y5ymb25k  Or call Ewure Esi at 07943 708647 or email info@repowering.org.uk

 Health & Social Care


Project Smith – Community Connector Training
Another course is just about to start – enquiries to Emma Corker at emma@rbeassociates.com or phone 07734 670 300.
Four training sessions will run from 9-30 am to 3 pm at different locations around the borough, to help people support their neighbours and signpost them to local health services.

Other News


How was it for you?
June turned out to be a very busy month, with lots of events in connection with the London Festival of Architecture and the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush with the first settlers from the Caribbean.  Some events even managed to reference both!  If you are planning – or just thinking about – some future events, we would like to hear.  Maybe we can help, or put you in touch with others who can offer support or contribute to a joint event?  See foot of page for contacts.
 
Hondo Tower – the last battle?
Way back in 2020, the owners of the main market arcades proposed a 20-storey office tower in Popes Road, on the old Tesco site between the railway viaducts.  After many local objections, the planning application was called-in by the Mayor, who was due to hear the case on 10 June last year, with the GLA planners recommending refusal, but it was called off at the last moment.  At the time of writing it’s back in the diary for a hearing at (new) City Hall on Friday 21 July, this time before Jules Pipe, Deputy Mayor for Planning etc.  No changes have been made since last year, so it ought still to be refused, but we need to make sure!  Once again, objectors are trying to co-ordinate their efforts to best effect – contact the Fight The Tower campaign via danainardi@gmail.com or the Brixton Society via planning@brixtonsociety.org.uk

UPDATE:  10,000 BRIXTONIANS VS 1 MILLIONAIRE LANDLORD.

WE HEARD YESTERDAY THAT HONDO ENTERPRISE HAVE WITHDRAWN THEIR PLANNING APPLICATION FOR THE ENORMOTOWER. CONGRATULATIONS AND THANKS TO SAVE NOUR and FIGHT THE TOWER and all who campaigned to save us from this development. The hearing of 21st July at County Hall is consequently CANCELLED.


Just Dropping in?
A slightly different approach to fund-raising for good causes – Yvonne Thompson of 7 Traits Leadership Learning is doing a sponsored skydive on Sunday 23 July.  This is in aid of Champions for Justice and Not For Sale which works to counter human trafficking.  To find out more and ideally contribute, see https:bit.ly/yvonnes-skydive
 

Moving on
Victoria Sherwin has played a key role in advancing the Myatt’s Fields Park Project over the past several years, but has now stepped down.  Instead, she will be spending a sabbatical year with Incredible Edible Lambeth, which is currently selecting prizewinners for the Lambeth in Bloom competition.  See also www.incredibleediblelambeth.org/events

Brixton Blog/ Bugle Summer Art Show
This will continue at Brixton Tate Library until 27 July, during normal library opening times.

Funding, Training and support


Social Investment Workshop, 17 July
On-line via Zoom, 10 am to 11-30, to explore the potential for social investment for charities and social enterprises.  Organised by Integrate with the Trust for London.  Book via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/scale-it-what-is-social-investment-can-it-help-grow-my-organisation-tickets-650056194577
 
Develop your ideas and learn new skills
We picked up a few ideas from the recent Small Charities Week, including a new funding source.  If you are part of a community business and open to exploring tech-based solutions, then the Discovery Fund is worth checking out.  The fund will support you to explore a challenge that you have identified, and learn the processes and skills to design a solution, offering free training and a place in their community of practice so you can network with peers and experts.  Applications must be in by midday on 21 July – for more details, see https://www.powertochange.org.uk/our-work/our-programme/discovery-fund/ 
 
Grants Reminders
Our usual reminder of grants previously notified by Integrate – if you missed the original notice, contact eoin.heffernan@integrate agency.co.uk

The Field Family Charitable Trust: grants of up to £10,000 available for projects assisting vulnerable young people (13-25 years), or will also consider projects supporting older people and rehabilitation of ex-offenders. Deadline Friday 28 July.
 
Lloyds Bank Foundation: for organisations led by and working with deaf or disabled people who are experiencing poverty.  Grants up to £75,000, potentially for a 3-year period.  Deadline Thursday 31 August.
 
Before you go…
 
Something to share with us?
If you are doing something around the Brixton area, why not use these monthly bulletins to tell other Forum members about your activities, or your next event?  You might even like to present your work at a future Forum meeting, or raise a concern for discussion.  
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 by the 10th. Also use this contact to include something on the agenda for a Forum meeting.
 
Remember, there is more about the Forum on our website at www.brixtonneighbourhoodforum.org
 
Is this your best e-mail?
We want these bulletins to reach all community organisations and activists in the wider Brixton area.  Please contact us at admin@brixtonneighbourhodforum.org
– If you want these bulletins sent to a different e-mail address, so you see them sooner or more reliably.
– If you want to add a neighbour or colleague to the circulation list.
– If you have moved away or are no longer interested.

May 2023

Local Achievements

What’s Brixton Saying?
The Advocacy Academy should be commended for a great piece of research, conducted between November 2022 and February this year, and presented on 25 April.  Their team of young people had 83 conversations with Central Brixton traders, passers-by and local organisations.  They picked up many local concerns, but particularly that people are feeling the squeeze from rising prices and rents, and a growing feeling that the Council favours big corporations over residents and local enterprises.  The Advocacy Academy will be following up some of the issues raised by facilitating local meetings and networking, and the Forum will offer support with this. 

Working Together
It’s encouraging to hear of different organisations collaborating to deliver services or projects.  One of the best developed is Ecosystem Coldharbour, a consortium of local groups, mainly active on the north and east sides of Brixton, dedicated to steering young people towards career opportunities and creative outlets, and away from involvement in crime and violence.  In between major events and grant funding rounds, they hold monthly Coffee Mornings where people active in the community can get together and chat informally about the challenges they face.  The next sessions will be on Tuesdays 23 May and 20 June – contact connect@ecosystemcoldharbour.org to confirm times and locations. 

At a simpler level, Blenheim Gardens RMO have linked up with Herne Hill-based Get Rid of and Donate, to provide a free donation service from the RMO’s community hub at 23 Prague Place SW2.  The aim is to collect and re-distribute essential living items, including clothes, shoes, household items, toys and books.  Of course, sustaining a service like this needs a flow of donations, as well as enough volunteers to operate it.  More details at www.getridofit-donate.com

News from Shamha Vibrations
Peter Phillips writes:
Thanks for keeping us informed of events in our local area – this forum is extremely useful indeed.
We are a Brixton-based Community Interest Company, founded in 2012 by local resident Djina Jones.  We’ve been doing our African drumming and Drumming for Community Wellbeing sessions in the South London area for many years.  We were recently awarded funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to start a new season of the Drumming for Wellbeing sessions in the Brixton area.  The National Lottery have funded these free-to-attend sessions since 2017 and many local people have benefited from attending.  The weekly drumming circles provide an opportunity for residents to spend a couple of hours with their neighbours, enjoying an uplifting activity which can help reduce stress, improve co-ordination and increase feelings of positivity.
Angell Town Community has usually been the centre of our activity, but this year, from 5th May, we are also doing sessions at Stockwell Park Community Trust, Akerman Health Centre and Myatt’s Fields Park.  Everybody is welcome, drums are provided and it is free to attend.
Enquiries to shamhavibration@gmail.com or see the website at  www.shamhavibration.org  or phone Djina on 07377 921 549.

Things to come
Open Weekend at the Windmill, 13 & 14 May
Following their successful Beer & Bread Festival on 1st May, Friends of Windmill Gardens are hosting their next monthly opening of the Windmill this coming Saturday and Sunday – and if conditions are right, you may even see the sails turn on Saturday!
To book tours of the mill, see www.brixtonwindmill.org.uk

Careers Networking Events for Young People
WeRisehave 2 more sessions in their current Youthconnect series of careers events, where young people between 14 and 21 can talk to experts from various professions.  Sessions will run between 5 pm and 7 pm at 3Space, International House, corner of Popes Road and Canterbury Crescent, SW9.  Enquiries to hello@werise.org.uk
Wednesday 17 May – Design, Fashion, Textiles, Architecture and Engineering.
Wednesday 24 May – Science, Healthcare and Sport.

Black Culture Market
Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 June: A reminder that this showcase for black-owned businesses and craftspeople returns to Downstairs at the Department Store, 248 Ferndale Road SW9, 11 am to 5 pm with a different mix of traders each day.  Admission free but please register in advance via eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/black-culture-market-summer-market-tickets-570736868337?aff+erelxpmlt

Brockwell Live
This year, the major commercial events have been consolidated into one group, to be closely followed by the Lambeth Country Show, to minimise the disruption of setting up and clearing away which can put large areas of Brockwell park out of public use.  Even so, there will be road closures and parking restrictions around the park on certain event days.  Between 15 May and 18 June, the Brockwell Live Community Liaison Team can be reached on 03304 450 272 or community@brockwell-live.com (for residents) or 03304 450 273 or localbusiness@brockwell-live.com (for businesses).

The series kicks off on Friday 26 May with Project 6, followed by Wide Awake on Saturday 27th, then Cross The Tracks on Sunday 28th and City Splash on Bank Holiday Monday 29th.  Brockwell Bounce is a free family event on Wednesday 31st, before the final weekend of the Mighty Hoopla on Saturday and Sunday 3 & 4 June.

Lambeth Country Show
Saturday 10 & Sunday 11 June: So far, we expect this to follow the pattern of the last few years, free admission but secured behind a fence with likely restrictions on what you can bring in to the show.  If your group will have a presence, let us know.

Windrush 75th anniversary events
Some events were still to be confirmed as we were putting this bulletin together, but the central event will be a parade on Thursday 22 June.  This will assemble in Brockwell Park near the Lido, to set off at 3 pm, and pass along Railton and Saltoun Roads to assemble in Windrush Square about 4-30 pm.  This will be followed by a service led by Bishop Brown of NTA, followed by music performances until 7 pm.

Marking Refugee Week – Tuesday 20 June
As part of Refugee Week (19-25 June), Haven Coffee will be showing 2 short films at 5 pm in the ground floor event space at 3Space, International House.  Their theme is the hostile environment faced by refugees and migrants, and their resilience.
Tickets are free but donations are welcome when booking or during the evening, towards Haven Coffee’s refugee barista training programme – book at bit.ly/haven3sp 

Health and Social Care
Age UK Lambeth – MY Health launch and taster session
Thursday 18 May1-30 to 3-30 pm at Brixton Tate Library.  Age UK Lambeth are launching their health support services for older people, including free dementia support, chair-based exercise and walking groups.  Free to all older people in Lambeth, no need to book.

Planning Healthcare in SE London
NHS South-East London are consulting on their joint forward plan for the next 5 years.  There is a choice of 2 dates for webinars (on MS Teams) on either:
Friday 19 May, 12 noon – 1-45 pm, register via eventbrite, https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/join_a-webinar-about-nhs-south-east-london-joint-forward-plan-tickets-609318306457
Tuesday 23 May, 6 pm – 7-45 pm, register via eventbrite, as above or contact engagement@selondonocs.nhs.uk

Feedback is sought in particular on planned care, urgent/ emergency care, cancer, and ageing well.

Mental Health First Aid, 15 & 16 June
Art4Spaceat Stockwell are hosting another 2-day course next month, delivered by It’s a Playground.  The next course specifically on Youth Mental Health First Aid will be on 21 & 22 September.  Cost in either case is £325 per person.  Book via their website at www.art4space.co.uk

Green spaces, Green issues

Community Parklets Scheme – apply by 28 May
As part of Lambeth’s Big Shift Programme, the Council are inviting applications for creating “parklets” out of existing kerbside parking spaces.  This first wave will create just 12 parklets around the borough.  The programme will support a total of 25 parklets, one in each Council ward.  More details at www.lambeth.gov.uk/parklets or enquiries to bigshift@lambeth.gov.uk

Railway Repairs
Network Rail have advised us of upcoming work on the railway lines through Brixton Station to renew the conductor rail.  Works take place overnight, typically between midnight and 5 am latest, on 16-19 May, then 18-22 June and finally on 23 & 24 July.  Normal rail services should not be affected. More details at www.networkrail.co.uk or contact the helpline 03457 114141 quoting Brixton Conductor Rail Renewal.

Check your bike!
The next Dr Bike session sponsored by Brixton BID will be on 31 May, between 12 noon and 3 pm at 89 Acre Lane SW2 (the former Beast of Brixton), provided by Cycle Confident.

