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.

Events

Community Rally on Windrush Square

Saturday 18 September, between 2 pm and 6 pmSeveral community campaigns are coming together to remind you that another Brixton is possible.  Expect speeches from Fight the Tower Campaign, Save Cressingham, Brixton Rec Users Group, Save Nour/ Save Brixton, London Renters Union, Green New Deal London, Planning Aid for London and more – with some music and poetry too.

Black Thrive Lambeth Partnership

The Partnership is inviting Black individuals, organisations and allies that are striving for an equal society to join the Community Assembly on Saturday 18 September. Book separately for morning (10-30 to 1 pm) and afternoon (2 pm to 4 pm) sessions – #TogetherWeThrive

81 Acts of Exuberant Defiance

On These Streets is a free interactive audio experience by Non Zero One, accessible until 30 September.  It takes the form of a self-guided walk using a web-app, created in response to the 1981 Uprising, including verbatim testimony, new writing and music.  The walk route starts from Brixton Tube Station, takes in 6 waypoints and is available between 10 am and 10 pm daily.  To book, see https://brixtonhouse.co.uk/whats-on/

When Brixton Went on Fire: A photo exhibition at the Carnegie Library Community Hub, Herne Hill Road, continues until Wednesday 29 September. Organised by Learning Through the Arts, open Tuesday- Friday 11 am to 6 pm, Mondays from 2 pm, Saturdays 9 am to 4-30 pm, but closed for lunch 1 pm to 2 pm each day.

Lambeth Heritage Festival continues

Events at Brixton Windmill

We were caught out by some late changes to dates, but fortunately there is an extra Open Weekend at the Windmill on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 September.  Tours are still free but must be booked in advance, via www.brixtonwindmill.org In addition, a guided walk round the Brixton Hill area starts from the mill at 1 pm on Sunday 26th – again, book via the website.

There is also a talk at 7 pm on Wednesday 29September, tracing the past 10 years of activity since the major restoration of the mill in 2011.  Available in person at the Education Centre next to the mill, or via Zoom, but for either option, please book via the website.

A Walk Round Stockwell Green

A guided walk around Stockwell Green on Sunday19 September – meet at 2-30 pm outside the Costcutter store, at corner of Landor Road and Lingham Street, SW9 9JF.  No booking required.

Ecosystem Coldharbour – Community Truths Meeting

This coalition of community projects covers the north-east side of Brixton, from Angell Town Estate through Moorlands Estate. Their next open meeting is a chance to share problems and make contacts to help organise solutions – 6 pm to 9 pm on Wednesday 29 September at Moorland Estate Community Centre, 50a Corry Drive SW9 8QT (off Somerleyton Road).  Please note the change of date and venue from previous notices.  Reserve a place by e-mailing  connect@ecosystemcoldharbour.org

Great Big Green Week

This runs from 18-26 September, with various events tied in with Climate Change and Green spaces. It kicks off in Myatt’s Fields Park on Saturday, 18th. Loughborough Farm have a workshop on Creating New Plants from Cuttings – on Saturday 25 September from 10-30 am to 1 pm – please book in advance via loughboroughfarm@gmail.com South London Botanical Institute (in Norwood Road, towards Tulse Hill Station) also has a couple of events that week.

Also worth looking at the Lambeth Larder website, particularly for food-growing projects and ideas – see http://lambethlarder.communitymaps.org.uk/

Black Culture Market at The Department Store

The Market returns to the basement of the Department Store, on Ferndale Road, on both Saturday & Sunday, 2 & 3 October, open from 11 am to 5 pm each day.  To book a stall, see the website,  https://www.blackculturemarket.co.uk Admission is free but please register in advance via Eventbrite – see website for link.

Autumn Show at 198 Gallery

Breaking the Mould is the theme of the next exhibition at the 198 Gallery on Railton Road.  Continuing the gallery’s long-standing commitment to showcasing the work of ethnic minority artists, it will feature 12 emerging artists from the Democratic Republic of Congo.  The show will run from 14 October to 28 November, normal opening hours Monday- Friday, 11 am to 5 pm, free admission.  More information at www.198.org.uk

Current Council Consultations 

Review of Low Traffic NeighbourhoodsWe have heard little from members about how well – or not – the LTNs are working around our area, but it’s critical to identify what works and what does not.  Lambeth is inviting comments, so decisions can be taken in the New Year about whether to make these temporary schemes permanent. Around Brixton, the Railton LTN is open for comments until 10 October, to www.lambeth.gov.uk/railton-ltn-say Although there was prior local consultation on the design of this LTN, the present layout introduced extra features such as cutting off the northern arm of Shakespeare Road from all vehicle traffic from the Railton Road side.Consultations should follow on the Ferndale and Tulse Hill LTNs, but we have not been able to get clear dates yet – we suggest contacting lowtrafficneighbourhoods@lambeth.gov.uk

Safeguarding Space for Local Business

Lambeth proposes to make 3 “Article 4 Directions” to protect existing business premises from casual change to residential use.  The Government has removed most planning protection, with the risk that most shops and workspaces will be changed into flats, which generate higher rents for landlords.  Between them, the 3 proposed orders would cover Brixton Town Centre, the other established business areas (KIBAs) around the borough, and the north end of the borough which is part of London’s Central Business District.  Closing date for comments is 27 September.

Parks and Open Spaces Consultation

Don’t panic – this one is largely to keep track of how residents think the Council is doing with running its Parks and other open spaces, rather than any new proposals.  Might be worth commenting on those extended closures of our scarce greenspaces for commercial events though?Closing date for this one is 29 October.For access to Council consultations generally, see the Lambeth website and follow the Consultations links – https://beta.lambeth.gov.uk/consultations/

Funding, Training and Support

Grant deadlines approaching

A quick reminder of some of the schemes about to close – most have previously been circulated by Integrate – if you missed those notices, contact  eoin.heffernan@integrateagency.co.uk

LEAP Co-Create Fund, supporting pre-school children and their families, see www.leaplambeth.org.uk/cocreate closes at 12 noon on Monday 20 September.

London Fund for Racialised Communities (Round 2) from the BME Health Forum and Comic Relief, closes at 12 noon on Monday 4 October. 

Women in Innovation Awards 2021/22, for women business founders or social entrepreneurs, deadline 11 am on Wednesday 20 October.

Writing effective Grant Proposals Tuesday 28 September, 10 am to 4 pm, on-line via Zoom.  A course to provide you with the basics of preparing effective grant applications.  Delivered by CLEN cic and funded by the Walcot Foundation and Battersea Power Station Foundation.  Apply via Eoin Heffernan at Integrate, e-mail as above.

Finding Volunteers

It’s easy to overlook some channels for finding volunteers to help your group or project, so here’s a reminder about Team London Volunteering. Advertising volunteer roles with them is free, and you may attract people from beyond your immediate area, or with key skills you need. It’s hosted by City Hall, so find their webpages at https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/volunteering/search/

Training from Brixton BID: If you are a social enterprise or small business within the Brixton Business Improvement District, take advantage of these upcoming courses:

• Tuesday 5 October – Equality and Diversity
• Tuesday 9 November – First Aid (level 3)
• Tuesday 7 December – Team Working. All enquiries to Chantel at chantel.facey@brixtonbid.co.uk

Promoting Equality and Diversity

In Lambeth and Southwark, people from Black communities have historically faced worse health outcomes than other groups.  The Transformational Leadership Programme will support up to 20 local organisations to develop Black potential leaders and reduce racial inequality.  The programme is supported by the Guys & St. Thomas Foundation, but deadline for applications is Thursday 30 September.  Contact Eoin Heffernan at Integrate Agency, as above.

Courses & classes at Art4Space

Art4Space have launched a number of new courses and activities at their Creative Learning Hub, 31 Jeffreys Road, SW4 6QU.

Creative Enterprise for Textiles or Ceramics, meeting on Friday mornings 10 am to 12-30 pm, from 24 September to 3rd December (except 29 October) with an opportunity to sell the products made at a local Christmas Market.  Open to all residents with a SW2, SW4 or SW9 postcode, but places are limited – enquiries to jewels@art4space.co.uk

Creative Remedies is a Women’s Sewing Collective, meeting on Wednesday mornings, 10 am to 12-30 pm, from 22 September to 1st December (except 27 October) – enquiries to info@art4space.co.uk

After School Art Club runs on Thursdays, 3-45 to 5 pm, minimum age 8, fee £5 each – see http://www.art4space.co.uk

Mosaic Classes are continuing in person on Tuesday evenings, 6-30 to 9 pm.  Enquiries to jewels@art4space.co.uk

Creative Writing Course

Get that novel started!  The Carnegie Library Community Hub is hosting another creative writing course on Thursdays from 21 October.  This will run for 6 sessions, from 7 pm to 9 pm, for up to 12 participants.  Cost is £129 (£109 for OAPs).  Courses are led by Dominic Canty – for details and booking, see https://creative-writer.co.uk/courses

Health and Social Care

Coronavirus Update

With infections rising again, make sure you have not missed out on getting vaccinated! For the latest details of local vaccination clinics, see www.selondonccg.nhs.uk/popupclinics This also includes clinics beyond the borough boundary, to give you more choice. The Lambeth Health and Wellbeing bus is still popping up at various locations to fill gaps in coverage – and for other health functions too.  To keep track of it, see www.lambethtogether.net/wellbeing-bus

Black River Counselling

This is a free online service supporting people of Black African and Afro-Caribbean heritage, to meet their mental health and wellbeing needs at this difficult time.  If you are a low income key worker, a young person (over 18), an elder, or someone who just needs to talk, please get in touch at 0808 196 3007.  Hosted by Lambeth & Southwark Mind – see https://www.lambethandsouthwarkmind.org.uk/our-services/

In Other News
 

Running Lambeth’s Leisure Centres

Lambeth is to extend its contract with Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL) for another year, but is likely to bring all leisure facilities back under Council management  from April 2023.  Brixton Recreation Centre is the most high-profile site, but the Ferndale and Flaxman sites are also in our orbit, and GLL also manage the major Clapham, Streatham and West Norwood sites.  GLL have held the current contract since 2007.  Direct management by Lambeth opens up the potential for a more responsive service to residents needs, rather than what suits the contractor.