Beginner Cycle Training for Children
Cycle Confident are also providing 2-hour training sessions in Brockwell Park for small groups of children (minimum age 5 years old) sponsored by Lambeth Council.  Sessions are either 9-45 to 12 noon, or 12-15 to 2-30 pm, and dates are 30 May, 31 May, 1 June, 2 June but places are limited. Kids must have their own bicycle (and ideally a cycle helmet).  More details at https://cycleconfident.com/event/

Funding, Training and Support

Seeking Volunteers?
Team Lambeth are holding their Volunteers Fair on 1st June, between 12 noon and 7 pm at the Assembly Hall, Lambeth Town Hall.  This is an opportunity to sign up new volunteers from among Town Hall staff and other visitors, and to compare notes with other organisations about best practice. 
We hope to have a shared presence again, with other members of the Lambeth Forum Network.  More information at https://www.lambeth.gov.uk/your-community/get-involved/volunteering/team-lambeth

Funding deadlines reminder
The usual reminder of approaching deadlines for various grants previously publicised by Integrate Agency.  If you missed the original notices, or want to get on their mailing list for future opportunities, contact eoin.heffernan@integrateagency.co.uk

Thomas Wall Trust: deadline 15 May – grants up to £5,000 for charities helping provide people with critical life skills for employment.

The Leathersellers Company – Addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences: deadline Friday 19 May.

Women’s Urgent Support Fund: deadline Friday 19 May – to support essential services for women, impacted by the cost of living crisis.  Supported by the Smallwood Trust and the National Lottery Community Fund.

Mayor of London – Shared Endeavour Fund: closes 9 am on 22 May – support for organisations countering racism, intolerance and radicalism.

Youth Investment Fund
This fund has been developed to support improvements to youth facilities, particularly the out-of-school youth sector in deprived areas.  They recently launched a Refurbishment Grant stream to support projects costing under £150,000.  The next window for applications will be open between 29 May and 9 June.  For further information see the webinar on their website at https://youthinvestmentfund.org.uk/resource/refurbishment-grant-programme-webinar/ or enquiries to yif@sibgroup.org.uk

Training opportunities
Emergency First Aid at Work – Wednesday 24 May: Ecosystem Coldharbour have set up this free course, 9 am to 4 pm at the Baytree Centre, 300-302 Brixton Road SW9 6AE.
Booking enquiries to grow@ecosystemcoldharbour.org or call (020) 8001 2188.

Health and Safety – what charities need to know, Tuesday 23 May: On-line briefing by NCVO and Zurich, 11 am to 12 noon, organised by Integrate. Book via https://booking.ncvo.org.uk/event/sessions?idZurichNCVO_webinar_Health_safety_what_charities_need_to_know1468879270

Training with Brixton BID:  Once again our Business Improvement District is offering free training sessions for small businesses and social enterprises within the BID catchment area.  Booking via the website at https://brixtonbid.co.uk/event-type/training/ or enquiries to admin@brixtonbid.co.uk   Upcoming events include:

Fire Safety Training (level 2) – 24 May,
Food Safety Training (level2) – 26 June,
Emergency First Aid at Work (level 3) – 25 July,
Health and Safety (level 2) – 25 September.


Keep in touch

Something to share with us?
If you are doing something around the Brixton area – an event, or a new service, or just changes to what you already do – you are welcome to use these bulletins to tell other Forum members.  That’s well over 500 on our current list!
Please send items for future bulletins to the Forum Secretary at apiperbrix@aol.com preferably by the 3rd of the month so we can publish on the 10th.

Also use this contact if you want to present your work or ideas at a Forum meeting, or raise a topic for discussion.
See more about the Forum on our website at www.brixtonneighbourhoodforum.org

Moving On
The approaching closure of Pop Brixton and International House means that a lot of charities and businesses are relocating.  Please let us know if you have to change your location or phone number, to admin@brixtonneighbourhoodforum.com – we assume that e-mails and websites should not be affected if you are still active.  The Brixton BID has already moved to new offices at the rear of The Department Store, at 19 Bellefields Road SW9.  

Are we reaching the right people?
We want these bulletins to reach all community organisations and activists in the wider Brixton area.  You might be involved in a social enterprise, charity, small business, or just interested in what’s happening in your neighbourhood.  We want to be inclusive.
Please contact us at admin@brixtonneighbourhoodforum.org
– If you want to add a colleague or neighbour to the mailing list;
– If you want these bulletins sent to a different e-mail address, so that you see them more quickly or reliably;
– If you have moved away or are no longer interested.

April 2023

Local Events Coming Soon

Easter Holiday Activities for Children
Between 3rd and 14th April, a range of free activities are taking place for children aged 4 to 16 at several sites around Brixton.  Priority is being given to children normally receiving free school meals.  For venues and details, refer to https://lambeth.gov.uk/lambeth-spring-food-fun

A Mile in My Shoes
This exhibit will be on Windrush Square from Thursday 13 April for 2 weeks, organised by the Empathy Museum.  This appearance is part of the ongoing series of “81 Acts of Exuberant Defiance” which commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Brixton Uprising of April 1981.  More details at www.empathymuseum.com 

A-Maze-ing Brixton launch – Saturday 22 April
A joint project between Brixton BID and Father Nature, the Lavender Maze in Max Roach Park will be launched with a family-friendly planting session on Saturday morning between 9 am and 12 noon.  In future, the site will be maintained by volunteer gardeners on the same basis as the Brixton Orchard, and also host eco-nature sessions for local school groups.

What is Brixton Saying? – Tuesday 25 April
The Advocacy Academy invite you to their Open House event to discuss the results of their recent Listening Campaign, conducted by their young people.  7 pm at 5-7 Vining Street, SW9 8QA.  Free but please book via Eventbrite.

Beer and Bread Festival by the Windmill – Monday 1st May
Mark the traditional Bank Holiday in Windmill Gardens, with stalls including craft bakers and artisan brewers, plus live music, open from 1 pm to 5 pm.
Organised by Friends of Windmill Gardens, admission free.

Creative Courses at Art4Space – starting in May
Two more special courses are coming up, each to run for 10 weekly sessions, free for eligible individuals but places are limited  – enquiries to jewels@art4space.co.uk

Creative Community Champions Tuesdays 10 am to 12-30 from 2nd May, creating hand-built ceramics.

Creative Remedies, Wednesdays 10 am to 12-30 from 3rd May, textile design and overlay to create bespoke hangings.

Black Culture Market, 3 & 4 June
This showcase for Black-owned businesses and craftspeople returns to Downstairs at the Department Store for another weekend – 11 am to 5 pm with a different mix of traders each day, at 248 Ferndale Road SW9 8FR.  Admission free but please register in advance via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/black-culture-market-summer-,arket-tickets-570736868337?aff+erelexpmlt
If you want to trade at this or similar events, please refer NOW to https://www.blackculturemarket.co.uk


Town Centre Developments

Hondo Towers
Most of you will know by now that GLA planners had recommended to the Mayor that he refuse permission for the planning application by Hondo to build a 20-storey tower dominating the market. This was only discovered following pressure from the Fight The Tower campaign.  Normally a developer would withdraw a proposal if there were major objections, in the hope of coming back later with a new design.  Instead, Hondo were allowed merely to postpone the hearing when they offered to “adjust” their plans.  However, the defects in the plans are so fundamental that only a complete rethink and new application could possibly deal with the objections.  In the meantime, the ongoing uncertainty is damaging to the Town Centre.

Brixton Rec Quarter development
Consultation on the plans for International House and the Pop Brixton site was originally scheduled to start in May last year, but only got underway last month with an “Appreciative Enquiry” event. Naturally this attracted criticism that consultation was happening long after the key decisions had been made, while information was lacking on transitional arrangements for existing users of both sites. 
Nevertheless, a separate consultation exercise will run over 10 sessions from 20 April to 22 June, for a hand-picked panel of residents to consider how the developments could benefit Brixton’s Town Centre.
 
Work finally started last month on adapting vacant space below the Rec into workshop space for small enterprises and for training projects.  Within the Rec itself, Lambeth took over management from GLL/ Better on 1st April, to operate it under the “Active Lambeth” banner.  Work has been underway to create a children’s “soft play” area at the lower level where the bowling green used to be.

International House
Although London Square intends to keep International House in office use, it is likely to be out of use for up to 2 years while the building systems are upgraded.  This puts at risk the network of organisations, both commercial and charitable, that has built up during its “meanwhile” use under 3Space. Despite the delayed start to the development programme, Lambeth is unwilling to extend the present use beyond September.
For years, business space around Brixton has been replaced by housing uses, so it’s hard for International House tenants to find other premises locally. 
We need to find ways of keeping creative businesses and charity projects within the Brixton area, and one suggestion made by the Brixton Society is to use the former Sudbourne School buildings in Hayter Road SW2 as another “meanwhile” space until International House is refurbished.  This would help maintain existing networks and local employment, instead of dispersing most firms out of the borough.  

Funding, Training and Support

Last call for our 2023/24 programme
The Forum needs to make its own funding bid to the Council shortly.  Typically this will pay for meetings costs, part-time admin support and equipment, but there is scope to include some training or advice for the wider membership.  If there is something that you think we should be providing or organising, we need to hear from you NOW.
If your ideas are beyond the scope of the usual Forum funding, we can of course make separate applications to other potential funders.

Jobs with Local Projects
We have seen a number of paid jobs advertised by local projects in recent months, but usually application deadlines have passed before we can share details in these bulletins.  Here’s one that’s still open:

Centre Manager at St. Vincent’s Centre, Brixton: Based at Talma Road SW2, full-time post (37.5 hours a week) annual salary £35,000 to £40,000 depending on skills and experience.  For more details, e-mail to hr@svp.org.uk and prospective applicants are encouraged to contact Kate Nightingale (Deputy CEO) for more information on 07 889 006 234 but before 12 April please.  Deadline 20 April for application forms, with interviews to be held on 28 April.

Your Streets, Your Way competition – closes 28 April
Lambeth Council is inviting ideas for street design improvements at selected sites around the borough.  Within the Brixton area, those include:
– 85 Angell Road, SW9;
– Loughborough Road/ Minet Road junction;
– Outside Brixton Domino Club/ Soup Kitchen, 297-299 Coldharbour Lane;
– Telegraph Passage, between Brixton Hill and New Park Road.

The top prize offered is £750 plus runners-up prizes, and the competition is managed by architects We Made That.  For full details, see https://your-streets-your-way.squarespace.com 

Flexible Support Fund briefing – Monday 17 April
This DWP fund is to support organisations who can help the unemployed towards jobs.  Integrate has set up a Zoom briefing session with officials from the DWP and Lambeth, starting at 10 am.  To book a place, contact Eoin Heffernan at eoin.heffernan@integrateagency.co.uk

Negotiating and Managing Your Lease – Wednesday 19 April
Integrate have set up another Zoom briefing, this time with the Ethical Property Foundation, to review the ins and outs of business leases and managing your relationship with your landlord.  This session will start at 11 am and an information pack will be circulated afterwards.  Book voa Eoin Heffernan, as above.

Changes in public support for Charities
The Directory of Social Change recently reported from the Community Life Survey, an annual survey of adults across England that follows trends in social action.   The most recent figures are from the 2021-22 survey.  While 55% of adults reported taking part in some form of volunteering in the past year, participation is at its lowest since data collection started in 2014.  14% reported that the Covid pandemic continued to inhibit their participation.
Charitable giving was more variable from year to year, but 66% reported giving money to charitable causes in the past 4 weeks.  There was a significant increase in people giving to overseas aid and disaster relief, notably the war in Ukraine, where the Disasters Emergency Committee reported receiving over £400 million.
On the other hand, legacy giving has increased by 43% over the past decade, according to a 2022 survey just released by Remember a Charity.  This may reflect greater efforts by some of the larger charities to encourage people to leave a gift in their will.

Adapt to the New Borough Plan
Finally, Lambeth Council’s Cabinet adopted the new version of the Borough Plan on 27 March.  The aim of the plan is to integrate all the Council’s activities and services, and to set out priorities for the period up to 2030.  This is worth study if you work closely with the Council or want to show that your projects support their priorities.  The new version, Lambeth 2030 – Our Future, Our Lambeth, can be found on the Council’s website.


Keep in touch
Something to share with us?
If you are doing something around the Brixton area – an event, or a new service, even a re-launched service – you are welcome to use these bulletins to tell other Forum members.  That’s over 500 on our current list!
Please send items for future bulletins to the Forum Secretary at apiperbrix@aol.com and ideally before the 3rd of the month so we can publish by the 10th.
Also use this contact if you want to present your work at a Forum meeting, or raise a topic for discussion.
Remember, there is more about the Forum on our website at www.brixtonneighbourhoodforum.org

Is this your best e-mail?
We want these bulletins to reach all community organisations and activists in the wider Brixton area.  Please contact us at admin@brixtonneighbourhoodforum,org if:
– You want to add a colleague or neighbour to the mailing list.
– You want these bulletins sent to a different e-mail address, so that you see them more quickly or reliably.
– You have moved away or are no longer interested.