Extending the Santander Cycle Hire Scheme

Windrush Square is currently the southernmost outpost of the Mayor’s Cycle Hire scheme, but there is now a petition to extend it as far as Herne Hill.If you want to support it, see  https://you.38defrees.org.uk/petitions/extend-the-santander-cycle-hire-scheme-to-herne-hill

Are you using your Forum?

What’s on your agenda? Last month we asked for topics to include in our next meeting, but it seems as if most people took the opportunity to get away, so we only received some holiday pictures from the Isle of Wight and Crete! Despite Government blethering, Coronavirus infection rates have been rising, so the next Forum meeting will still be on Zoom. We are keen to have presentations or reports about what you are doing or planning, or to discuss any local issues, but we do need to hear what you want included in a meeting anytime soon – contact the Secretary at apiperbrix@aol.com

Share your news! We are keen to share news and requests from our member groups in these bulletins.  Short items are easier, bearing in mind that many people are trying to read this on their mobile phones.  Distribution is normally monthly, so please send any news for the October issue before the end of September, to the Secretary as above. Is our mailing list correct?

Finally, our usual reminder for you to tell us – at admin@brixtonneighbourhoodforum.org

– If you would like to add a colleague or neighbour to our e-mail distribution list.

– If you would prefer these bulletins to be sent to a different e-mail address so you can receive them more quickly or reliably.

– If you no longer wish to receive them because you are no longer interested, or have moved away.

Events Coming up

Lambeth Links – Tuesday 17 August

The next in the series of talks from the founders of voluntary organisations working in Lambeth, hosted by Integrate.  Christopher French talks about Lambeth Links, set up to act as a forum for Lambeth’s LGBTQ+ communities.  To book, e-mail to  eoin.heffernan@integrateagency.co.uk

81 Acts of Exuberant Defiance

To mark the 40th anniversary of the ’81 Uprising, individuals, community groups and organisations are coming together to create 81 Acts of Exuberant Defiance.  For an overview, see https://81actsofexuberantdefiance.com

The Human Library, Saturday 28 August: Tony Cealy of 492 Korna Klub invites you to their performance project at the Black Cultural Archives, 3 pm to 5 pm.  It will feature 12 speakers who can be “checked out” for a unique one-on-one performance/ conversation about their own personal narratives of race, class and migration, within the overall theme of Windrush Generation. To book, go to: https://lnkd.in/d8-hNnK

Pearl’s Return – 3-19 September: Pearl Alcock’s Shebeen operated in Railton Road in the 1970s, and became a hub for an overlooked Black queer community.  In September, BLKOUT will be hosting a series of events celebrating Pearl and re-imagining what Black queer space could be in 2021 and beyond.  Collaborations with other groups welcomed.  More details at www.blkout@gmail.com

Brixton Windmill open for tours again

Tours take place this coming weekend (14 & 15 August) between 1 pm and 5 pm, and there will be two open weekends next month, 4/5 and 18/19 September.  There are still some restrictions, so we cannot take visitors up to the top floor at present.  Please book in advance via the website, www.brixtonwindmill.org

Creative Workshops for over-50s

Brixton Community Base at St. Vincent’s in Talma Road SW2 is hosting a series of creative workshops on Thursdays and Fridays through August, from 1 pm to 3 pm. Sessions are free, thanks to funding from London Community Foundation – more details from Caroline on 07 958 448 690 or at brixtoncommunitybase@gmail.com

Free Music Events at Pop Brixton

A series of free music events in the Pop Box at Pop Brixton – more details at www.popbrixton.org/events

• Thursday 19 August – Kin Teet with guest DJ Jazz T, 8-30 pm to 11-30 pm.
• Friday 27 August – Just Vibez Carnival, from 7 pm.
• Sunday 29 August – B3 Carnival Special from Afarari Records, 12 noon onwards.

Events at Impact Brixton

The Dreamers Club is running a series of on-line sessions to support small and start-up businesses, supported by NatWest Business. Still to come:

• Thursday 12 August – Understanding your customer, 10 am start;
• Thursday 19 August – Responding to Change and implementing an action plan, 10 am start.
• Thursday 26 August – Set Goals: a long-term vision and manageable milestones, 10 am start.
• Digital Creatives Club will be a book club for curious creatives.  Its first meet-up is planned for Thursday 9 September in the Black Bar at Impact Brixton, 17a Electric Avenue SW9.See more at https://impactbrixton.com

Events at Longfield Hall

• Music Recital, Thursday 26 August, 7-30 pm Emma Jungling and Yoojin Kim, tickets £14 or £12.
• Friday Jazz, 24 September, 7 pm – A return visit by Mac & Xvngo, tickets £8.
• Longfield Hall Community Choir is starting up again on Wednesdays, 10 am to 11-30 am from 8 September. Sessions are free and no booking required.

Many other classes and sessions are held at the Hall – for details, see their website www.longfieldhall.org.uk

Lambeth Heritage Festival will run through September

The borough-wide programme of 55 events will go live online from this weekend – see www.lambethlocalhistoryforum.org.uk or contact info@brixtonsociety.org.uk

Saturday 4 September – Lambeth Local History Fair in St. Mark’s Church at the north end of Brixton Road, opposite Oval Tube Station.Open 10-30 am to 4-30 pm, including stalls and a choice of talks and local walks.

Funding, Training and Support 

Grant offers closing soon

In recent weeks, Integrate has circulated details of several funding sources, but those listed below close for bids shortly.  If you missed or lost the links, contact eoin.heffernan@integrateagency.co.uk

Community Ownership Fund, closing date 13 August (but there will be further rounds).Mental Health Stability Fund, closing date 13 August.

Santander Foundation: Financial & Digital Empowerment Fund, closing date 13 August.

Co-op Community Fridge Fund, closing date 16 August

Peabody Community Foundation: Young People’s Fund, closing date 3 September.

Community Ideas Grants Fund, closing date 10 September.

LEAP Co-Create Fund to support work with children under 3 years old in Coldharbour, Vassall, Stockwell or Tulse Hill wards, closing date 20 September.

Arts Funding Streams

Paul Mellon Centre has launched its Autumn round of Arts funding, for events, research, publications and digital projects.  Events can include lectures, conferences, exhibitions, training workshops and online events.  Closing date for all applications in this round is 30 September.  More details on their website at https://paulmelloncentre.ac.uk/fellowships-and-grants

Samuel Ross Black British and People of Colour Arts Grants: Ten grants of £2500 each are to be awarded in the fields of sculpture, painting, literature/ writing, fashion, photography, industrial design, furniture, fil, VR & AR.  Grants will be awarded with advice from the Design Council, Royal College of Art and the British Fashion Council.  More details at https://community.samuel-ross.com 

Training Opportunities

Morley College in the north of the borough is urging Lambeth residents to enrol now for a variety of short courses which start in September. Subjects include Visual Arts, Fashion & Textiles, Digital Media & Photography, Humanities, Applied & Social Sciences, Dance, Drama and Music.  For more details phone 020 7450 1889 or see www.morleycollege.ac.uk/short-courses

For Women in Business: News from Yvonne Thompson of WinTrade Global Network of some upcoming Masterclasses – free online at https://bit.ly/free-summer-masterclasses

• Saturday 14 August – Demystifying the route to the Boardroom, 9-30 am to 12-30, tips and tricks to help you arrive, survive and thrive on a board or committee.
• Saturday 28 August – How to increase your Public Profile, 9-30 to12-30, Are you a master of social media, and is it benefitting your business
• Saturday 11 September – The Power of Public Speaking, 9-30 to 12-30, to help you prepare for any public speaking opportunity.