March 2023

Local Events this month

Community Warm Spaces


With the temperature falling again this week, it seems a good time to remind you that most Warm Spaces will remain open until the end of this month.  Here’s a summary of those active locally – and we have included those in Tulse Hill, because the Tulse Hill Forum seems to be out of action at present.

Advocacy Academy, Vining Street SW9:  Marhaba space for young people (details in our February bulletin).

Art4Space, Jeffries Road SW4 (near Stockwell Tube Station): open Thursdays 3 to 6 pm until 6th April.

Brixton Hill Methodist Church, open on Thursdays.

Brixton Tate Library, Brixton Oval SW2: during library opening hours, 7 days a week.

Brixton Windmill Centre, Windmill Gardens SW2: on Wednesdays until 29 March (also in our February bulletin).

Brockwell Barn, alongside the Community Greenhouses, Brockwell Park, SE24: open Fridays until 31 March, including co-working space.

Carers’ Common Room, 10th floor, International House, Canterbury Crescent SW9: available Wednesday to Friday for home-care and domiciliary care workers – see https://ccrbrixton.com

Corpus Christi Church Hall, Trent Road SW2: open Sundays 12 to 2 pm.

High Trees Hub, 220 Upper Tulse Hill SW2: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, including access to wi-fi enabled computers.

Moorlands Community Centre, 50a Corry Drive SW9 (Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing): open Thursdays, including access to Southwyck Pantry. 

Minet Library, Knatchbull Road SE5, during library opening hours.

Myatt’s Fields North Community Centre, 24 Crawshay Road, SW9: opened Monday to Friday by the Pinnacle Group.
Also, Healthy Living Platform at the Corner Cafe on Thursdays, and RMUK Wellbeing at the Corner Cafe on Fridays.

MYsocial Community Space, Vida Walsh Centre, 2b Saltoun Road SW2, run by Age UK Lambeth for people over 55, open Wednesday and Friday.

On The Beat Studio at Pop Brixton, Brixton Station Road SW9: open for young people and families with children, Monday- Saturday.

St. Martin’s Community Centre, Abbotts Park, SW2 3QB: open Mondays until 27 March.

Trinity Congregational Church, St. Matthew’s road, SW2 1NF: open Fridays 11 am to 12 noon.

For more details of what’s available at each location, see https://www.lambeth.gov.uk/warm-spaces?f%5B0%5D+localgov_directories_facets%3A92



Conversations about the Black Experience in Britain
On Thursday evenings through March, a series of conversations about the Black experience since 1981, 7 pm to 9 pm, on-line or in person – enquiries to info@81acts.uk or see the website www.81actsofexuberantdefiance.com

Coding Classes for Kids
Millennium Community Solutions are starting another Computer Coding/ Gaming/ Robotics course at Southwyck Hall behind the Barrier Block, off Moorland Road SW9 8UR.  These sessions will be for young people aged 12 years upwards, and will run on Mondays between 4 pm and 6 pm.  Enquiries to gail@millenniumcommunitysolutions.com

We are here
An art exhibition reflecting the Refugee experience will be open with a private view on Wednesday 22 March and then continue for 6 days, Downstairs at the Department Store, 248 Ferndale Road SW9 8FR.  It has been organised jointly by Breadwinners and Community Arts Box, both based on the 6th floor of International House.

Cabaret at Longfield Hall, 31 March
The Bunker Cabaret originated in the cellars of Kyiv, and is presented by Hooligan Art Community.  If you missed their show in September, they are returning to Longfield Hall on 30 & 31 March, both shows at 7-30 pm, tickets £5 to £22 each.  Please book via eventbrite, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bunker-cabaret-tickets-560466509417


Health and Social Care


 Mental Health First Aid
Art4Space will be hosting more of these courses during 2023.  The next youth-oriented course will be on 20 & 21 April, and the next adult course is on 15 & 16 June.  Course certificates are valid for 3 years, so a half-day Refresher Course is being offered on Friday 10 March, 9 am to 1-30 pm.  More details on their website at www.art4space.co.uk

Reviewing Healthcare across South-East London
We receive regular bulletins from the South-East London Integrated Care System, but sometimes events come up at short notice for our publication dates.  Community-based Ear, Nose and Throat services are currently under review, and community feedback is invited – contact plannedcare@selondonics.nhs.uk  There are two imminent Webinars with more details, on Tuesday 7 March at 6 pm, or on Thursday 9 March at 12 noon.
For wider Health services, the Lambeth Together Public Forum is being held on-line on Wednesday 8 March from 1 to 2 pm, to be followed by the Lambeth Together Board between 2 pm and 4-30.  For joining instructions and meeting papers, see www.lambethtogether.net/get-involved

Council Consultations


More details of each proposal can be found on the Consultations pages of the Lambeth Council website, www.lambeth.gov.uk
 
Changes to Car parking charges
Lambeth is proposing a more elaborate scale of charges, taking account of the emissions from vehicles with different power sources.  Closing date for comments is Friday 10 March.

Accommodation for Children in Care
Reviewing standards of accommodation for children in Council care, and for care-leavers, closing date for comments is 16 March. 

Dogs Public Space Protection Order
Following a rise in dog ownership in recent years, and associated anti-social behaviour, Lambeth is considering restrictions to apply on Council-owned land, including highways, parks and housing estates.  Closing date for comments is 26 March.

All-age Autism Strategy
Lambeth is seeking views to develop a new strategy.  Enquiries to asccommissioning@lambeth.gov.uk – closing date for comments is 31 March.

Estate Renewal Schemes
Following the Council’s decision to close the discredited Homes for Lambeth, it has launched a consultation for residents of the 6 housing estates targetted for early demolition – Fenwick, Cressingham Gardens, Central Hill, Knight’s Walk, South Lambeth and Westbury.  From 1st March, residents of those estates have 8 weeks to comment on Lambeth’s new Estate Renewal Resident Engagement Framework.  However, views are not being sought yet from neighbours of these estates, nor from those affected by the shrinking stock of Council homes, nor the Council taxpayers who will continue to contribute to the cost of building the original estates.

Green spaces and Green issue


 Grow your own – and learn to cook it!
South London Botanical Institute is temporarily based in International House while their building in Norwood Road undergoes structural repairs.  They are working with Katakata Brixton to develop a series of free food-growing and affordable cooking workshops.  If you have ideas or comments on how this should work, now is the time to contact them – specifically, Isabel Sophia at isiirwin@gmail.com

News from Windmill Gardens
The Friends of Windmill Gardens announce that their 2023 season of Windmill Tours starts on the weekend of 11 and 12 March.  Tours take place between 1 and 5 pm each day, but for access to the upper part of the mill, you need to book in advance at www.brixtonwindmill.org.uk/visit/
There is also an evening Bat Walk on Thursday 13 April – meet at 7-50 pm for 8 pm start, free of charge.

Create a Parklet!
Possible (Inspiring Climate Action) have launched a car-free cities campaign, to work with groups most negatively impacted by traffic congestion and air pollution.  They are offering to support one or two groups interested in reclaiming a kerbside parking space as some form of community benefit, sitting-out area, games space or mini-garden.  Deadline for proposals is Monday 20 March – Google for details or refer back to Integrate, who circulated the original notice.

Counting butterflies in Brockwell Park
An unusual request relayed via Brockwell Park Community Partners.  They are looking for a volunteer (or several sharing the work) to do a weekly butterfly count along a circuit within Brockwell Park, between April and September.  This survey has been running since 2019 but the previous volunteer is moving on.  If you can offer help, please contact Steve Bolton of the Butterfly Conservation Charity at sbolton@butterfly-conservation.org

Events at the Community Greenhouses
The Brockwell Barn is hosting a Spring Season of music performances, including:
Sunday 19 March – Avant Garden, experimental but accessible music combining electronics and brass.
Sunday 26 March – Three Spoons with Naima Bock and members of Gently Tender and Broadside Hacks.
Sunday 16 April – Lowenstein and Middleton, a Klezmer duo on violin and accordion.
For details and booking, see their website, https://www.brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk/events

Funding, Training and support


 Reclaim Black Heritage Fund
Grants of up to £4,000 are available to Black-led groups and individuals who are developing projects that are in line with the 81 Acts Humanifesto, and in particular to commemorate 1981 and benefit the Black community.  The deadline for applications has been extended to 3rd April.  More details on the website at www.81actsofexuberantdefiance.com

Negotiating and Managing your Lease
This can be a daunting task for a small organisation or inexperienced trustees, so the good news is that Integrate have just announced an on-line briefing with the Ethical Property Foundation on 19 April at 11 am.  To book, please contact eoin.heffernan@integrateagency.co.uk

Other News


 Student Survey on change in Brixton
Lucia is an A-level geography student who is researching the impact of change on Brixton.  She has put together a short survey, and would love to have responses from people who live or work in Brixton.  You can find the survey at https://arcg.is/0SCuju1

Easter Food and Fun
Lambeth is supporting a programme of holiday activities and healthy meals for children and young people who are eligible for free school meals.  See the list of providers at https://www.lambeth.gov.uk/…/get-ready-easter-food-fun

Planning for Coronation Time
If you are thinking of organising something around the Coronation date of 6 May, here are some useful links:
If organising a street party or similar event, see https://eventlambeth.co.uk/streetparties/
The Coronation Big Lunch is an umbrella site with advice and the facility to post details of your event: see www.edenprojectcommunities.com/the-big-lunch
If you are organising a volunteering project, or trying to find extra helpers, check out The Big Help Out at https://thebighelpout.org.uk/

Moving on…
Simulacra Studios used to operate from various railway arches around Brixton.  They are based at Bell Green in Sydenham – new address 491-505 Southend Lane, SE26 5BL.  Enquiries to hello@simulacrastudio.com

Adejoke Bakare opened her Chishuru restaurant in Market Row in 2020, after winning a competition organised by Brixton Village.  However, trade was hit by the second lock-down and the space was too small to be economic, despite favourable reviews.  She is now crowd-funding to re-open in larger premises near Oxford Circus, this time catering for over 50 covers over 2 floors. 

Keep in touch…
 
Something to share with us?
If you are doing something around the Brixton area, or if you want to reach out to other local organisations or activists, you are welcome to use these bulletins to share information about your events or activities.  You may even want to come along and present your ideas to a meeting of the Forum?
Please send your announcements to the Forum Secretary at apiperbrix@aol.com – ideally before the 5th of the month so we can publish around the 10th.

Is this your best e-mail?
We are keen to reach all local organisations and activists.  Please contact us at admin@brixtonneighbourhoodforum.org
– If you want to add a colleague or neighbour to our e-mail list.
– If you want these bulletins sent to a different e-mail address so that you see them more quickly or reliably.
– If you have moved away or are no longer interested.

February 2023

 
Upcoming Changes around the Brixton Rec


Since May last year we have been waiting for consultation to start on London Square’s proposals to develop both the Pop Brixton site and International House, in partnership with Lambeth Council.  The new programme has only recently been announced. 

The future of International House


London Square’s intention is to refurbish the building, rather than replace it.  Even so, this will need present tenants to move out while modern services are installed.  The “meanwhile” use of International House, managed by 3Space, has been one of Brixton’s success stories, providing a base for business start-ups and small community organisations.  We don’t want to see this all swept away and successful firms dispersed away from Brixton, so we are looking for a more gradual transition.  3Space management of the building is due to end in September, but the delay in starting the development process would justify a 6-9 month extension.
Opportunities for relocating many of the existing users within Brixton seem to be limited, but tenants are already e-mailing key Councillors and Council officers to seek a “soft landing”. If like us, your organisation is affected, please keep in touch.  

Feed in to Public Realm changes
The overall timescale is based on a Planning Application being made in the coming Autumn for rebuilding on the Pop Brixton site.  Community Vision workshops are to be held on either 4 or 6 March, followed by 2 evening sessions on 23 and 30 March.  These will mainly be about street-level improvements around the Recreation Centre in Popes Road and Brixton Station Road.  They are being organised by Mutual Gain on behalf of London Square and the Council – if you have not already registered your interest, please contact Susan Ritchie at susan@mutualgain.org

Brixton joins in London Festival of Architecture
This year, Brixton will be one of 7 London destinations hosting events for the Festival, which runs through the month of June.