Health and Social Care

 Coronavirus Vaccination Update

Details of local clinic sessions often reach us too late to share widely, so we urge you to check directly for the latest news at www.selondonccg.nhs.uk/popupclinics  This will include news of sessions just beyond the borough boundary.You may also notice the Lambeth Health and Wellbeing Bus popping up at various locations to fill gaps in cover, or where nearby health facilities do not have enough space – to see where it will be, visit www.lambethtogether.net/wellbeing-bus It can be made available for a wider range of health and advice services, so if you have suggestions to fill a local need, please e-mail the team at publichealth@lambeth.gov.uk

Advance Care Planning

If you are a grassroots community organisation supporting older people, a reminder that Integrate have arranged an online briefing session with the Lambeth Advance Care Planning Consortium on 23 August at 10 am on Zoom.  To book, contact eoin.heffernan@integrateagency.co.uk 

Community Wellness supported by local pharmacies

Pharmacists across South-East London have arranged a series of on-line events to show people how to self-care and improve their wellness.The next session is hosted by the Church of God of Prophecy in New Cross on Sunday 22 August, between 11 am and 12-30 as part of their Sunday Service, via Zoom – ID 932 3961 6570. The final session is hosted by Black British Recommendation, a network for black-owned businesses, again via Zoom.  This will be on Thursday 26 August, 7 pm to 8 pm. Zoom ID 337 945 0386 or enquiries to rudipage7@gmail.comRoots Restoration a wellbeing project at High Trees Comunity Centre Tuesdays 6 – 8pm,  talk therapy for BAME comunity, contact info@rootsrestoration.co.uk or call 07845 815 202

In Other News

 Reducing Food Waste – Trial Survey

Compliments of the House is a Brixton-based food charity working to cut food waste in Britain.  Not to be confused with a Food Bank or soup kitchen, they are not seeking public food donations.  Instead they aim to collect cooked food from local restaurants, cafes and supermarkets, and divert it to those in need, rather than it going to landfill.They have just launched a 5 minutes/ 5 questions survey to gather local attitudes to food date labels, and want to hear what Brixton folk think about them.  In particular, are date labels on food products confusing, and does this increase food waste?  Do you rely on food labels to decide if food is safe to eat?Take the survey at https://sjte5tdw6d1.typeform.com/to/e3TufSUd Enquiries to Alison on 07855 242 918 or e-mail to team@complimentsofthehouse.org

Libraries almost back to normal

Evening opening hours were restored from 19 July, but extra cleaning and social distancing are continuing for the time being because Lambeth infection rates are relatively high.  An appointments system is still operating, to regulate numbers, so please phone or e-mail your local library to fix a visit or to book use of a PC. Overdue and reservation charges will come into force again from 16 August, so you are encouraged to return items before then if possible, to avoid charges.  Libraries will again be sending E-mail reminders of overdue or reserved items.

Fenwick Estate Hub open again

Homes for Lambeth have reminded us that their information hub at 66 Willington Road SW9 is open again.  For the time being, please book your visit via Margaret Amadi at margaret@homesforlambeth.co.uk This includes sessions for use of their wi-fi or laptops, as well as for housing issues.  A number of wellbeing workshops are also being run to support estate residents – contact Wendy Bohan on 07 507 644 645 or at wendy@homesforlambeth.co.uk

Make the most of your Forum! 

Future Forum Meetings

We had hoped to set up another Forum event by now, but ideas and requests for presentations have been slow to arrive.  The next Forum meeting is still likely to be via Zoom, but we are also starting to think about “real” meetings before long. Forum officers have begun meeting people again for real, not just on screen, so a quick shout out to Stockwell Park Community Trust, Transition Town Brixton, Friends of Windmill Gardens, Lloyd Leon Community Centre (and Ubele), Healthy Living Platform and Millennium Community Services, among others. If you want to present something to Forum members, or to seek support for your bright idea, please contact the Secretary, Alan Piper, at apiperbrix@aol.com

Want to see your name here?

We urge you to use these bulletins to report what your group is doing, to announce coming events or new services, or to raise concerns.  Just bear in mind that space and time are limited, and we cannot guarantee to print everything we receive.  We try to publish at least monthly, so expect to see the next issue around 8th September.  Please send to apiperbrix@aol.com ideally by the end of August.

Is our mailing list correct?

Finally, our usual reminder for you to tell us – by e-mail to admin@brixtonneighbourhoodforum.org 

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

Coming Events

The Brixton Blog and Bugle Art Show

This is running in the Gallery at Brixton Tate Library until 19 July, with works by 40 local artists.  Viewing by appointment – e-mail to  rblack@lambeth.gov.uk with your preferred date and time, and please wear a mask when visiting.

Music in Brixton

The Brixton Business Improvement District have arranged further Lockdown Lifts performances for Monday 19 July.  The Brixton Chamber Orchestra will perform at Electric Circle, Tunstall Square and Brixton Station Road during the course of the afternoon. The BID are following up with the Brixton Performs Festival on Wednesday 28 July including live music and comedy.

Further afield, the bandstand at Myatt’s Fields Park is hosting a wide variety of live music performances on Sunday afternoons between 3 pm and 6 pm, continuing until 8 August – more details at www.camberwellfair.co.uk.

81 Acts of Exuberant Defiance

Marking the 40th anniversary of the original Brixton Riots of April 1981, the programme of events will now run until April next year. We will mention some of the Acts or events here from time to time, but for the bigger picture, see https://81actsofexuberantdefiance.com  See also under Funding below.

The People’s Tribunal on Police Killings: 81 Acts continues the fight on behalf of those in the Black community who have been affected by police brutality, with a series of posters entitled “People’s Tribunal on Police Killings” which list those who have died at police hands.  Posters have been installed at bus stops encircling the Brixton Police Station.  The Tribunal is particularly concerned that murder or manslaughter committed by state agents have gone unpunished, and supports the work the United Families & Friends Campaign (@uffcampaign), Migrant Media (@migrantmedia) and 4WardEverUK (@4wardeveruk).

The Human Library: The Black Cultural Archives are hosting a performance on Saturday 28 August.  This will feature 12 speakers who can each be “checked out” for a unique one-to-one 15-minute conversation/performance, based on their lived experiences, including issues of race, class and migration.  The objective is to encourage individuals to reflect on the stories that have shaped their identities.  Organised by Tony Cealy and 492 Korna Klub.  Limited tickets – book via https://lnkd.in/d8-hNnK www.492kornaklub.com

Performances at Longfield Hall and Myatt’s Fields Park

Love’s Labour’s Lost to be performed in the Quiet Garden in Myatt’s Fields Park, at 2 pm and 7 pm on Saturday 10 July. Please bring your own chair or picnic blanket.

Friday Night with Mac & Xvngo, 7 pm in the Hall on Friday 16 July.  Join amazing musicians Mac & Xvngo for a night of jazz, jazz drill and jazztronica

As You Like It, also in the Quiet Garden in the Park, at 2 pm and 7 pm on Saturday 24 July.  Seating as before.
Both Shakespeare plays are presented by Open Bar Theatre. 

People Power in the Park, in the Hall at 7 pm on Monday 26 July, a community performance based on the history of the Park, with a free performance (no booking needed) on Thursday 29 July at 7 pm, again in the Quiet Garden in the Park.

For all bookings, e-mail to enquiry@longfieldhall.org.uk 

Lambeth Heritage Festival

Once again there will be a variety of events and activities running through the month of September.  This year will be a mix of live and on-line events, but we will highlight local events nearer the time.

Funding, Training and Support

Community Art Commission

81 Acts of Exuberant Defiance want to commission an artist to lead a series of creative workshops with the residents of Hurst Street Estate, behind the 198 Gallery on Railton Road.  The workshops will lead to a public artwork or mural, and possibly a pop-up exhibition in a local greenspace, contingent on further funding. The selection is being managed by the Brixton Project, working with 81 Acts.  Further details and application forms from hello@thebrixtonproject.com
To apply, e-mail by 25 July to apply@thebrixtonproject.com with a completed application form and a portfolio of your work.

Grant Deadlines approaching

A reminder of approaching deadlines for these grants, previously circulated by Integrate – enquiries to  eoin.heffernan@integrateagency.co.uk  if you have mislaid the earlier e-mails.

Lambeth Made Safer – Summer Violence Prevention grants come from a Council pot of £15,000 per ward in selected wards, including Brixton Hill, Ferndale, Stockwell and Vassall.  Mainly intended to support summer holiday activities for children and young people.  Deadline is midnight on Sunday 12 July.

Walcot Foundation grant round supporting academic achievement, helping young people into employment and boosting advice services, particularly debt, housing and employment.  Expressions of interest by phone to 020 7735 1925, before 2 pm on 13 July, then submit application form within 4 weeks.

5th London Faith & Belief Community Awards:  £500 awards to recognise work by faith groups and associated individuals, nominations close on Monday 19 July.

London Fund for Racialised Communities offers grants up to £20,000 to support groups experiencing racial inequality, particularly for immediate needs in the wake of Covid-19.  Limited to charities or social enterprises with average annual income of £100,000.  Apply by 12 noon on Monday 26 July.