Events programme
Organisations are encouraged to put on events which will be publicised as part of the Festival programme.
The closing date for submitting details of most events will be 3rd March.  The Festival is co-ordinated by New London Architecture – enquiries to sophie.roberts@nla.london

Design Competition
There is also an ideas competition to provide an installation or feature to be placed in either Atlantic Road or Windrush Square during the Festival. This will be a 2-stage competition.  Details of team members, and your design approach are required by midday 2nd March.  Up to 6 design teams will then be selected for the second stage, to provide 2 A2-size boards to explain the proposal, together with a Powerpoint presentation and key construction details, budget and maintenance plan.  Enquiries to info@londonfestivalofarchitecture.org

Marking 75 years since the Empire Windrush arrival
Proposals are starting to come together for local celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush in June 1948.  A lot of interest was shown at an exploratory meeting on 6th February, convened by the Brixton Project.  If you have something in mind, particularly for events or activities around June, contact Serena at serena@thebrixtonproject.com 

Coming Events
 
Saturday Art Club at St. Vincent’s Centre
Free sessions on Saturday afternoons for the 7-12 age group, at St. Vincent’s Centre, Talma Road SW2 1AS.  Run by Lamonte Johnson but additional volunteers are wanted.  Enquiries to (020) 7274 1190 or lindon@svp.org.uk

Warm Space Wednesdays at Brixton Windmill Centre
Next to Brixton’s Windmill, the Centre is opening up as a Warm Space on Wednesdays until the end of March, from 12 noon to 3pm.
They are also offering use of their large professional oven – you just need to bring the ingredients and a recipe!  Enquiries to centremanager@brixtonwindmill.org

There’s also a Volunteering Open Session on Sunday 19 February between 1 pm and 4 pm – a chance to meet with existing volunteers and discover the growing range of roles for which help is needed.

Black Culture Market, 4 & 5 March
Another selection of stalls can be found in the Basement space of the Department Store at 248 Ferndale Road, SW9 on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th March, 11 am to 5 pm both days.  Free admission but please register via Eventbrite, at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/black-culture-market-spring-market-tickets-473002462097?aff=erelexpmlt  
If you want to trade on either day, please contact the organisers at https://www.blackculturemarket.co.uk

Space for Young People at the Advocacy Academy
Marhaba means hello in Arabic, so our Marhaba Space is an open, free, warm and inclusive open space for young people in Lambeth, aged between 13 and 25.  The space is open every Thursday at 5-7 Vining Street – 18-25 year-olds are welcome between 1 and 4 pm, 13-17 year-olds between 4 pm and 8 pm.  Free hot drinks and sandwiches available every week.  You don’t need to sign up in advance, but if you have any questions, contact hello@theadvocacyacademy.com 

Computer Coding Classes for Kids
The Computer Coding Classes at the Southwyck House community space are expanding to other local venues:

There are now coding classes at Evelyn Grace School, on Wednesdays between 1 pm and 2 pm.
As from 1st March, there will also be coding classes for ages 5-11 at Myatt’s Fields South Community Hall, SW9 6DQ.

At Southwyck House, sessions for age 12 upwards run on Mondays at 4 pm to 6 pm. There’s also a Home-School coding group for ages 5-12 on Tuesdays between 1 pm and 2 pm, or on Thursdays between 4 pm and 6 pm for ages 5-11.
All enquiries to Millennium Community Solutions at gail@millenniumcommunitysolutions.com or phone 07 368 487 263.

Current Consultations
 
Tulse Hill Low Traffic Neighbourhood
Lambeth Council is currently consulting on detail design of landscaping works around the Elm Park Tavern, and the junction of Upper Tulse Hill and Claverdale Road.  Closing date for comments is 28 February – see https://tulsehillltn.commonplace.is

Dogs Public Space Protection Order in Lambeth have your say on proposals Visit the Lambeth website to have your say by completing our short survey. The consultation is running from 13 February to 26 March.

Brockwell Hall Cafe


For once, not a Council consultation, but one of the contenders to run the cafe in the restored Hall is doing some market research.  What sort of services or menus would you like to see?  Do sports groups have any special needs?
Charlie Gleeson is conducting the survey, which you can find at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/7ZXVSBS

Green spaces and Green issues
 
Barrier Block Greening Project
The Brixton Business Improvement District has been awarded a grant from the Mayor’s Grow Back Greener fund to remodel the green space in front of Southwyck House on Coldharbour Lane.  Supported by Urban Growth, the new layout will provide fruit trees, a wild meadow and a shaded games area.  If you would like to be involved in developing these ideas, contact admin@brixtonbid.co.uk 

Join the Chelsea Fringe
As a spin-off from the Chelsea Flower Show, this alternative garden festival takes place between 20 and 28 May.  Events can take place throughout Greater London, in other parts of the country, or even abroad.  Events start being posted on the Fringe website from this month, so if you have an idea — or you want more visitors to something you were already planning – contact the Fringe team at info@chelseafringe.com 

News from Myatt’s Fields Park
The Park is seeking to appoint a part-time Community Engagement Manager (3 days a week).  Deadline for applications is 7th March – find the full job description and application process at https://www.myattsfieldspark.info/work-for-us.html

Funding, Training and support


 Grants deadlines reminder
Once again, a reminder of approaching deadlines for various grant funds. Most of these have previously been circulated by Integrate, so if you missed the original alert, please contact eoin.heffernan@integrateagency.co.uk

The Walcot Foundation is reviewing its funding priorities for the next 3 years.  Please submit your comments before 20 February.

The Austin & Hope Pilkington Trust is offering grants of up to £1,000 to support the rehabilitation of ex-prisoners and those at risk of offending. Priority will be given to work with Ethnic Minorities.  Deadline 28 February.

The Mayor’s Community Weekend Fund is offering grants up to £1500 towards events to be held during the Mayor’s Community Weekend, 23 to 25 June.  Deadline is 12 noon on Wednesday 1st March.

Reclaim Black Heritage Fund – As the final round of the 81 Acts campaign, grants of up to £4,000 are being offered to black-led groups but projects must be completed by 15 July.  Deadline for applications is 5 pm on 2nd March, and awards will be announced by Ubele around 10-12 April.

Training with Brixton BID
Even if you are a small start-up or social enterprise, if you are working in the BID area, you should be eligible for the free training events organised by the BID.  There is a course each month for the next several months.  Upcoming topics include Mental Health First Aid (20 March) and Health & Safety (24 April).   For further details and booking, see their website at www.brixtonbid.co.uk

Keep in touch!
Something to share with us?
If you are doing something around the Brixton area, why not use these bulletins to tell other Forum members about your activities, or your next event?We aim to publish around the 10th of each month, so we really need to hear from you by the 5th March to be included in the next issue.
Please send items for the bulletin, and ideas for Forum events, to the Secretary at apiperbrix@aol.com

What’s missing?
We still have the resources to run at least one more event or Forum meeting in March or April, but if you have a bright idea, you need to tell us NOW! For example, do you want to present your bright idea or achievements to other Forum members, or is there some training you can’t find through your usual channels?

Is this your best e-mail?
We are keen to reach all local organisations and activists.  Please contact us at admin@brixtonneighbourhoodforum.org 
– If you want to add a colleague or neighbour to the mailing list.
– if you want these bulletins sent to a different e-mail address, so you see them sooner or more reliably.
– if you have moved away or are no longer interested.

January 2023

Our meeting on 10th January included an update from the Fight the Tower Campaign on the Hondo Tower proposals, which have been in the Mayor’s pending tray for 15 months now. We also shared what we know about other prospective developments, like the Pop Brixton site and the future of International House, and agreed some actions on pursuing these concerns. More to follow.

More local events this month

Advice sessions in person on local Council Estates Lambeth closed its Housing Office during Covid, expecting residents to access all services on-line through its Housing Portal.  The Council have finally realised that tenants don’t all have Internet access or skills, so a series of resident drop-in surgeries have begun on local estates.  Sessions should provide face-to-face access to staff from housing management, maintenance and rent services teams, and a chance to discuss any issues affecting you in your home.  However, these live sessions are only once a month – for more information, call Lambeth Housing Services on (020) 7209 2660.

Edmundsbury Estate:  Edmundsbury Community Hall, Ferndale Road SW9 8FQ – Second Friday of each month, 10 am to 1 pm.
St. Matthew’s Estate:  St. Matthew’s Hall, 10 St. Matthew’s Road SW2 1NH – Third Thursday of each month, 10 am to 1 pm.
Tulse Hill Estate:  Jubilee Community Hall, SW2 2LY – First Wednesday of each month, 2 – 4 pm.

Reducing Energy Bills in SE24

The Herne Hill Forum, to the east of our patch, are organising a series of briefing sessions to help residents with energy-saving ideas, from simple house-keeping hacks to organising major retro-fits for your home.  Dates and venues will be:
Wednesday 18 January, 7 pm at Herne Hill Baptist Church, Half Moon Lane, SE24: why this matters and general energy-saving tips.
Monday 23 January, 7 pm at Carnegie Library, Herne Hill Road SE24: getting approvals from planners, landlords and building inspectors.
Sunday 29 January, 1 pm at Brockwell Barn, Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses, SE24: sources of heat and solar power.
Thursday 2 February, 6-30 pm at the Club House, Herne Hill Velodrome, Burbage Road SE24: retrofitting older properties and insulation do’s and don’ts.

For more information and booking, see https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/reduce-energy-bills-and-carbon-footprint-1464349

Events at Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses

  • They start the year with a range of workshops and activities, including:
  • Fermentation afternoon workshop on Saturday 14 January or 4 February.
  • Mindfulness workshop with Deepti on Sunday 22 January.Introduction to Knitting – a beginners workshop on Saturday 11 February.
  • Also, Saturday Yoga sessions resume from 7 January.

For more details and bookings, see their website, https://www.brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk/events 

Creative Courses at Art4Space

Two special courses are being offered this term, at the Art4Space Learning Hub, 31 Jeffreys Road SW4 6QU.  In both cases, there is no charge, but only 12 spaces are available for each course.:

Creative Community Champions will create a collective mixed-media textiles project, with the finished work to be presented to a local community project. This will run on Tuesdays for 10 weeks from 17 January, 10 am to 12-30 pm, in a LGBTQ+ friendly environment. Enquiries to info@art4space.co.uk

Creative Remedies is a mosaic-making course for women in need of a creative well-being boost.  This will run on Wednesdays for 10 weeks from 18 January, 10 am to 12-30 pm. Enquiries to jewels@art4space.co.uk

Other News

Honour for Forum Chair

We are pleased to hear that our Chair, Ken Floyde, has been awarded a British Empire Medal in recognition of his years of work with the Brixton BMX Club, which now has an impressive track within Brockwell Park.

In addition, MBEs were awarded to Elizabeth Maytom, Project Manager of the Norwood & Brixton Food Bank, and to Dr Stephen Mowle of the Hetherington Group Practice, who is also Hon. Treasurer of the Royal College of General Practitioners. 

Brixton Hill Low Traffic Neighbourhood

Lambeth Council is currently consulting on initial designs for a LTN covering the area bounded by Brixton Hill, Acre Lane, King’s Avenue and the South Circular Road.  The northern half already has some long-standing access restrictions which have worked well, but may change, while new restrictions are proposed for streets west and south of Brixton Prison.  No obvious benefits offered for cyclists or pedestrians this time, just some nonsense about flood prevention measures – for the highest part of Brixton!  More details on the Lambeth website (consultation pages) – Closing date for comments is 22 January, to lowtrafficneighbourhoods@lambeth.gov.uk

Workspace in Beehive Place

Work is getting underway to convert disused space below the swimming pools of the Brixton Rec into space for manufacturing businesses and training projects.  Access will be from Beehive Place, off Brixton Station Road.  This will be followed in the Spring by shopfront improvements for the shops below the Rec, together with works to its external lighting and concourse.  For an overview, see https://www.lambeth.gov.uk/revitalising-brixtons-rec-quarter

Reporting Water Leaks

For years we have ignored most leaking water mains as only a problem for Thames Water shareholders, but this year the early freeze and pre-Christmas thaw resulted in so many leaks that many people have been reporting loss of water pressure.  If you spot a leak that Thames Water have not responded to yet, you can report it to them on 0800 714 614, or via their website, https://thameswater.co.uk/leak

New Chair at Friends of Loughborough Park

At the on-line AGM in November, Jon Bromwich was elected as Chair of the Friends, in succession to Lydia Stone, who had moved away from the area.  This little park is continuing to recover from years of neglect, benefitting from some recent investment by Lambeth Parks and some hands-on help from local residents.  Monthly litter-picks are continuing, co-ordinated by Anthea Masey, the next being on Sunday 29 January at 11 am.  Jon can be contacted via the Friends’ e-mail account at friendsofloughboroughpark@gmail.com as before.