Ecosystem Coldharbour – Micro Grants programme is limited to the present Coldharbour Ward, to support grassroots groups with an annual turnover below £20,000.  The priority is projects which reduce youth violence, which could include sport, recreation, or improving life skills or employability.  Grants will be between £500 and £2500 per project – see the website https://www.ecosystemcoldharbour.org for more details.  The programme will run over the next 18 months, but the deadline for the first round is Monday 26 July.

Crowdfunding for 198 Gallery

Although the extension to 198 Gallery has been completed on time and on budget, grants to fit it out have dried up due to most funders focussing on the coronavirus crisis.  198 Gallery has launched a Crowdfunder drive to attract donations to bring the new floorspace into use – with a reminder to add GiftAid too – see https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/help-to-complete-the-amazing-new198cal-youth-space

Training for Digital Volunteers

The past year has made everyone more reliant on Information Technology and digital services, but many need help with getting on-line or making their devices link-up properly.  And if you have an expert or enthusiast on call, can they explain their solutions to ordinary human beings?  Clear Community Web have teamed up with the West London Mission to present a four-session on-line course in how to be a useful Digital Volunteer – the next course is on Monday 19 July, Wednesday 21st, Monday 26 and Wednesday 28, 2 pm to 4 pm.  Enquiries or bookings to Abel on 07 903 629 544 or e-mail to abel.solomon@wlm.org.uk

Training for Business Needs

The Brixton BID currently organises one training session per month, currently delivered on-line.  Spaces are limited so make sure you take part once you are booked for a course.  All enquiries about BID training to Chantel at chantel.facey@brixtonbid.co.uk

Even if you are outside the BID area, if you are a business or social enterprise, you should be able to join in courses organised by the London Business Hub, such as:
– Using e-commerce to grow your business, Thursday 15 July, 10 am to 4-30 pm;
– Branding for SMEs, Thursday 12 August, 10 am to 4-30 pm.
For more about these and other courses, see https://www.businesshub.london/events 

Filling the Gap
If there is a skill or topic that would be helpful to your group, but that is not being provided affordably or within reach, tell us and we will see if something can be provided locally.  Do remember that training activities tend to die down during July/ August BUT maybe we can use that time to plan for the Autumn?  Please e-mail your needs or ideas to apiperbrix@aol.com

Trade Exhibitions and Conferences
If you are in business or running a social enterprise, trade exhibitions can help keep you in touch with trends and developments, and most include briefing sessions where you can pick up new ideas or extend your knowledge, often for free.  Live events are gradually returning to the calendar from September onwards.  We are happy to share details of the surprisingly wide range of industry sectors whose events we hear about – just e-mail us with your main field of interest, to apiperbrix@aol.com

Small Project – Big Impact
If your group has been involved with a landscaping or planting project, why not put it forward for one of the seven categories in this landscape industry award scheme? It’s limited to projects costing less than £30,000 (or £20,000 for planting projects).  Entry deadline is 27 August, and for more details, e-mail to Mark Wellman of Pro Landscaper magazine, mark.wellman@eljays44.com

Health and Social Care

Coronavirus Vaccination and Testing

We usually hear about local clinic sessions too late to spread the word widely, but you can use Twitter and follow either  @LambethTogether  or @nhslambethccg for breaking news on walk-in vaccination sites and other health news.  You can also refer to the website  www.selondonccg.nhs.uk/popupclinics which includes walk-in sessions at local pharmacies, and the Lambeth Health & Wellbeing Bus, which is appearing at various sites to fill gaps in coverage.  Remember that for walk-in sessions, you do not need proof of address, a NHS number or immigration status. Many of these sessions are prioritising the over-40s, who are more likely to need hospital care if they succumb to coronavirus.  Sessions continue for the over-18s at the Streatham Place Surgery on the South Circular Road, with the Pfizer vaccine on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and the AstraZeneca vaccine on Fridays.

Testing: The level of infections is rising again, so if you are meeting people outside your household, but not yet received a second jab, you should aim to take a rapid test twice a week.  The mobile testing unit is still active on Windrush Square, or you can visit a local pharmacy, or order test kits online from www.lambeth.gov.uk/covidcommunitytest
If you have symptoms, or have tested positive, Lambeth Council may be able to offer support while you self-isolate for 10 days – enquiries to 0800 054 1215. 
 If you think you have symptoms, or been exposed to the virus, the test site at Somerleyton Road is still active, but please book by phoning 119 or via the website www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test

Social Support services return to normal
Age UK Lambeth was using its Gateway support line number for a daily Covid helpline, but this has now reverted to its normal advice service.  Also note that 0333 360 3700 is now only operating between 10 am and 4 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, though you can leave a voicemail message outside these hours.

Support for Dementia Patients and Carers
From August, Age UK Lambeth will be managing the Magnolia Club, a drop-in group for people with dementia and their carers.  The Brixton Hill group meets at St. Saviour’s Community Centre, 24 Blenheim Gardens, SW2 5BZ on Fridays between 2 pm and 4 pm.  They have another site at Gipsy Hill, SE27, and expect to open a third site in Lambeth later in the year.  Enquiries to Kim at 07832 328 335.

In Other News…

Urban Art Fair
July usually brings the Urban Art Fair on the railings in Josephine Avenue, but once again Covid restrictions forced it on-line.  You can still catch up with the work of many local artists via the website  www.urbanart.co.uk which will remain active until the end of the year.

Brixton Recreation Centre
Reclaiming the Rec. “I look on this building here not as a recreation centre, but as a re-creation centre.” – Steadman Scott, founder member of Afewee training centre, based at the Rec. A group of local people have been meeting to talk about what the Rec means to its local people, why we value it, and how we want to see it revived.  We are imagining what a community-led regeneration and community-controlled contract could look like, to inform a conversation with Lambeth Council. If you are interested in finding out more, please contact Amanda at reclaimtherec@gmail.com

Revitalising Brixton’s Rec Quarter: Following our brief report last month, a reminder that the proposals drawn up by MUF Architects, including a feedback form and webinar details, can be found at https://beta.lambeth.gov.uk/revitalising-brixtons-rec-quarter
You can also send feedback direct to Martha Levi Smythe at  mlevismythe@lambeth.gov.uk 

Council Boundary Changes
Changes to ward boundaries within Lambeth are now in their final phase, with adjustments to the last few wards now published for comments.  Next year’s Council elections will be contested on the basis of the new ward boundaries, and some ward names may change to suit, so Coldharbour ward will shift a little further south, loosing the Loughborough Estate, and will likely be renamed Windrush. The latest changes to be consulted on are on the fringes of our area.  The new Stockwell East and Landor ward will extend from Clapham North tube station to South Island Place, but will exclude Stockwell Green, Birrell House and the Stockwell Park Estate.  Further south, most of the St. Martin’s Estate on Tulse Hill will be added to the present Thurlow Park ward, provisionally to be called West Dulwich & St. Martin’s.

The consultation closes on 26 July, and more details are at https://www.lgbce.org.uk/all-reviews/greater-london/greater-london/lambeth and follow the links to the Further Draft Recommendations.

Magistrates Wanted
London needs another 250 magistrates, and efforts are being made to recruit more from ethnic minorities, younger age groups and working class backgrounds.  You are invited to join a Teams session on Thursday 22 July to find out more.  Book by e-mail to  sara.brown.jp@ejudiciary.net or rosi.prescott@gmail.com
 
Caribbean Garden Project at the Garden Museum
The Garden Museum, in the former St. Mary’s Church alongside Lambeth Palace, has embarked on a project to gather and preserve recollections of Caribbean horticulture history and the extent to which practices were carried on in South London.  The first stage involves 6th form students recording interviews with members of the Caribbean community who keep a garden, or take part in a community garden project.  If interested, contact janine@gardenmuseum.org.uk

Make the most of your Forum

 Planning more Forum meetings
We are still trying to firm up arrangements for the next couple of Forum events, but responses have been slow to arrive.  Remember, we can host meetings on-line or (soon) live, to hear presentations or reports, or to discuss local issues.  If you want something featured at a meeting anytime soon, please contact the Secretary (e-mail below).

Share your news too!
We are keen to share news and requests from our member groups in these bulletins.  We prefer short items, bearing in mind that many people are trying to read this on their mobile phones.  Distribution is normally monthly, so please send any news for the August bulletin to arrive by 1st August, to the Secretary at apiperbrix@aol.com

Is our mailing list up to date?
Finally, our usual reminder for you to tell us – at admin@brixtonneighbourhoodforum.org 
– If you would like to add a colleague or neighbour to our e-mail distribution list.
– If you would prefer these bulletins to be sent to a different e-mail address, so that you receive them more rapidly or reliably.
– If you no longer wish to receive them because you are no longer interested, or have moved away.

Events Coming up

Marking Windrush Day

Officially it’s on Tuesday 22 June, so look out for further local publicity about linked events.  Last year, in spite of Lockdown restrictions, 35,000 Lambeth residents, schoolchildren and businesses took part in related activities, and particularly highlighting the contribution the Windrush generation and their descendants have made to the NHS and public services generally.
The Brixton Project have already organised a competition among local artists and designers for this year’s logo, which will be revealed shortly.  Tony Cealy has been commissioned by Lambeth Council to produce a short film, which will be screened at the Town Hall on Monday 21 June.