Milling & Baking at Brixton Windmill

Friends of Windmill Gardens are offering a unique full-day experience, making flour and then bread with their volunteer millers and bakers.  This will be on Sunday 26 February, 10-30 to 4-30 pm at the Windmill and Education Centre.  Maximum of 6 places, £70 per person including lunch.  See their website for more details and booking, www.brixtonwindmill.org
Incidentally, if you were thinking about having a go at the Great British Bake Off, casting is underway for the next series, so please contact Jake Stoodley, researcher at Love Productions, phone 0117 456 8530 or e-mail to jake.stoodley@loveproductions.co.uk    

Health and Social Care

User involvement at King’s College Hospital

There are several opportunities for patient input into how hospital services are provided, including: King’s Cancer Voices for patients with experience of using cancer care services; King’s Accessibility Advisory Group for both voluntary groups and individuals with access or communication needs; King’s Mental Health Advisory Group is a new forum to improve patients’ mental health care within the hospital; King’s Young People is a forum for 11-16 year-olds who use the hospital services, aiming to make the services more user-friendly for younger users.
If you are interested in joining any of these, or other groups, please contact the Patient & Public Involvement Team at kch-tr.KingsPPI@nhs.net or phone (020) 3299 3682.

Space at Akerman Health Centre

If your group has an interest in health issues, the Akerman Health Centre is offering free use of a room for meetings or events.  Rooms available are on the ground floor and accommodate between 8 and 30 people.  The downsides are that it’s only for weekdays between 9 am and 6 pm, and it’s a remote location on the NE fringe of Brixton.  If interested, please contact either: – Juliet Amoa at Lambeth, jamoa@lambeth.gov.uk  – Isabella Painting at SE London Integrated Care, isabella.painting@selondonics.nhs.uk

Polio booster clinics for Children under 9 These are still available, but for latest locations and opening times, see bit.ly/poliovaxSEL

Talking Therapies

Lambeth Talking Therapies offers free and confidential support to adults who are registered with a Lambeth GP.  They can help with a range of problems, including depression, stress, sleeplessness, coping with traumatic experiences and specific anxieties.  Types of support include group or individual talking therapy, on-line therapy and support with employment difficulties.  You can speak to your GP about a referral, or you can self-refer, via their website www.lambethtalkingtherapies.nhs.uk  or phone (020) 32286747 or by e-mail to lambeththiaptadministrators@slam.nhs.uk

Dry January

Expect various promotional efforts and publicity from Health sources this month, to encourage people to reduce or even stop their regular use of alcohol-based drinks.  Here’s a weblink that came to us from an American alcohol rehab group, this time about stomach pain rather than liver damage: https://alcoholrehabhelp.org/blog/stomach-pain-after-drinking/

Funding, Training and support

Grants reminders

Once again, we remind you of deadlines for grant offers previously circulated by Integrate.  If you missed the original alerts, contact eoin.heffernan@integrateagency.co.uk 

Climate, Health and Community Fund, and particularly supporting diverse-led community organisations, up to £40,000 for a project or up to £10,000 for developing your organisation.  Closing date 5 pm on Tuesday 10 January.

The Fishmongers Company – grants up to £90,000 over 3 years, particularly for projects dealing with Food & Nutrition, Mental Health, or Education in Prisons.  Deadline 13 January.

Lambeth Wellbeing Fund – grants between £1,000 and £5,000 for community projects working with adults in Lambeth.  More details at www.londoncf.org.uk but closing date is midday Tuesday 31 January.
News of this one came to us via Locality so please use Google to search for more details: Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust – Sustainable Future Fund offers up to £100,000 for a project addressing climate change, particularly if giving a voice to young activists or marginalised groups – deadline 28 March.

Training opportunities

Fund-raising training: The next clutch of free Zoom briefing sessions from Ecosystem Coldharbour will cover the Walcot Foundation, and take you through the whole application process so you can make a worthy application to them.  Sessions will be on Tuesdays 24 and 31 January and 7 February, from 6-30 to 8-30 pm.  To register, phone 07 958 622 171 or on-line at https://forms.gle/n7ioVRDHJ4Cb9EtC7

Getting the best from LinkedIn:  The Wintrade Global Women in Business Network held an on-line masterclass a couple of months ago, and you can now check out the video recording of the event at https://lnkd.in/eNpGgFBz For their future events, see https://bit.ly/wintrade-zoom-events-landing-page

Enterprise

Kickstart your business with a professional London business address!  Impact Brixton is offering entrepreneurs from Lambeth, Wandsworth and Southwark their first year free, or for those from further afield, their first month free, using the promo code BUSINESS25 but the offer expires on 1st February. When you sign up to their Virtual Office, you can use their location as your business address, rather than show your home address on Companies House records.  You might just be in time to join the Virtual Office launch event on Friday 6 January – enquiries to team@impactbrixton.com 

Before you go…Is this your best e-mail? We want these bulletins to reach all community organisations and activists in the wider Brixton area.  Please contact us at admin@brixtonneighbourhoodforum.org if: – You want these bulletins sent to a different e-mail address, so that you see them earlier or more reliably. – You want to add a colleague or neighbour to the mailing list. – You have moved away, or are no longer interested.

Something to share with us?

If you are doing something around the Brixton area, why not use these bulletins to tell other Forum members about your activities, or your next event?Perhaps you would like to present your work at a Forum meeting, or raise a concern for discussion?

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 by the 10th.  Also use this contact if you want to include something on the agenda for a Forum meeting.

July 2022

Live Forum Meeting – Tuesday 5 July
7 pm in the ground floor meeting room at 3Space, International House, c/o Canterbury Crescent and Popes Road, SW9 7QD.

This will be our long-delayed Annual General Meeting, to report what the Forum has been doing.  More important though, we need to hear what you think the Forum should be doing in the year ahead.  The outline agenda will be:
1. Annual Report.
2. Annual Accounts for 2020/21 and 2021/22.
3. Approval of our funding bid for 2022/23 to Lambeth Forum Network.
4. Election of officers and committee for the year ahead.
5. Update on developments in Brixton Town Centre.

Reports and accounts will be available at the meeting.

More Local Events coming up

Lambeth Country Show, 16 & 17 July
The Country Show returns to Brockwell Park next month.  We are still awaiting final details, but we expect the site to be walled-off once again, with security at the gates.  No alcohol or glass bottles allowed, while water or soft drinks must be in unopened bottles.   Opening times are 12 noon to 8 pm each day (last entry 7-30 pm).  There will be parking restrictions and road closures affecting some streets near the park.

It’s planned to have a stand for several of Lambeth’s Neighbourhood Forums, co-ordinated by the Lambeth Forum Network.  If your group will also have a presence, let us know – after 2 years of on-off lockdowns, it would be good to touch base with more of you face-to-face.

Drumming Workshops
Shamha Vibration will be running free drumming workshops in the Roundhouse in Myatt’s Fields Park on Sundays 10, 17 and 24 July, from 4 pm to 6 pm.  Sessions are free – drums provided – but for more details, please see www.shamhavibration.org

Happy Drums – Tony B is running a home education workshop for all age groups every Thursday from 11 am to 12 noon at Myatt’s Fields North Community Centre, Eythorne Road SW9.  All enquiries by e-mail to homeeddrum@gmail.com

Black Culture Market returns
The Market returns to the Basement of the Department Store,  248 Ferndale Road for Saturday and Sunday 6 & 7 August.
Open between 11 am and 5 pm each day, with a different mix of traders each day, offering an outlet for African and Caribbean-inspired entrepreneurs, traders and crafts-people.  Free admission but please book tickets in advance – enquiries to hello@blackculturemarket.co.uk or see www.blackculturemarket.co.uk

Events at Brockwell Park Greenhouses
Nurtured by Natureis a therapeutic gardening group which will run on Friday mornings, from 11 am to 12-30 pm.  If you are finding life stressful, this is an opportunity to reconnect with nature in a garden setting.  BPCG are looking for people who. after a 4-week taster period, are willing to commit to attending for a block of 8 weeks.  If you are interested, e-mail Cat via garden@brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk 

Natural Dyeing Workshopsare starting on Saturday 9 July.  Learn how to prepare and dye different textiles, and create pigments from plants and food materials, before jazzing-up your old white T-shirts.  Enquiries as above.

Folk Performance on Sunday 10 July: Contemporary folk duo Fellow Pynins will play an outdoor gig at the Greenhouses – please book via the website, where more details can be found – see https://www.brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk/event/fellow-pynins/

Art in the Park – by Brixton Windmill
Sunday 14 August, between 1 pm and 5 pm, with fun art and craft family workshops for adults, children and families.

Tours of the Windmill continue to be available at least one weekend a month, but for the full tour it’s best to book in advance via the website, www.brixtonwindmill.org  Next tour dates are 9 & 10 July and 13 & 14 August.

Events in Myatt’s Fields Park
Brixton Chamber Orchestrawill be performing on the bandstand from 4 pm on Friday 22 July, no charge.

Inter-generational Black History Dayat the bandstand between 11 am and 4 pm on Sunday 31 July.  A family fun day and a celebration of the African contribution to music and dance, organised by Happy Drums and Nadz.

Health and Social Care
 
MYSocial – supporting older residents
The MYSocial service operated by Age UK Lambeth has been running on-line activities through successive lockdowns, to support older residents, with occasional outings to places of interest as they have re-opened.  In-person activities have recently resumed, with the re-opening of the Vida Walsh Centre at 2a Saltoun Road SW2 (facing onto Windrush Square).  The main aim is to maintain social contact and joining is free.
Age UK Lambeth have recently negotiated a series of concessions and perks for members from local businesses, which will also be available to Lambeth-registered Carers.  More information about this aspect can be found at https://www.ageuk.org.uk/lambeth/get-involved/aukl-campaigns/mysocial-deals/

Beat the Street – encouraging exercise
Beat the Street is a free, fun physical activity and active travel initiative designed to get communities moving and exploring their local area, by walking or cycling.  It is running between 22 June and 3rd August with a different theme each week. It is run by Intelligent Health on behalf of Lambeth Council, and funded by the National Lottery via Sport England.  For more details and to register, see the website at www.beatthestreet.me/lambeth

Consulting on Healthcare and Support Services
Lambeth Council recently invited comments on a number of services, with a closing date of Sunday 17 July:
Refer to the Consultations pages on the Lambeth Council website, or enquiries to sexualhealth@lambeth.gov.uk
– HIV Care and Support Services (in Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham);
– Young People’s Sexual Health (age 13-24, in Lambeth and Southwark);
– Substance Misuse Services (again for Lambeth and Southwark).

Health services across a wider group of SE London boroughs are being co-ordinated by a new Integrated Care Board that will take effect from 1st July and oversee numerous existing organisations and providers.  Two Zoom-based webinars are being held to consult community and voluntary organisations, on Friday 22 July from 2 pm to 4 pm, or Monday 25 July from 5 pm to 7 pm.  Enquiries and bookings to iuliana.dinu@nhs.net or after 1st July, to iuliana.dinu@selondonics.nhs.uk 

Lambeth Healthwatch is your health and social care champion. They listen to what people say about local services and how they could be improved, and share your feedback with NHS leaders and other care providers to make change happen.  Occasional surveys are conducted for specific services.  Enquiries to info@healthwatchlambeth.org.uk 

Mosaic Clubhouse
This is the link to the newsletter from this Mosaic club on Effra Rd.
 https://issuu.com/mosaicclubhouse/docs/itm_27th_june_-_10th_july


Funding, Training and Support
 
Grant Deadlines Reminder
These grant programs were previously publicised via Integrate.  Deadlines are approaching, so if you missed the original notices, contact eoin.heffernan@integrateagency.co.uk for details:

Your Station, Your Community Improvement Fund:  The underlying aim is to encourage under-used space at railway stations to be used for community projects to make them busier places.  Projects could address mental health, education and employability skills, diversity or sustainability.  Two on-line lunchtime briefings are available, on 7 or 14 July, to find out more.  Deadline for bids is Saturday 30 July.

The Ironmongers Company: funding to help disadvantaged young people reach their potential, for children and young people under 25.  Closing date Sunday 31 July.

Building Strong Communities Fund: Round 2 of this fund from the Mayor of London closes at 8 pm on Monday 8 August.  The fund offers either Micro grants between £1,000 and £5,000, or Small grants between £5,000 and £10,000.

Starting Young
Kiddie Coding Club:  Last month we reported on the first sessions at the Southwyck Coding and Art Centre, behind the “Barrier Block”.  We can now confirm that another Coding class for children age 5 to 11 will start on Thursday 28 July.  Sessions will be on Thursdays from 4 pm to 5-30 – for more information and registration, e-mail to gail@millenniumcommunitysolutions.com or phone 07 368 487 263. 

Cycle Training for Children: As part of its programme to promote cycling, Lambeth Council offers free cycle training sessions for children living in the borough, and the following dates are offered, operating from Brockwell Lido in Brockwell Park:
Monday 25 July from 9-45 am (beginners),
Monday 25 July to Thursday 28th, from 12-30 pm – on-road training.
Tuesday 26 July from 9-45 am (beginners),
Wednesday 27 July to Thursday 28th, from 9-45 am – off-road training.
Provided by Cycle Confident in partnership with Lambeth Council – enquiries to cycling@lambeth.gov.uk
Courses are also available for adults, and there are more children’s courses available at Clapham Common. 


Practical Help
Finding Volunteers may be the way for your community group to do more, whether you are looking for extra hands to share the workload, or you need an expert to fill a key gap in the organisation.  One possible channel is Team Lambeth Volunteers, which circulates a weekly bulletin of volunteer requests among a pool of Lambeth residents and Council staff who have offered some spare time for good causes.
Another network operating London-wide on a similar basis is Team London Volunteering, which is hosted by City Hall – see their webpage at https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/volunteering/search/
In both cases, you need to be clear what you want your volunteers to do, and where and when you will need them.

If you are looking for Trustees or Board members, there are some good pointers for recruitment at https://reachvolunteering.org.uk/trustee-recruitment-cycle/


Keep in touch

We’ll be back!
This bulletin is intended to go out a little earlier than usual, to remind you about our next meeting.  Normally we need to hear from you before the 5th of the month, to publish around the 10th.  Exact dates can vary, because we only have admin support one day a week, and everything else is done in members’ spare time.  For the time being, please continue to send your news to apiperbrix@aol.com

More detail or more items?
Our bulletins over the last few years have generally included lots of short items, but bulletins from some of the other Neighbourhood Forums have slightly longer news items and more pictures.  With the many local organisations feeding us with information, we would then need to be more selective about who gets featured in each issue.  Also, I guess that many of you are reading this on a smartphone rather than a large screen, so maybe longer articles might not suit you?  However you get this, it would help the Forum Team to know what works for you and what you would prefer to see in future bulletins.  

Is this your best e-mail?
We are keen to keep in touch with organisations, enterprises and community activists around Brixton, but please tell us:
– If you want these bulletins sent to a different e-mail address, so you can get them more quickly or reliably.
– If you want to add a colleague or neighbour to our mailing list (no extra charge at present).
– If you have moved away, or are no longer interested.

Please notify all mailing list changes to admin@brixtonneighbourhoodforum.org

JUNE 2022

open now for details of upcoming events and sources of support…

Jubilee Events

Street Parties around Brixton

Here’s a summary of those we have heard about:

Thursday 2 June: Kay Road, SW9.
Friday 3 June: Argyll Close SW9, Medwin Street SW4, Tasman Road SW9.
Saturday 4 June: Beechdale Road SW2, Lambert Road SW2, Spencer Road (for Poets Corner) SE24, Tintern Street SW4.
Sunday 5 June: Craignair Road SW2, Ducie Street SW4, Helix Road SW2, 
Saturday 11 June: Dalyell Road SW9.
Sunday 3 July: Barnwell Road SW2, Elm Park SW2.
Sunday 17 July: Mervan Road SW2.

Picnic in Myatt’s Fields Park

Sunday 5 June between 1 pm and 3 pm: Celebrate the Jubilee with a picnic in the park. Enter the fancy dress competition or produce a prize-winning Jubilee cake. Live music from Lambeth Wind Orchestra.  Workshop for children under 4 to make their own crowns and bunting – book via community@myattsfieldspark.info 

Next Forum Meeting – Tuesday 5 July

From 7 pm in the Ground Floor event space at International House, corner of Popes Road and Canterbury Crescent, SW9 7QD.
This bulletin is a little earlier than usual, to highlight Jubilee events, so we are still settling the agenda – expect final details at the end of this month.  Naturally, we will report on our activities over the past couple of years, including how we spent our money, and elect a committee to steer the Forum through the year ahead.If you want a spot on the agenda to highlight your organisation’s work, or to raise a local issue, please contact the Secretary NOW at apiperbrix@aol.com 

Other Events coming up

Black Culture Market, 4 & 5 June

Open between 11 am and 5 pm each day in the Downstairs space at the Department Store, 240-250 Ferndale Road SW9.  The organisers promise a different mix of traders each day, covering African and Caribbean-inspired entrepreneurs, traders and crafts-people.  Free admission but please book tickets via Eventbrite, https://eventbrite.co.uk/e/black-culture-market-tickets-288460913357

Race Equality Commission comes to Brixton

On Thursday 9 June, the Race Equality Commission will be holding two sessions in Brixton, at St. Vincent’s Centre (formerly Brixton Community Base) in Talma Road SW2 1AS.  There is a choice of a breakfast session, between 8 am and 9-30, or an evening session, between 6 pm and 7-30. Commission members are keen to hear about residents’ lived experience on a variety of topics that affect their daily lives.  For more background information, see www.li.com/research/rec To book a place at either session, or for more details, contact Daisy Vanderputt at daisy.vanderputt@li.com

Hondo Towers – the Mayor Decides.

Finally a date has been set for the Mayor to hear final arguments and decide on the Hondo proposals for the high rise “office” tower in Popes Road, next to the Brixton Village arcade.  This will be on Friday 10 June at the relocated City Hall (formerly The Crystal) in Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE, starting at 10 am.  If you objected directly, you should by now have received details for attending, or the hearing can be followed on-line.  Various objector groups have been co-ordinating recently to present an integrated case at the hearing. 

Events at Brixton Tate Library

A few upcoming events at the Library caught my eye.  They are part of the Lambeth Readers and Writers Festival, so please book for talks via www.lambeth.gov.uk/readersandwriters

Neighbourhood Voices is on Wednesday 15 June at 6-30 pm. Several local writers have created a tapestry of Brixton life between the 1970s and 1985.

Twenty Eight Pounds Ten Shillings is on Thursday 16 June at 7 pm, a Windrush story told by author Tony Fairweather, the money being the fare charged for the passage from the West Indies in 1948 (say £600 in today’s money).
Windrush Playback Stories follows on Tuesday 21 June at 6 pm, the launch of an intergenerational story-telling project led by Tony Cealy.  Tony is looking for a mix of elders and younger performers for an interactive theatre performance project, so it will be followed by 6 rehearsal sessions through July and August.  Book for this via www.492kornaklub.com

Pride Picnic on Saturday 18 June

An informal early evening event in Myatt’s Fields Park, between 4 pm and 7 pm, as part of Pride Month for the local LGBTQ+ community. Enquiries to enquiries@myattsfieldspark.info

Music at Brockwell Greenhouses

Mambista are returning to Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses for a performance led by blues legend Errol Linton and DJ Gerry Lyseight, on Sunday 19 June.Award-winning contemporary folk duo Fellow Pynins will perform on Sunday 10 July.  For more details and tickets, see https://www.brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk/event/

Lambeth Country Show, 16 & 17 July

The Country Show returns to Brockwell Park after a break due to Covid.  If your group or enterprise is running a stall, or performing, or supporting another exhibit, do tell us about it!  Opening times will be 12 noon to 8 pm each day.

Changes at Lambeth Council

Although Lambeth remains dominated by Labour, some long-serving councillors have been replaced by new faces, and of course ward boundaries have changed too.  Following the elections on 5th May, the new Council Cabinet was confirmed on 25 May, and there are important changes in how responsibilities have been divided up between them.

Clare Holland continues as Leader, but with two new Deputies.

Jacqui Dyer is Deputy Leader for Inclusive Economy and Equalities, so combining responsibilities for the Equalities brief with local employment matters.

Danny Adilypour is Deputy Leader for Sustainable Growth and New Homes, matters previously covered by Matthew Bennett.

Maria Kay is Cabinet Member for Better Homes and Reducing Homelessness.  This includes existing housing estates still directly managed by the Council.

David Amos is Cabinet Member for Finance and Cost of Living.

Donatus Anyanwu is Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, Leisure and Sports.  This brief includes recreation centres, libraries and events, but not parks generally.  He continues his previous role of oversight of voluntary and community organisations.

Jim Dickson and Marcia Cameron share the Cabinet responsibility for Healthier Communities, including liaison with relevant parts of the NHS.
Ben Kind is now Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, including those in care or at risk, in addition to wider services for the age group.

Mahamed Hashi is Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, including liaison with the Police and the Mayor.

Rezina Chowdhury is Cabinet Member for Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air.  That will include most aspects of parks, cemeteries and other open spaces, Lambeth’s Climate Action Plan, biodiversity and sustainable transport initiatives.

Funding, Training and Support


Grant Deadlines Approaching

Ecosystem Coldharbour is inviting applications to Round 3 of its Micro Grants Programme until 13 June.  Grants of up to £2500 are available to grass-roots organisations, with the emphasis on capacity-building.  Enquiries to grow@ecosystemcoldharbour.org or see website www.ecosystemcoldharbour.org

Great Big Green Week Community Fund:  Grants of up to £10,000 to organise local events during the Week, with emphasis on local action to tackle Climate Change.  Deadline for bids is Thursday 30 June.  More details at https://greatbiggreenweek.com/funding

BBC We Move Fund invites bids from not-for-profit organisations working with Black children and young people (up to age 18), offering grants of up to £50,000 for up to 18 months from its Youth Social Action strand.  Application deadline Monday 20 June.  More details at https://www.childreninneed.co.uk/grants/the-work-we-do/our-focussed-funding/we-move/ or enquiries to wemovefund@bbc.co.uk

Black and Minoritised Communities Enterprise Development Programme offers grants and learning support for black-led charities and social enterprises, working with the Ubele Initiative.  Applications close at 12 noon on Monday 13 June.   More details at https://www.enterprisedevelopmentprogramme.org.uk/bmedp/

These grant schemes were previously announced by Integrate – if you missed the notices, contact eoin.heffernan@integrateagency.co.uk

Lambeth Made Safer: Summer Violence Reduction Programme, deadline Monday 20 June.  Lambeth are offering support for activities for vulnerable young people through the summer holidays, up to £30,000 per application.

Shared Endeavour Fund: grants of up to £45,000 available for projects countering extremism and hate crime within London, deadline 9 am on Monday 20 June.

Arnold Clark Community Fund offers grants of up to £1,000 to charities, community interest companies, CIOs and social enterprises.  Deadline Thursday 30 June.

Training and Tech Support

Cybersecurity 101 – Monday 13 June, 10 am to 12 noon on Zoom, a practical workshop led by Shurel Reynolds for small and medium-sized organisations, featuring data protection, GDPR and cybersecurity tips.  Organised by Integrate – contact as above.

Clear Community Web are continuing their drop-in sessions to help you with your Smartphone, Tablet or Laptop, now at Moorlands Community Centre, 50a Corry Drive (off Somerleyton Road) SW9 8QT on Thursday mornings, between 11 am and 1 pm.  Enquiries to info@clearcommunityweb.co.uk or call 07 523 646 277.

Start Them Young!  The Southwyck Coding and Art Centre recently launched in the former community centre behind the “Barrier Block” on Coldharbour Lane.  One element is a 5-week Lambeth Digital Heroes Club open to children aged 5 to 11, running on Wednesdays from 15 June from 4 pm to 6 pm.  This is a joint venture of Millennium Community Services and the Institute of Imagination.  More details at www.ioi.london/lambeth or call 07 585 009 726. 