Domestic Abuse is all our business

In case you missed the notice in last week’s Integrate bulletin, an on-line workshop on this theme takes place on Monday 14 June, starting at 10 am. The focus will be on how organisations can support their staff or volunteers who are exposed to domestic abuse, and may be struggling to cope as a result.  The workshop will be led by former Forum member Fernanda Correia-Sefzick. 
Enquiries to eoin.heffernan@integrateagency.co.uk

Early Years service at Windmill Gardens

Lambeth Council is inviting offers to lease the former Stay-and-Play/ One O’Clock Club building in Windmill Gardens – the green hut next to the windmill.   The rent will be waived provided that the new organisation provides suitable community services, ideally for young children aged 0-4 years. The deadline for applications is Monday 21 June, to the Council’s Early Years & Parenting Team – enquiries to youthandplaytenders@lambeth.gov.uk

Lambeth Speaks: Community & Culture in the Post-Covid Era

The Impact Hub are hosting a panel discussion on this theme on Monday 28 June at 6-30 pm.  A range of organisations will be represented on the panel, including We Rise, Brixton House, Squire & Partners, Brixton Village, Integrate Agency and Black Thrive.  The panel discussion will be followed by a Q & A session and an opportunity for guests and panellists to network and continue the conversation.  Booking enquiries to team@impactbrixton.com or see www.impactbrixton.com for this and other events at Impact Brixton.

Time running out for EU Citizens

European Union citizens must apply for EU Settled Status to live and work in the UK.  Applications are free but must be made by 30 June – see www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
For more information and help see  www.settled.org.uk  and  www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/european-londoners-hub/how-apply-eu-settlement-scheme
The fear is that the Windrush Scandal was just a warm-up, and that the Home Secretary is itching to extend her “hostile environment” to EU citizens.

Planning and Regeneration News

Around the Brixton Rec

MUF Architects recently unveiled their proposals for improvements around the Brixton Recreation Centre.  They expect to be out on Brixton Station Road on the afternoons of Wednesday 9 June and Saturday 12 June.  A webinar is being organised to explain the proposals in more detail, but date not confirmed yet.  In the meantime the link to see the proposed package is at http://orlo.uk/aRvgN

The future of Pop Brixton and International House

The Council’s current proposals for developing the two sites are described on their website at https://beta.lambeth.gov.uk/better-fairer-lambeth/projects/growing-brixtons-rec-quarter-49-brixton-station-road-6-canterbury-crescent
A series of “meet the bidder” community events are expected in September. At our February Forum meeting, the views expressed by most Forum members were that retaining International House would be better for nurturing existing enterprises, instead of displacing them, while the Council’s objectives were too diverse to achieve much impact in any particular field, whether housing or employment or something else.  BRUG and the Brixton Society have since come out in support of listing International House, an idea for which there is already vocal support among architects.

Towers still in the balanceDecisions are still pending on several major developments, including the high tower developments at Popes Road and Loughborough Junction, which were both called in for the Mayor’s decision.  Documents and many individual comments/ objections can be seen on the Planning Applications Database within the Lambeth Council website.  The Brixton Society publishes its comments on recent applications on its website at www.brixtonsociety.org.uk
At our April Forum meeting, we promised to share the link to the GLA page for the Hondo Tower (Popes Road) application, so you can still send in comments – clicking on the Comments tag brings up a form in which to leave a representation: https://gla.force.com/pr/planning-application/a0i4J000002gBW8QAM/20210265

The Lambeth Hospital Site

Another bad example of unsustainable overdevelopment, the Lambeth Hospital site on Landor Road is being developed as flats by the South London and Maudsley Trust, to finance relocating most services to the Maudsley Hospital campus on Denmark Hill.  Belatedly, they are now consulting on what amenities should be included within a small community centre within the new residential estate.  They are particularly keen to hear from local groups who might be interested in using the new premises (fronting Landor Road) to identify needs and any special provision that should be built in.
All enquiries to Gordon Mackenzie Leceia at leceia.gordon-mackenzie@slam.nhs.uk

Funding, Training and Support

Please bear in mind when contacting funders and support agencies that responses may be slower due to staff working from home or part-time.

Current Grant Schemes

Common Call have launched a second funding round for Black-led impact projects, social enterprises and charities across the UK.  About 35 organisations are expected to receive grants of £5,000 or £12,500 as unrestricted funding.  Application deadline is 5 pm on Friday 25 June.  See more at https://www.commoncall.fund

Return to Play is a small grants scheme from Sport England, to help clubs and community groups restart or develop activities after Lockdown.  Grants can range from £300 to £10,000, with emphasis on providing better hygiene and safety equipment, or supporting smaller-scale activities to maintain some social distancing.  This programme is only open until 30 June – see  https://www.sportengland.org/how-we-can-help/our-funds/return-play-small-grants

Black and Minoritised Women Fund offers grants of £5,000 or £10,000 to relevant women’s organisations impacted by Coronavirus.  The Women’s Resource Centre is hosting an information session for organisations preparing to apply – on Friday 18 June, 10 am to 11-15 am, enrol at https://bit.ly/3p9WSCY  Applications will open on 21 June.

Training offers

Your Forum now has a modest budget for organising some training for our members, so if there is a skill or topic that would be helpful to your group, please get in touch, via apiperbrix@aol.com

Enquiries about Training courses organised by the Brixton BID should be addressed to chantel.facey@brixtonbid.co.uk

Even if you are outside the Brixton BID area, if you are a business or social enterprise in London, you can probably access training or advice from the London Business Hub – see https://www.businesshub.london/resource or /events

Utility Bills and Debt Advice

This is not a complete list, but we suggest these contacts are worth exploring:

London-based debt advice charity Fair Money Advice has been funded to continue supporting Lambeth residents who are struggling financially.  More than a quarter of Lambeth households expect difficulties with paying for household essentials, such as food, rent and utilities, this year.  Seeking advice is an essential step in dealing with the problems.  More information on their website, https://www.fairfinance.org.uk/advice or contact 020 3475 8811 or info@fairmoneyadvice.co.uk

Turn2us also has an online benefits calculator, grant finder and other tools to help individuals find financial support – tel. 0808 802 2000 or see their website www.turn2us.org.uk

Christians Against Poverty may be able to help with budgeting and getting out of debt – call 0800 328 0006 or visit https://capuk.org

For older people, the Gateway Support Line can provide advice and put you in touch with relevant agencies – hosted by Age UK Lambeth, call 0333 360 3700.

If you are already claiming benefits, or experiencing financial hardship, Lambeth Council may still be able to help as part of its Coronavirus support services – see  www.lambeth.gov.uk/coronavirus-financial-help

Working with Volunteers

The pandemic brought an influx of new volunteers to some organisations, and enabled new grass-roots groups to spring into being.  Lockdown left more people available to volunteer, and in an NCVO survey published last month, 24% of VCS organisations said they had experience an increase in volunteering.  On the other hand, 36% reported a decline, the combined effects of restrictions on what services could be run, and older volunteers needing to isolate themselves.  Another effect was to increase the diversity of volunteers, including ethnic minorities and younger age groups.

92% of groups responding said they had moved services on-line, in response to the pandemic.  39% said this resulted in more volunteer roles being carried out remotely, while 26% found they needed to recruit volunteers with different skills to previously, such as digital skills.
(Source – Civil Society News.)

Finally, Sunday 4 July is being promoted as Thank You Day, an opportunity to lay on something to thank your volunteers and supporters in the community – see more about it at https:thankyouday.org.uk

Health and Social Care

Coping with Coronavirus

Vaccinations:  There have been various “pop-up” sessions around the borough so people who may have missed out in the earlier rounds can still get vaccinated.  Sessions are continuing at the Streatham Place surgery on the far side of the South Circular Road on Wednesdays, 9 am to 12 noon and 1 pm to 4-45 pm.  For other sessions in Lambeth, see www.selondonccg.nhs.uk – or for younger age groups, ask your GP if they are organising any special sessions. 

Testing: Extra testing is underway in four parts of the borough, including Brixton (in Windrush Square, 9 am to 3 pm), Stockwell and Clapham.  You can either get a test on site, or collect a PCR test kit to complete at home.  This is in response to a local rise in cases and further details are on the Council’s website.

Help with Self-Isolating: If you test positive, or have Coronavirus symptoms, Lambeth Council can provide a payment of up to £738 to help you cope with self-isolating.  This recognises that it can be hard to take time off when money is tight.  Again see the Council website, or phone 0800 054 1215.

My Neighbour service

This is one of the services co-ordinated by Age UK Lambeth, to bridge the gap between formal and informal support at a neighbourhood level. It can provide:
– Friendship calls: over 400 volunteers are making weekly calls to isolated and vulnerable residents.
– Digital Neighbours: Advice provided over the phone, over Zoom or on the doorstep, as basic digital support with use of computers, internet and mobile phones.
– Missions: Volunteers can help with tasks like shopping, collecting prescriptions, running errands and even providing homemade birthday cakes.
– Home Cooks Project puts volunteers in touch with older isolated people who would appreciate a home-cooked meal brought round from time to time.
Plus there’s a wider range of volunteer roles – enquiries to volunteer@ageuklambeth.org or phone 020 3143 5836.

Health Complaints?

The Independent Health Complaints Advocacy Service can help individuals make a complaint about a NHS service, including hospitals, GPs, ambulance services, district nurses, mental health services, dentists, pharmacists and opticians.  The advocates will listen to an individual’s experience, and help them raise their concerns. Contact Scarlett McCarthy, independent health complaints advocate, at Connect Lambeth, DASL, 336 Brixton Road, SW9 7AA – phone 020 3143 9000 or e-mail to s.mccarthy@pohwer.net  Websites www.connectlambeth.org or www.pohwer.net

In Other News…

Changes in the Town Hall

Following Councillor Jack Hopkins resigning as Council Leader last month, Cllr. Claire Holland has been confirmed by the Council as his replacement. As a result, there are several changes of responsibilities within Lambeth’s Cabinet.  Cllr. Holland’s old portfolio of Sustainable Transport, Environment and Clean Air (including LTNs) is now a job-share between Councillors Mahamed Hashi and Danny Adilypour.  Similarly, Health and Social Care will be split between veteran Cllr. Jim Dickson and Cllr. Lucy Caldicott, a new Cabinet member.  Another new member is Cllr. Jess Leigh, Deputy Cabinet Member for the Health and Wellbeing of Young People.

Deputy Leader, with special responsibility for Jobs, Skills and Community Safety, is Cllr. Jacqui Dyer.  Cllr. Maria Kay is Cabinet member for Housing and Homelessness, though Planning, Investment and New Homes are still overseen by Cllr. Matthew Bennett.  Other responsibilities are Finance & Performance (Cllr. Andy Wilson), Children & Young People (Cllr. Edward Davie), Equalities & Culture (still Cllr. Sonia Winifred) and Voluntary Sector & Leisure (Cllr Donatus Anyanwu).

Deputy Cabinet members include Cllr. Christiana Valcarcel (Disabilities), Cllr. Ben Kind (Jobs), Cllr. Irfan Mohammed (Business Recovery).  Cllr. Nanda Manley-Brown is Policy Lead for Schools & Education, while Cllr Emma Nye is Policy Lead for Recycling & Waste.

Brixton Advice Centre seeks Trustees

The Brixton Advice Centre began in a prefab hut on Somerleyton Road in 1966, and is now a respected Brixton institution on Railton Road, continuing its free advice service for struggling residents.  Now the Trustees want to fill gaps in their ranks, and ideally attract both links to lived experience and useful skills for the future development of the organisation.  Closing date for applications is 30 June – more details of the Centre’s work and the recruitment process are on their website at https://brixtonadvice.org.uk

Consultations on Traffic Changes

Transport for London is consulting on changes it made to the A23 between the Oval intersection, along Brixton Road and up Brixton Hill to the South Circular Road by the Crown & Sceptre.  This is an extended consultation, continuing until 17 November.  Obviously there will be issues of what should remain of present controls as travel patterns become more “normal”, and what will be adapted or abandoned. More details can be found at their website, tfl.gov.uk/oval-streatham
You can respond via the website, or by e-mail to  haveyoursay@tfl.gov.uk  and if your views change later, you can respond again.

Meanwhile, Lambeth Council has been distributing “Update” leaflets within existing Low Traffic Neighbourhoods but the one for the Railton LTN provided no new information, just a colourful map with several errors.  One problem is that LTNs divert more traffic into other areas whose residents don’t get included in any consultations.  For example, the Ferndale LTN has channelled more traffic into Landor Road, which is scarcely a main road to start with.  Yet we only hear about these issues at second hand – people for or against seem to speak out within their own echo chambers.  At least there’s a contact for feedback – e-mail to  lowtrafficneighbourhood@lambeth.gov.uk

Neighbourhood Champions

Really this is a recent rebranding of the old Street Champions scheme, to remind residents that it can also operate on estates.  The current programme began in 2016 as a joint effort with Veolia and has at least another year to run.  Basically, it encourages residents to improve their street or estate environment.  There were 500 volunteers signed up before the re-launch, and another 70 have been recruited since.  It is linked to the Council’s Freshview scheme, which supports local clean-ups.  Veolia can currently provide compost and hand tools for on-street planting, though not the plants.
More details on the Council website at lambeth.gov.uk/neighbourhoodchampions or enquiries to neighbourhoodchampions@lambeth.gov.uk

It’s Your Forum

Things to Come

We are currently in touch with several people about topics for future Forum meetings, but we have not pinned down dates yet.  We hope to confirm arrangements soon, but we can say that the next Forum meeting will be via Zoom again.  If you want to present something to Forum members, or seek support for your bright idea, please contact the Secretary, Alan Piper, at apiperbrix@aol.com

Want to see your name here?

We encourage you to use these bulletins to report what your group is doing, to announce coming events, or to share your concerns.  Just bear in mind that space is limited and we cannot guarantee to print everything we receive – though we seem to include more events and services than most other Forums around the borough!  Send to apiperbrix@aol.com or to  admin@brixtonneighbourhoodforum.org

Is our Mailing List correct?

Finally, our usual reminder for you to tell us – at admin@brixtonneighbourhoodforum.org
– if you would like to add a colleague or neighbour to our distribution list,
– if you would prefer these bulletins sent to a different e-mail address so you are more likely to see them,
– if you no longer wish to receive them because you are no longer interested or have moved away. 

Don’t miss out on Covid vaccinations!

If you hesitated when first offered a vaccination – or if nobody even asked you – there are still opportunities to get the jab.  If you are aged over 40 OR in one of the “At Risk” groups, you can get vaccinated by:
– Walk-in Vaccination Clinic at Streatham Place Surgery, on the far side of the South Circular Road at the top of Brixton Hill: Wednesdays 9am to 12 noon and 1 pm to 4-45 pm.
– Contact your own GP practice to ask if they are running any clinic sessions themselves.
– Check www.selondonccg.nhs.uk for other clinic dates and locations coming up.

Zoom chats with Councillor

Councillor Donatus Anyanwu, Lambeth’s lead member for Voluntary and Community organisations, is holding a series of on-line meetings to discuss issues with such groups.  What was your experience during Covid-19? What does the “new normal” look like in terms of restarting face-to-face activities or continuing on-line services? 
To book, contact Eoin Heffernan at Integrate, eoin.heffernan@integrateagency.co.uk
Health & Social Care – Tuesday 18 May at 2pm;
Youth Services – Wednesday 19 May at 3 pm;
Employment – Tuesday 25 May, 4 pm;
Sports – Wednesday 26 May at 4 pm.
Each session is scheduled for one hour.

We’ll Meet Again

Our thanks to everyone who joined in our on-line Forum meeting last month – 37 people in total is the best turnout for a couple of years.  It’s likely there will be another Forum meeting on Zoom before we attempt a live meeting again, but what would suit you best?

Following our discussions of the Hondo Tower plans, and the Council’s plans for Pop Brixton and International House, we are continuing to develop an on-line briefing on the Town Planning system with our friends at the Brixton Society, to help community groups influence other planning applications that come along.  More news to follow.

Happening Soon

Free Bike Checks in Brixton

Free sessions with the Dr Bike team are being held in Windrush Square next month, sponsored by Lambeth Council:
Wednesday 2 June, 4 pm to 7 pm,
Saturday 5 June, 12 noon to 3 pm.

Black Culture Market, 5 & 6 June

Downstairs at The Department Store, 248 Ferndale Road, SW9, open 11 am to 5 pm each day.  The aim is to support emerging entrepreneurs and new black businesses with opportunities to showcase and sell their products.  For customers, it will offer a diverse shopping and cultural experience, celebrating producers of African and Caribbean heritage.  Admission free but please register at  www.blackculturemarket.co.uk

Black Men’s Theatre project at Mosaic Clubhouse

Tony Cealy is recruiting black men for a free 12-week mental health performance project, exploring the themes of intimacy, shame, guilt and mental health.  The project uses improvisation and story-telling to alleviate isolation, depression and stress. Participants will develop skills in performing arts, interviewing and research. 
Weekly sessions on Mondays, 6 pm to 9 pm at Mosaic Clubhouse, 65 Effra Road SW2 1BZ. See more at  https://youtu.be/HszjNgxlvd0

Impact Brixton – join the family

Impact Brixton already supports over 160 freelancers, creators and social change makers.  The top 3 industry sectors represented are Education, Events and Marketing/Communications.  During lockdown, its online events programme reached an audience of over 500.  See more about virtual, flexible or fixed membership on their website, https://impactbrixton.com 

Now they are building a year-long Fellowship Programme, Impact Invests, for purpose-driven entrepreneurs, partnering with accelerator programmes across London to take on their talented graduates and link them with members of IB’s existing network.  A pilot group will launch next month, with development work following to enable the main programme to launch in September.  Enquiries to Kate Allen, Programme Manager, at kateallen@impactbrixton.com