Further coding classes will run from 27 July, and Art classes are also planned – see also www.millenniumcommunitysolutions.com Free Arts and Crafts sessions for the over-16s will be run by Cre8ive Arts CIC – enquiries to 07 442 838 570 or e-mail to cre8ivearts@pm.me

Health and Social Care

South London Cares

This is a Brixton-based charity working across both Lambeth and Southwark, currently supporting two dozen regular social club sessions each month, mainly for over-65s.  They also run a Love Your Neighbour programme, to match older people with a younger neighbour for regular company and conversation.  The aim is to connect younger and older neighbours so that adults of all ages feel better-connected and less isolated.  Referrals are welcome, but they are also keen to recruit younger volunteers.  More information on their website at www.southlondoncares.org.uk or enquiries to 020 7118 0404 or e-mail to elle.dodds@southlondoncares.org.uk

Green News

Blooming Lambeth Awards – enter now!Closing date for nominations is 11 June.  Do you have the best resident-led community garden?  Do you know the most enthusiastic young gardener?  For details of the 8 categories, see the Incredible Edible Lambeth website at https://www.incredibleediblelambeth.org

Charging Points for Electric Vehicles Lambeth has published proposals to add electric charging points in these local roads:Arlingford Road, Ashmere Grove, Athlone Road,Ballater Road, Barrington Road, Bonham Road, Branksome Road, Brockwell Park Gardens,Chaucer Road, Dumbarton Road,Elm Park, Fairmount Road, Flaxman Road,Kepler Road, Kildoran Road,Lambert Road, Lyham Road,Mauleverer Road, Moorland Road, Mowll Street,Stockwell Park Road, Sudbourne Road, Talma Road, Tasman Road, Trelawn Road, Trinity Gardens,Wiltshire Road, Wimbart Road.
Almost all are in Parking Control Zones, so a Resident Parking Permit (or in some cases, a Business Permit) will be required to use the charging bay. Objections or enquiries to TMOReps@lambeth.gov.uk

Doctor Bike in Brixton Brixton Business Improvement District has reminded us that the Doctor Bike cycle repair sessions continue on a monthly basis in Brixton Station Road.  Sessions are on Wednesdays between 12 noon and 3 pm, and the next dates are 29 June, 27 July and 31 August.

Council Recycling Changes Lambeth Council has added a collection service for used batteries and for “small” electronics – that’s electrical items no larger than the average toaster.  Larger appliances must still be taken to the Vale Street Recycling Centre in West Norwood, the Smugglers Way Recycling Centre in Battersea, or collection arranged through the Council’s bulky waste service.  Further guidance is on the Council’s website at https://beta.lambeth.gov.uk/rubbish-recycling/smallelectricals-battery-waste/
Meanwhile, we have found that free distribution of recycling sacks has been abandoned for “street” properties, even though many round here are actually split into flats, so there’s less encouragement to separate out your other recyclable waste before taking it down to the wheely bins.

Keep in Touch

It’s all in the timing! We aim to publish monthly, but because it’s put together on a very part-time basis, there will always be a gap of a few days between sifting all the reports received and the final e-mail reaching your in-box via Mail-Chimp.  Normally we need to hear from you before the 5th of the month, to publish around the 10th.  Please continue to send your news to apiperbrix@aol.com for the time being.


Is this your best e-mail?
We are keen to keep in touch with organisations, enterprises and community activists around Brixton, but please tell us:- If you want these bulletins sent to a different e-mail address, so you get them more quickly or reliably. – If you want to add a colleague or neighbour to our mailing list (no extra charge at present!).- If you have moved away, or are no longer interested. Please notify all mailing list updates to admin@brixtonneighbourhoodforum.org

May 2022 e-bulletin

We’ll Meet Again

A live meeting of this Forum will be held on Tuesday 5th July, 7 pm at International House.

After 2 years of postponements and occasional on-line meetings, we are finally getting together for real, in the 3-Space Event Space on the ground floor of International House, at the corner of Popes Road and Canterbury Crescent, SW9 7QD. 

This will be our Annual General Meeting, which means we will review the annual report and accounts, and elect committee members for the year ahead.  We also hope to have a guest speaker or two, to be confirmed next month.
Meanwhile, we are trying to get out and about again, and meet more of you face-to-face.  Clashes of dates and the demands of our day jobs mean we cannot follow up every invitation, but we are making an effort!

Diary of Local Events

Summer Events in Brockwell Park

Final details have just reached us for the Summer event series that will run from Friday 27 May to Sunday 5 June.  Sections of the park will be closed off from Monday 16 May for setting up, and clearing away should be completed on Monday 13 June.  

Around the park, there will be a number of road closures, access restrictions and extra parking controls during the major show days.  Some of these will only apply during peak exit times from the events (9 pm to midnight) but for full details of access restrictions in and around the park, please see the Community page on the website: https://www.brockwell-live.com 

Note that the Railton LTN access restrictions will continue during these events.Ticketed concert days are Friday 27 to Sunday 29 May and Thursday 2 June to Sunday 5 June.  In addition, there are free-to-enter community events – Brockwell Bounce – on Monday 30th, Tuesday 31st and Wednesday 1 June.  If issues arise between 16 May and 13 June, you can contact the Residents Hotline at 020 8050 4367 or at community@summereventsuk.co.uk 

Council contacts are Lambeth Events on 020 7926 6207 (office hours) or the Noise Monitoring team on 020 7926 5000 between 9 pm and 5 am on event days.

The Lambeth Country Show will take place on Saturday and Sunday 16/17 July – more about that next time

Baking Beside the Windmill

Friends of Windmill Gardens have organised a series of adult baking classes in the education centre next to the windmill, led by Fabio, the Italian baker.  They will run for 3 to 4 hours at weekends from this month.  Sessions will explore recipes for tarts, breads, cakes and pastries.  Spaces are limited, so please register your interest by e-mail to info@brixtonwindmill.org For more about this and other events in Windmill Gardens, also see their website, www.brixtonwindmill.org

Loughborough Park Food Forest

The Friends of Loughborough Park have received funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to replant part of this public open space.  The aim is to create a new Food Forest, using forest garden permaculture techniques, both to improve biodiversity and to provide lots of edibles.  You are invited to join with the Friends and Urban Canopy to create the new garden at a series of sessions, with all tools provided. Planting sessions will be near the eastern edge of the park, close to Loughborough Park itself.

Site Prep Days: removing weeds, clearing paths and cutting back shrubs: Tuesdays 17 & 24 May, 6 to 9 pm; Wednesdays 18 & 25 May, 10 am to 1 pm; Sundays 22 & 29 May, 12 noon to 4 pm.

Planting Daysintroducing new plants, including activities suitable for children: Monday 30 May, Tuesday 31, Wednesday 1 June, and finally Friday 3 June, all sessions 12 noon to 4 pm.All enquiries and offers of help to Lydia at friendsofloughboroughpark@gmail.com 

Love Your Local Market

News just in that Lambeth is running a promotion campaign for Brixton’s street market between Friday 13 May and Sunday 5 June, following the first upgrading works in Brixton Station Road.  Expect to see extra stalls and events on Saturdays in particular.  Enquiries to Oladayo Bello on 07 710 026 240 or at obello@lambeth.gov.uk

Black Culture Market returns, 4 & 5 June

Once again, the Black Culture Market will be taking over the Downstairs space at the Department Store at 240-250 Ferndale Road SW9.  The organisers promise a different selection of traders on Saturday and Sunday, in both cases a mix of African and Caribbean inspired entrepreneurs, traders and crafts-people. Open between 11 am and 5 pm each day, free admission but please book tickets via Eventbrite: https://eventbrite.co.uk/e/black-culture-market-tickets-288460913357 If you want to trade at this event, refer to their website, https://www.blackculturemarket.co.uk or contact hello@blackculturemarket.co.uk

Funding, Training and Support

Grant Deadlines coming up

Our usual quick reminder, in case you missed previous notices from Integrate – contact eoin.heffernan@integrateagency.co.uk

Everyday Heritage Grants from Historic England: Looking to celebrate working class histories, ethnic minorities, women’s and LGBTQ+ stories linked to overlooked heritage sites.  Closing date Monday 23 May.

LEAP Co-Create Fund to support work with Early Years children, closing date 12 noon on Monday 30 May.  There is also an on-line briefing on the funding scheme on Monday 16 May.

The Fore opened its Summer funding round on 19 April, no set deadline but it’s first come, first served, so time is running out!

Arnold Clark Community Fund offers grants of up to £1,000 to community groups and charities, particularly those whose activities have been affected by the Coronavirus pamndemic.  Closes on Thursday 30 June.

Training Opportunities

Integrate also offer occasional on-line sessions to share experience from other projects or fill skills gaps – contact as above to book.

30 May – Meet the founder of HABITS of London CIC, 10 am to 12 noon.  Helen Raphael discusses her social enterprise, providing employability support for Lambeth residents aged 16-30.

13 June – Cybersecurity 101, 1o am to 12c noon on Zoom, a practical workshop led by Shurel Reynolds for small and medium-sized organisations, featuring data protection, GDPR and cybersecurity tips. 

Business Support

Brixton Creative Works offers a free blended package of business advice, coaching and accredited training to creatives or freelancers working in Lambeth.  Enquiries to 020 3735 8955 or e-mail to BCW@getsetuk.co.uk 

There is also a programme for Creative employers, including advice on recruitment and working standards – contact 07 443 839 421 or e-mail as before.

Health and Social Care

Support for Dementia patients and their carers

Age UK Lambeth has shared details of two regular sessions available for Lambeth residents living with dementia, and their carers: On Monday afternoons, Age Exchange run sessions at Stockwell Park Community Centre, Aytoun Road SW9 0TE, between 1-30 and 3 pm.  Cost £6 per session but no charge for carers.  Enquiries to Lydia at 020 8318 9105 or hello@age-exchange.org.uk

Age UK Lambeth are opening another branch of their Magnolia Club for people with dementia on 17 May, to run on Tuesday afternoons from 3 pm to 5 pm. This will be at the Myatt’s Fields North Centre, 24 Crawshay Road, SW9 6FZ and operate on a free, drop-in basis. Enquiries to 0333 360 3700.

Mental Health Awareness

Thursday 12 May will be a Health & Wellbeing Event at the Marcus Lipton Youth Centre, Minet Road SW9.  It will be open between 12 noon and 5 pm, with free food, free massage, and a chance to try yoga, boxing and fitness techniques.  Organised by ML Community Enterprise and Ecosystem Coldharbour – see www.ecosystemcoldharbour.org 

Art4Space will be hosting further Mental Health First Aid Courses at their base at 31 Jeffreys Road SW4 6QU.  The next course will be for those working with young people, on 30 June & 1 July.  To register, e-mail to info@itsaplayground.org

Mosaic Clubhouse in Effra Road publish an occasional bulletin of their activities, which can now be found via Issuu – see https://issuu.com/mosaicclubhouse/docs/

Other News

News from Urban Growth

Urban Growth are hosting a monthly series of weekend gardening workshops until September, in the Paulet Estate Community Garden.  This is next to the Remakery, at the corner of Lilford and Paulet Roads, SE5.  Topics will include creating living walls, growing mushrooms, making your own fertilisers and botanical dyes, as well as saving different types of seeds.  Enquiries to info@urbangrowth.london or sign up via Eventbrite.

Weekly Thursday gardening volunteer sessions are continuing, led by Taye, head of food growing.  Sessions are at Pop Brixton between 10 am and 11-30 am, and at the Brixton Orchard between 1 pm and 3 pm.  Sign up via Eventbrite or just turn up!

Paused for Upgrades?

In Wyck Gardens, the Platform Cafe is currently closed for refurbishment, but expects to be back in action next month.

On the corner of Coldharbour Lane and Moorland Road, despite the hoardings around the Domino Club, the Brixton Soup Kitchen is still active in providing hot meals and food packs for the homeless, between 1 pm and 3 pm Monday to Friday. For more details, see https://lnkd.in/estjSkxh

Southwyck Pantry re-opened at the Moorland Estate Community Centre, 50a Corry Drive, off Somerleyton Road, on 5th May.  Continuing on Thursdays, they will offer 10 fresh fruit/ vegetable items plus up to 10 cupboard items, for £5. Enquiries to info@healthylivingplatform.org

Southwyck Community Hall, off Moorland Road SW9 8UR, will re-open on Friday 13 May as the Brixton Coding & Arts Centre, managed by Millennium Community Solutions. This will provide a training space for information technology and coding for all ages and abilities.  There will also be space for the community to explore and develop art in all its forms.  Enquiries to gail@millenniumcommunitysolutions.com or 07 951 087 923.

Outdoor Yoga

Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses are now hosting outdoor yoga sessions on Saturday mornings on the decking outside the greenhouse.  To book and pay online, go to: https://www.naturalconnection.org.uk/yoga-for-all

Advice Surgeries on Council Estates

Details have been received of a series of tenant advice surgeries on major Lambeth Council estates.

St. Matthew’s Estate, Brixton Hill: sessions held at St. Matthew’s Hall, 10 St. Matthew’s Road SW2 1NH, on the 3rd Thursday of each month, 10 am to 1 pm from 19 May.

Edmundsbury Estate, Ferndale Road: sessions held at Edmundsbury Community Hall within the estate, on the 2nd Friday of the month, 10 am to 1 pm from 13 May.

Tulse Hill Estate: sessions held at the Jubilee Community Hall, SW2 2LY on the 1st Wednesday of each month, 2 pm to 4 pm from 1 June.