Brixton Celebrates Young Art

You are cordially invited to view Big Local Impact’s virtual exhibition – go to https://biglocalimpact.org.uk/brixton-celebrates-young-art/
It started with a proposal to showcase the work of Brixton’s young artists, but had to be adapted in response to Covid, with support from Power to Change.  Take a walk through the exhibition using your mouse or the arrow keys on your keyboard (sorry, but not accessible via smartphones)

Brixton Community Base is now St. Vincent’s Brixton 

A reminder that the building in Talma Road SW2 is coming to life again, now as St. Vincent’s Brixton.  If you are interested in using it for regular or occasional meetings, please contact the manager, Jane Duncan-Ribeiro, tel. 07 941 624 247 or 020 7703 3030 or at JaneDR@svp.org.uk

Van Gogh House seeks Volunteers

The team at Van Gogh House are looking for keen and confident volunteers to act as guides for their tours of 87 Hackford Road, SW9, the house where Vincent Van Gogh lived in 1873-74.  Beyond this, the house has its own fascinating history.  The aim is to step up the programme of timed-entry guided tours on Saturdays and Sundays to two weekends a month.
To apply for their next round of tour guide training in June, you need to apply NOW – contact info@vangoghhouse.co.uk or see https://www.sanmeigallery.co.uk

More Reopenings

The Black Cultural Archives reopens to visitors on Thursday 20 May.  As with most such venues, please check the website for opening times and access arrangements – in this case, https://blackculturalarchives.org  In the meantime, a couple of their exhibitions are viewable on-line via the website.

Brixton Rec and other Lambeth Leisure Centres have been open again for a few weeks.

Lambeth Libraries are gradually reopening more of their services.  You can book an appointment to use a PC, to print, photocopy/scan, browse or study – phone your local library during normal opening hours, or e-mail to  libraries@lambeth.gov.uk  Library phone numbers are
Tate Brixton 020 7926 1058,
Minet 020 7926 6073,
Tate South Lambeth 020 7926 0705,
Carnegie 020 7926 6050.

Minet Library, Lambeth Archives are open again but for limited numbers, so please book your visit via 020 7926 6076 or archives@lambeth.gov.uk

Car Boot Sales in Brockwell Park restart next month, in the Lido car park, organised by the Friends of Brockwell Park.  Gates open to sellers at 7 am for a £10 fee, and the sale closes at 1 pm. Summer dates are Sundays 13 June, 11 July, 8 August and 12 September – see www.brockwellpark.com

Windmill opening again to visitors

The Friends of Windmill Gardens have announced that the first open weekend at the Windmill will be Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 May.  There will then be at least one open weekend each month until November.  Tours of the mill are still free but must be booked in advance – see the website  www.brixtonwindmill.org

Funding, Training and support

Summer Holiday Activity and Food programme

This is funded by the Department for Education, and is expanding this year to ensure that children aged 5-16 who receive free school meals in term time will also be offered free healthy meals and enriching activities over Summer, Christmas and Easter holidays.  Locally the programme is managed by Lambeth Council and targetted at Lambeth-based providers, ideally able to provide services for a minimum of 4 hours a day, 4 days a week for 4 weeks during the Summer Holidays.  Funding should be not less  than £11 per child per session.
More details at  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/holiday-activities-and-food-programme/holiday-activities-and-food-programme-2021
Deadline for applications is Friday 21 May – any queries about the application process to vicki.exall@googlemail.com

Step Up programme for Lambeth residents aged 19+

A last-minute reminder that the Step Up programme will run from 17 May to 20 July, and is free for anyone over 19 and living in Lambeth.  Three online courses are available as a result of collaboration between Photofusion and 198 Contemporary Arts & Learning. Apply to thefactoryproductionhouse@photofusion.org

Film & Video – Mondays, 11 am to 4 pm,
Art & Design – Tuesdays 11 am to 4 pm, from 18 May,
Photography – Tuesdays 11 am to 4 pm, including practical assignments and a session in Photofusion’s darkroom.

Community Champions Course

Interested in working in the arts and with community projects? Art4Space are starting another free arts-based course for 16-30 year olds, starting on Wednesday 26 May on-line, and continuing in their studio from 30 June for the last 4 sessions.  Choose morning sessions for sewing or afternoon sessions for painting.  Enquiries to Julie, jewels@art4space.co.uk

Lambeth Larder community food resource

Their April Newsletter contained a number of useful ideas and contacts, including a couple of funding sources.  See it at https://bit.ly/3xlvDsK and sign up for future issues. 

London Historic Buildings Trust

This could be useful if you are exploring a project around re-use and restoration of a historic building.  The Trust is offering a free on-line series of 3 workshops on Visioning & Viability – Establishing Heritage Projects. Among the case studies is our very own Brixton Windmill. The three dates are
Monday 17 May, 2 pm to 5 pm, Introduction; 
Tuesday 25 May, 2 pm to 5 pm, Visioning;
Tuesday 8 June, 9 am to 12 noon, Viability.
Please book via Eventbrite  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/visioning-viability-establishing-heritage-projects-tickets-151177202081

Project Management Workshop, Wednesday 2 June

In case you missed the e-mail from Integrate, they are putting on an on-line workshop session on the Fundamentals of Project Management, presented by Laura Bassett, their Director of Partnerships.  It is aimed at anyone managing projects who has not had prior training in project management.  It will run on Zoom from 9 am to 11 am.  Enquiries to eoin.heffernan@integrateagency.co.uk

The Little Book of…

The Charity Learning Consortium have shared details of a series of handy guides including Webinars, Video Learning and In-house Coaching.  Enquiries to Martin Baker, tel. 0845 1707 702 or martinbaker@comms.charitylearning.org
To explore more training resources from this provider, go to https://charitylearning.org

Finding Volunteers

On Handis a digital platform of local volunteers who specialise in supporting residents who need general support due to health, disability or isolation reasons.  To see if it could be useful for your group, see https://www.beonhand.co.uk/council-and-charity-partnerships

Keeping in touch
 
Is our message getting through?
Do you find these bulletins useful?  Do you share them with neighbours or with other members of your group?  Are there other topics that you would like to see included?
Please contact 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, for quicker access;
– If you have moved away or are no longer interested in what we do.

Share your news too!
We are keen to include news and requests from our member groups in these bulletins, which we circulate at least monthly.  Items are usually short, bearing in mind that many people are struggling to read this on their mobile phones.  Please send any news for the June bulletin to arrive by 1st June, to the Secretary at apiperbrix@aol.com

Planning Ahead

Priorities for the year ahead

With a new financial year starting in April, we are preparing a bid for further funding from the Lambeth Forum Network (LFN).  If there is something that you think the Forum should be doing, now is the time to tell us!  We can also approach other funders, or collaborate with other groups.  We are already liaising with Vassall & Coldharbour Forum over employability projects – how far should we go with this, or would you prefer us to focus on other things?

We’ll Meet Again

We are still making plans for our next couple of (on-line) events, but in the meantime, we wanted to remind you about some other events and opportunities which are coming up.  We have been encouraged by the turnout for our last 3 Forum meetings, all via Zoom, and at last there are prospects of meeting each other face-to-face later this year

Remember we welcome groups to present their projects or raise issues at our Forum meetings.  If we can hear from you soon, it helps us to plan the agenda for each session.  Please contact the Secretary, Alan Piper, at apiperbrix@aol.com

Health and Social Care

Milestones to Recovery

A reminder of the key dates for the gradual return to normal – but please remember that these may be delayed or varied if Coronavirus infection rates do not fall as fast as expected. Please maintain social distancing in the meantime.  Individual sites and venues may re-open later if they need more time for preparation. The following is summarised from the Government website

Step 1: Monday 8 March:  Schools due to return but staff and secondary pupils will be subject to regular testing.  Two people from different households can meet out-of-doors.

Step 2: Monday 29 March: Small outdoor gatherings allowed, subject to the “Rule of 6”, or else two households may mix out of doors.  Outdoor sports can resume, but working from home should continue where possible.

Step 3: Monday 12 April:  Most shops, hairdressers, gyms, nail bars, community centres, libraries and art galleries may re-open.  Cafes and pubs may re-open for outdoor hospitality only.  Self-catering holidays allowed within the UK (but situation in Wales/ Scotland/ Ulster may vary). 

In all sectors, COVID-Secure guidance will remain in place and premises must not cater for groups larger than the legal limits.

People will be asked to follow guidance on how to meet safely, for example by minimising the size of gatherings and meeting outdoors where possible.

At Step 3, the Government will further ease limits on social contact, enabling the public to make informed personal decisions. It will remain important for people to consider the risks for themselves, taking into account whether they and those they meet have been vaccinated or are at greater risk.

Strep 4: Monday 17 May:  Outdoor gatherings of up to 30 people allowed.  Indoor hospitality may re-open.  Museums, theatres and sports arenas may re-open but at reduced capacity.  Possible relaxations for overseas travel.

By Step 4, the government aims to remove all legal limits on social contact, publishing accompanying guidance on how best to reduce the risk of transmission and protect ourselves and loved ones.

Even as restrictions are lifted, it is essential that everyone carries on with the good habits that reduce transmission: remembering ‘hands, face, space’ and letting fresh air in, getting a test on the first sign of symptoms and self-isolating if it is positive. It is safer to meet outdoors and to avoid large gatherings.

Businesses must also continue to take necessary precautions as restrictions ease. 

Monday 21 June: Target date for all restrictions to be lifted.  All types of business or public venues allowed to re-open, including night clubs.

NB – The Lambeth Country Show will be a “virtual” event again this year.

Health Promotion on 7 April

Healthwatch Lambeth are running an interactive event on Wednesday 7 April to mark World Health Day and Stress Awareness Month.  If you want to run a workshop or present a talk or taster session as part of this, contact Caroline Waran urgently at  caroline.waran@healthwatchlambeth.org.uk
Otherwise, for event details/ booking, see  https://www.healthwatchlambeth.org.uk/

More news and events

Hondo Tower – the Mayor will decide!

It was recently announced that the Mayor has called in the controversial Hondo Tower planning application for his own decision.  This will follow a public hearing but the exact process and timescale are unclear so far.  More details will follow once we know.

Meanwhile, support is building for retaining International House as a hub for creative businesses and community organisations., following the launch of the Council’s search for a developer partner for this and the Pop Brixton site.  So far, the Brixton Society, the Brixton Rec Users Group and the 20th Century Society have called for its retention and listing, reflecting its close integration with the Recreation Centre.

Lambeth Climate Emergency – Citizens Assembly

Lambeth Council is convening a Citizens’ Assembly to come up with recommendations on how Lambeth can become Carbon-neutral by 2030.  The Assembly will have limited membership and act rather like a jury to consider evidence and produce some agreed conclusions.  The challenge for those seeking a more sustainable approach will be to marshall evidence to put before this Assembly.  For more details, see https://bit.ly/2Zr7GR2

Other Council consultations

Lambeth Made Community meetings

In parallel with the network of Neighbourhood Forums, Lambeth Council is also running its own series of Ward-based community meetings.  These are usually led by Councillor Jacqui Dyer, Cabinet member for Jobs, Skills and Community Safety, with Ward councillors in attendance.  The emphasis is intended to be on community resilience, local problems and community safety. 

The next that we are aware of is for Coldharbour Ward on Thursday 18 March from 6 pm to 7-30 on Zoom.  You can sign up for this meeting at coldharbour.commonplace.is or www.lambeth.gov.uk/Coldharbour/LMC

Closing dates for comments: 

A reminder that closing dates for comments on various Council proposals are as follows:
– Special Educational Needs, Disabilities and Inclusion Strategy, closing date 2nd April.
– Licensing of small Houses in Multiple Occupation, closing date 12 March.
– Main Modifications to the Draft Revised Lambeth Local Plan, closing date 29 March.

Census Day approaches

Letters should be arriving in early March to introduce arrangements for the Census.  The official date is 21 March.  This year, the aim is to encourage most Census forms to be completed on-line, but we all know that many local residents have limited or no internet access.  However, you can request a paper form, or an individual form if you are in a shared house or flat, or obtain forms in a choice of other languages.
You can find guidance at https://census.gov.uk/help/ or phone the telephone support centre at 0800 141 2021, or for translation services 0800 587 2021. The cesnus helps the government plan future priorities and spending, and will provide an invaluable resource for future historians and researchers when the information is released to the public in 2093.

81 Acts of Exuberant Defiance

To mark the 40th anniversary of the 1981 Uprising, individuals, community groups and organisations are invited to come together and create 81 Acts of Exuberant Defiance.  Share the historical context, highlight the voices of those who were there, bring together the exuberant diaspora of Brixton, connect to imagine new ways forward together.

Open House session on Thursday 11 March, 6-30 to 8-30 pm on-line.  Do you already have something in mind? Are you still thinking about it? Want to know more? For more information, or to sign up for the session, see www.81actsofexuberantdefiance.com

More Road works in the Town Centre

Southern Gas Networks has announced that it will be renewing gas pipes below Coldharbour Lane, starting from Tuesday 9 March.  This will close the section between Brixton Road and Atlantic Road for at least 5 weeks.  Enquiries to 0800 912 1700 or customer@sgn.co.uk
Meanwhile, the northern section of Atlantic Road remains closed from Coldharbour Lane to Brixton Road, due to Network Rail’s delays in repairing the railway viaduct and platforms at Brixton Railway Station.

Southwyck House Community Hall

At the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic, Millennium Community Services combined forces with Healthy Living Platform and Lambeth Council to transform the under-used Southwyck House Community Hall, below the Barrier Block.  It’s now an active hub, offering food parcels to those shielding or isolating, and offering workshops and activities to both educate and entertain.  They are keen to offer a range of different cuisines to match the diverse array of cultures and ethnicities in the surrounding area. Millennium CS have now launched a crowd-funding drive to support this side of their operations – enquiries to millenniumcommunityservices@outlook.com

Funding, Training and Support

National Lottery Heritage Grants

Applications are open again for National Lottery Heritage Grants, but with new priorities for 2021/22 reflecting the ongoing impact of Coronavirus.  They expect to give priority to projects which boost the local economy, encourage skills and job creation, support wellbeing, create better places to live, work or visit, and improve the resilience of heritage organisations. The application process and complexity depends on the scale of funding you are seeking:  £3,000 to £10,000, £10,000 to £250,000 and  £250,000 to £5 million.  See  https://www.heritagefund.org.uk/funding/

Opportunities for Overseas Study return

One of the early casualties of Brexit has been the opportunity for young people to study abroad under the Erasmus Programme.  It has recently been announced that the Government will fund a replacement programme, known as the Turing Scheme.  Funding will be divided between 3 sectors, Higher Education, Further Education/ Vocational Training, and Secondary Schools.  Applications will be made on-line – see https://www.turing-scheme.org.uk/funding-opportunities/

Networking

Tapping into kindred groups and networks to share ideas and find collaborators is still possible, despite the current lockdown. For example, the Brixton Neighbourhood Forum is affiliated to Locality, a national network for community centres and projects.  This has some special interest groups including Community-led Housing, Early Years practitioners (for nurseries and pre-schools), Human Resources (for advice on employment matters) and Coastal Communities. 

STRIDE has some exciting opportunities coming up over the next couple of months for local people in Lambeth to get involved in. The opportunities will help to support young people from South London into careers in the creative and tech industries. As well as supporting entrepreneurs to start-up and grow creative and tech businesses. All of the opportunities are completely free and available to people living in Lambeth and other southern boroughs. https://stride.london

Scholarships for the renowned School of Communication Arts online advertising course – 12 month course starting in April or September 2021 (applications for April intake close second week in March)

Join the Voltage Revolution programme from Do It Now Now to get trained for a job in the creative and tech sectors – 6 month course starting in March 2021

RE–SET–GO training programme for young architects – 1-to-1 mentoring sessions and CV surgeries available to book now
To find out MORE contact  Rosie Gainsborough  RGainsborough@lambeth.gov.uk

WinTrade Global Network is continuing its series of Thursday lunchtime sessions for Women in Business, trades or professions.  This month it is moving to a different webinar platform, the Airmeet Conference Platform, which will enable a wider range of functions.  Enquiries to Dr Yvonne Thompson CBE of 7 Traits Leadership Learning, e-mail:  yvonne.thompson@wintradeweek.com

Make it in Brixton recently launched as the face of Brixton’s Creative Enterprise Zone, funded by the Mayor of London.  It will co-ordinate, curate and cultivate creativity of all kinds, spanning education, training and business support.  It should give practitioners, facilitators and trainers a common voice. More details on the website at https://inbrixton.org/

Looking for Directors/ Trustees

Incredible Edible Lambeth are actively seeking new directors to join them, after an explosion of interest in food growing, green spaces and engaging with nature over the past year.  Within the past 9 months they have secured funding from 3 different sources to provide support for food growers, and to create a new template for managing green spaces around estates for biodiversity and food growing.  This template is already being trialled on 6 estates.  The team are also working with Arup to map existing and potential green spaces across the whole borough for further potential.
See the website www.incredibleediblelambeth.org or contact Janie at director@incredibleediblelambeth.org if interested.

We hear that other organisations around Brixton are also looking for extra Trustees, Directors or Board members, ideally those who can bring particular skills to the team.   We will gladly feature your needs in future bulletins – preferably tell us something about what you do, the challenges you face, and if there are any deadlines for responses. 

Keep in Touch

Is our mailing list up to date?
We want to reach all local groups and interests, so please notify us at admin@brixtonneighbourhoodforum.org
– If you want to add a colleague or neighbour to our mailing list.
– If you are changing your e-mail or other contact details.
– If you have moved away or are no longer interested.

Share your news
We are keen to include news and requests from our member groups in these bulletins.  If there are other issues or sources of help that you would like to see in future bulletins, do tell us.  Please send any news for next month’s bulletin to arrive by 5th March, to the Secretary at apiperbrix@aol.com We occasionally add an extra bulletin if there are urgent items or just lots of news to share.