Art Exhibitions

 Brixton Art Prize: Closing date for entries is 15 May, entries may be in any media, on the theme of conflict and integration, culminating in a group show for shortlisted artists at The Department Store between 30 June and 3rd July.  First prize £1000 and a London solo show, runner-up prizes of £750 and £500.  Entry fee £15 – for more details see the website, https://brixtonartprize.com


Brixton Bugle Art Show 
– a reminder from last month’s bulletin: The closing date for entries is 20 May, leading to the Art Show at Brixton Tate Library between 4 and 26 July.  Initially, send up to 3 digital photos of your work to arts@brixtonblog.com together with your name, address, e-mail, contact phone number and social media, together with the title and brief description of each work.  You can submit up to two pictures, but each must be no larger than 1 metre square.


Other exhibitions at Brixton Tate Library: 
The latest art exhibition in Brixton Library is “Peripheral Visions, Marginal Figures” by Martin Grover, continuing during library opening hours until 31 May.  The following show will be a retrospective of the work of Marion Jones (1952-2021), open 6 to 28 June.

Have your say on Lambeth United

A reminder from our last bulletin, that Lambeth Council is reviewing place-names with likely links to Slavery and the colonial past.  Comments can be made on their Commonplace website until 31 May – see https://lambethunited.commonplace.is

Keep in Touch

Share Your News – and Views!

Feel free to make use of these bulletins to share your concerns, to announce events and services, or just to report what your group or enterprise is doing.We aim to publish monthly, around the 10th of the month, so we really need to hear from you before 5 June for the next issue.  Keep it clear and simple, because we don’t really have the time for re-writes, or to chase you if your press release was garbled.  Continue to send your news to apiperbrix@aol.com for the time being.

Is our mailing list up to date?

We have some 500 contacts on our e-mail list, but are you still there?Please tell us, by e-mail to admin@brixtonneighbourhoodforum.org– If you want these bulletins sent to a different e-mail address, so you get them more reliably or quickly.- If you want to add a colleague or neighbour to our mailing list (no extra charge at present!)- If you have moved away, or are no longer interested.

December 2021

Christmas is coming…And still there are more seasonal events happening around Brixton…

10-12 December: Open Studios at Clockwork Studios, 38 Southwell Road SE5 9PD – Friday open evening 6 pm to 9 pm, weekend openings 11 am to 5 pm.  This may be on the outer fringe of Brixton now, but as Fred Karno’s Fun Factory, it was a centre of its Music Hall activity some 110 years ago.

Saturday 11 December – Christmas Bazaar at Brixton Tate Library, 11 am to 3 pm, organised by the Friends of Tate Library.

Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 December: Christmas Wreath & Decoration Making Workshops, 11 am to 3 pm at Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses.  Book via https://www.brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk/events/

Sunday 12 December – Windmill Christmas Market, 12 noon to 3-30 pm in Windmill Gardens, off Brixton Hill SW2.And don’t forget the Christmas Bake competition for amateur bakers, using Brixton Windmill flour.  Entry is free but you will need to bring your entry to the Windmill Centre by noon on this date, for judging.  More details on the FoWG website, www.brixtonwindmill.org

Sunday 19 December – Christmas Fair with carol singing and christingle at Myatt’s Fields Park.  Market stalls open 11 am to 4 pm, Carol Concert at 4-30 pm, led by the Brixton Chamber Orchestra.  To book a stall pitch, e-mail to market@myattsfieldspark.info

Cook an Extra Christmas Dinner – a reminder that once again Age UK Lambeth is inviting people to cook a meal for somebody living by themselves, and deliver it to them on Christmas Day.  They can even supply the extra plate.  To register and be matched with a nearby older person, please e-mail to volunteer@ageuklambeth.org or phone 0333 360 3990.

But What Next?

We have over 500 contacts on our e-mail list, including most local organisations, but how many of you are still out there?Please tell us – by e-mail to admin@brixtonneighbourhoodforum.org– If you want to add a colleague or neighbour to our mailing list;- If you prefer these bulletins sent to a different e-mail address, so you get them more quickly or reliably;- If you have moved away, or are no longer interested.

The Forum team are disappointed at the lack of ideas coming in for Forum events or activities.  Even if you hesitate to join in live events, we can still set up discussions or training events on-line, but we need to know where to focus our efforts.  We still have some resources to spend before the end of March, plus we need to plan ahead for the summer months so we can bid for fresh funds.Whether you have a bright idea or a desperate need, please share it with us!


Funding, Training & Support


Funding Reminders

Lambeth Wellbeing Fund is looking for projects run by residents and local organisations to improve the health and wellbeing of people in the borough. Now in its 6th year, it’s run by London Community Foundation on behalf of NHS Lambeth, Lambeth Council and Lambeth Public Health Directorate.All details are on the LCF website at https://londoncf.org.uk/grants/lambeth-wellbeing-fund  Organisations applying should have an annual income less than £100,000.  Deadline for all applications is 7th January.

Peter Minet Trust – Open Grants Fundis offering grants of up to £30,000 a year for up to 3 years.  Grants are limited to registered charities based in and serving only Lambeth and Southwark, but can be used in whatever way the charity chooses. This time the Trust is giving priority to Black-led charities, and expects to fund 5 or 6 projects in total.  Details were circulated last month by Integrate – if you missed them, contact eoin.heffernan@integrateagency.co.uk  Deadline for all applications is 20 January.

Untold Stories – grants from the Mayor: The Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm is the Mayor’s initiative to encourage our shared public spaces to reflect the diversity of London achievements.  Grants between £1,000 and £25,000 are offered for community-led organisations to create something new, highlight something missing or hidden, or to present a different story to what already exists.  Details are on the GLA website if you missed the earlier links circulated by Black Cultural Archives and Integrate, but the the deadline is midday on 12 January.

Funding for Tree Planting

The Nature for Climate Fund will support tree-planting efforts through 4 funds totalling £12 million-plus.A £4.4 million pot will support planting 260,000 trees outside woodlands across 139 local authorities from the Local Authority Treescapes Fund.


The third round of the Urban Tree Challenge Fund will support 46 projects in urban areas of England, adding another 25,000 trees to the 134,000 provided in earlier rounds.To restore biodiversity to woodland habitats, and help them adapt to climate change, the Woods into Management Forestry Innovation Fund will provide £700,000 to 17 projects.In addition, the Tree Production Innovation Fund will contribute £1 million to 16 projects to to increase and diversify the supply of young trees for all your planting projects. 


Training Courses

Skills for Tomorrow is a free coding class for BAME members of the community, aged 18 to 25 years and living with a disability.  It’s due to start in January, so if you are interested, contact Millennium Community Solutions at gail@millenniumcommunitysolutions.com

On-line Training Courses (via Zoom) are offered by NFP Workshops, based in York.  Typical cost is £95 for a session from 10 am to 12-30.  Topics available include Bid writing, Trust fund-raising, Recruiting and managing Volunteers, Legacy fund-raising, Major Donor fund-raising and Corporate fund-raising.  Enquiries to 01133 280 988 or e-mail to 02@nfpsend1.co.uk 

Health & Social Care

Coronavirus latest

Restrictions have been tightened again, in response to continued high infection rates and the more transmissible Omicron variant.Masks must now be worn in shops and on public transport.  Everyone in schools and colleges should wear masks in communal areas.Take a rapid test if you are heading out to an event, meeting up with friends or even returning to a busy office.

Vaccination is reducing the risk of severe cases, and efforts are being made to roll out booster jabs to those who were vaccinated some months ago.If you missed out first time round, there are still opportunities to get protected.  Better still if you can also get your jab against this winter’s ‘flu.For details of both “walk in” and appointment clinics locally, see www.selondonccg.nhs,uk/popupclinics or www.nhs.uk/wintervaccinations or contact your GP surgery.


Supporting Wellbeing

The Wellbeing Workshops are FREE sessions for Lambeth residents working or volunteering with community projects.  They offer a range of themed sessions at various local venues, plus some more on-line sessions.  More details at https://tinyurl.com/snv9vvxa

Creative Remedies will be a 10-week series of Free sessions for the over 55s, starting on 19 January.  To be held on Wednesdays, 10 am to 12-30 pm, at Art4Space at Stockwell.  Funded by Reaching Communities, enquiries to jewels@art4space.co.uk

Creative Community Champions is another 10 week series, aimed again at residents working or volunteering at community projects, and feeling in need of a well-being boost, or just feeling isolated.  These sessions will be on Fridays, 10-30 am to 1 pm, starting on 21 January, also at Stockwell.Funded by Reaching Communities, enquiries to jewels@art4space.org.uk

Lambeth Larder is more than a food resource

We have been reminded that the Lambeth Larder website offers signposting to more than food banks.Community Food Resources are mapped at https://lambethlarder.communitymaps.org.uk

Struggling to pay your Utility Bills? see https://www.lambethlarder.org/money-issues

Refugee and Migrant Support can be found via https://lambethlarder.org/advice-and-support


Windrush Compensation Scheme

Stockwell Park Community Centre can offer assistance in making claims under this scheme.  You can apply if:- You came to the UK from a Commonwealth country before 1973;- Your parents or grandparents came to the UK from a Commonwealth country before 1973;- You came to the UK from any country before 1988, and are now settled here;- You are the close family of an eligible person, and you have experienced losses yourself;- You are the representative of the estate of a deceased person who would have been eligible.

First, call the Windrush Support Team at We Are Digital on 0808 196 8496 to start the process.  They are assigned by the Home Office to assist people in completing their claims.  You will need to:- Ask to start your claim;- Request assistance in starting your claim.- Ask to be referred to the Stockwell Park Community Centre for help in completing your claim.

Greenspaces and Green issues

Bulbs for Loughborough Park

It’s good to hear when we make a connection and it gets a result.  We shared with several groups the details of a free bulbs offer from the Metropolitan Public Gardens Association, and we recently heard that the Friends of Loughborough Park were among the successful applicants.  Their next challenge is to get 400 bulbs planted before Christmas!  Enquiries to friendsofloughboroughpark@gmail.com


Wildflower Hunt in Brockwell Park

Saturday 1st January – The annual plant walk for Friends of Brockwell Park takes the form of a Wildflower Hunt in the park, led by Roy Vickery of the South London Botanical Institute.  See also the FoBP website, www.brockwellpark.com 


Low Traffic Neighbourhoods

The closing date for comments on the Tulse Hill and Streatham Hill LTNs is 19 December.  Your feedback should be sent to lowtrafficneighbourhoods@lambeth.gov.uk and do share your views with us too.  Consultation on the Ferndale LTN is expected to start late January/ February. 

Other News

Hondo Towers – Mayor’s Decision soon

The Hondo planning application for a 20-storey office tower is now to be decided by the Mayor.  In the last week of November, Hondo tried to make their project more attractive to the Mayor and Lambeth Council by modest increases in the amount of training and affordable workspace.  However, they have resisted suggestions from GLA planning staff to reduce the overall height. Any comments on the recent changes should reach the GLA by 17 December – on-line via planning.london.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i4J000002gBW8QAM/20210265?tabset-c2f3b+3 You may also want to use this link to remind the Mayor about objections that you previously sent to Lambeth.  The Fight The Tower campaign and the Brixton Society are co-ordinating their objections to the Mayor – enquiries to planning@brixtonsociety.org.uk


The future of Pop Brixton and International House

Lambeth Council has been seeking a team of developers for these 2 sites, and held a “Meet the Bidders” day for the finalists on Saturday 6 November. We are not supposed to disclose the identity of the final bidders for the time being, but we can assure you that none of Hondo (Popes Road), Muse (Olive Morris House) or Derwent (Blue Star House) is involved.  Bids should be reaching Council offices about now, and Lambeth’s Cabinet is due to make its final choice in late January/ early February.  Forum members told us clearly in April that you would prefer to see International House retained, as a hub for creative businesses and community organisations.  One of the bidders is sympathetic to this, but Lambeth is looking for a long list of benefits from the development, so with several different factors to choose between, there’s a strong likelihood that the Council will fail Brixton again! 

Keep in Touch

Share your news – and views!

Please make use of these bulletins to share concerns, to announce events or services, or just to report what your group is doing.We aim to publish at least monthly, but with reduced activity over the Christmas/ New Year period, we expect the next bulletin to reach you in mid-January. Send your news to apiperbrix@aol.com ideally before Christmas for the January issue.

Is our mailing list up-to-date?

We have over 500 contacts on our e-mail list, including most local organisations, but how many of you are still out there? Please tell us – by e-mail to admin@brixtonneighbourhoodforum.org- If you want to add a colleague or neighbour to our mailing list;- If you prefer these bulletins sent to a different e-mail address, so you get them more quickly or reliably;- If you have moved away, or are no longer interested.