Arts,, Community, Events, Fund Raising, News, Training

APRIL 2026

Open Meetings

So far, we have lined up two open meetings of the Neighbourhood Forum, for all who live, work or study in the Brixton area. Both of these will be held at St. Matthew’s Estate TRA Hall in St. Matthew’s Road, SW2 1NH.

Council elections hustings, Monday 27 April

Our next General Meeting will be a Hustings for candidates from all parties contesting seats in our area.  It will be held on Monday 27 April from 7 pm at the St. Matthew’s Estate Tenants Hall, near the North end of St. Matthew’s Road, SW2.

This is in readiness for the Lambeth Council elections on Thursday 7th May.  The Brixton Neighbourhood Forum covers 3 complete Council wards – North Brixton, Brixton Acre Lane and Brixton Windrush – plus parts of Brixton Rush Common and Herne Hill & Loughborough Junction.  We welcome your questions in advance to put candidates on the spot – send to apiperbrix@aol.com – but we will also take them on the night if time allows.

Understanding Planning Tuesday 2nd June Venue to be confirmed 7 pm. A briefing workshop by the Brixton Society to help you respond to planning applications, both large and small.  We will try to give you some pointers on how to object, or even support, local proposals.  Also, how to shape the policies which steer planning decisions. Please tell us if you are coming so we can make space for you – info@brixtonsociety.org.uk

More Events coming up

When time and space permit, we occasionally include events and activities beyond our core area, if they are easy enough to reach.

Sculptor Talk at Lambeth Archives: Voices from Ukraine Saturday 18 April: 11 am to 12 noon, talk and introduction to the exhibition by Stephen Duncan – enquiries to s.t.j.duncan@gmail.com Exhibition continues until 25 April (closed Wednesdays and Sundays) at Lambeth Archives, Brixton Hill SW2.

Networking Breakfast for Community Organisations Thursday 23 April: 9 am to 10 am, the Brixton Project Space (2nd floor/mezzanine), International House, Canterbury Crescent, SW9 7QD. Enquiries/ bookings to vcspartnership@thebrixtonproject.com

A New Chapter for Sunshine International Arts “As we close one chapter and begin another, Sunshine International Arts warmly invites you to our final exhibition at our Loughborough Junction Community Art Centre, with Out of De Alleyway, showing the work we delivered with the local community across Lambeth… While we move on from Loughborough Junction, we are not leaving our community. We remain rooted in Lambeth and are proud to continue working alongside our partners as we transition to Sunshine Studios @ SET Vauxhall (SSSV) the journey continues, stronger and brighter.”

The final Out of De Alleyway exhibition will be at Sunshine Studios, 209a Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8RU, 29 & 30 April from 2 to 6 pm.

Green spaces, Green issues

Community Clean-up Achieved It’s well worth recording that, back on 1st March, several community groups came together in a co-ordinated litter-picking event across Central Brixton, Angell Town, Moorlands Estate, Loughborough Junction and Myatt’s Fields Park, finishing with a closing celebration in Windrush Square.  The event was led by young people from Young People’s Movement (YPM) and RAE Academy with support from Marcus Lipton Community Enterprise, Action on ASB, Brixton BID and LJAG.  Friends of Loughborough Park and Friends of Brockwell Park maybe didn’t get the memo and made their efforts the following Sunday, but overall it shows the goodwill across the Brixton area.

Events at Brixton Windmill May Fest is on Bank Holiday Monday, 4 May from 1 pm to 5 pm, including live music, morris dancers, seasonal arts and craft activities, food and beer stalls. Regular openings of the mill take place on at least one weekend a month until October – next up are 11/12 April and 9/10 May. Please book if you want the full tour. For all their events and activities, see the website, www.brixtonwindmill.org

Lambeth Parks Forum Lambeth’s Parks & Open Spaces Forum meets quarterly, bringing together the various Friends groups which are active in local parks. Their next meeting is on Wednesday 10 June, 6 pm at Lambeth Town Hall.  Enquiries to lambethparksforum@gmail.com

Events at Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses

Friday 24 April: Earth Day Wine Tasting in collaboration with Wild & Lees, starts 7 pm.

Sunday 26 April at 6 pm, Live Music on sitar and tambora by Tommy Khosla and Grigorio Merchan.

Sunday 10 May at 10 am, Willow Weaving workshop including making plant supports.

Botanical Book Talks in collaboration with Dulwich Books:

Thursday 16 April at 7 pm, Amy Chapman on Dopamine Gardening;

Thursday 14 May at 7 pm, Lottie Delamain on Gardens that can save the World.

For details, costs and bookings for these and other events, see the website, https://www.brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk/events 

Brixton Orchard: Help care for this green plot on the corner of Brixton Hill and St. Matthew’s Road, SW2 1NQ Volunteer gardening sessions are held most Wednesdays, 12 noon to 3 pm.

On Your Bike Brixton BID continues to sponsor monthly sessions by Dr Bike mechanics for cycle safety checks and essential maintenance. The next is on Wednesday 29 April, 12 to 3 pm outside Brixton Wholefoods on Atlantic Road, SW2.

Funding, Training & Support

Free Training Courses For Lambeth-based charities, community groups or other non-profit organisations, the Lambeth Community Hubs Network has just published the schedule of free courses on offer up to late June.  Most of these courses take just half a day.  They can also offer tailored capacity-building and a bank of useful tools, templates and guides. Enquiries to info@lambethhubs.com or see the website: www.lambethhubs.com

Ecosystem Coldharbour is also running some skills training and workshops for community organisations, including: How to be an Effective Trustee (or board or committee member) over 2 evening sessions, 28 & 29 April, 6 pm to 9 pm, on-line via Zoom. Book via www.ecosystemcoldharbour.org

Mayor’s Boost for Hospitality This week the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, announced the return of his Summer Streets Fund, which will help local councils support local businesses to increase events and al fresco dining, plus extend opening hours in the warmer months.  Last year’s pilot programme focussed on outdoor dining spaces in several boroughs including Lambeth.  Cafes, bars, restaurants, nightclubs and live music venues can apply for funding via their local council.  This ties in with Lambeth’s Night-Time Economy Strategy, launched last month.

But Creative Sector at Risk Perversely, Lambeth launched its new strategy for the Creative Sector in the same week as it gave permission for the redevelopment of International House.  This had been a rare success in hosting a cluster of creatives, designers, freelancers and entrepreneurs, as well as charities and community organisations. The loss of this building might be survivable except that two other ex-office buildings have already been given planning permission for conversion into hotels – that’s Blue Star House and the former Quin & Axtens store between Ferndale and Stockwell Roads (currently run by the Artists Studio Company).  You can hardly have a Creative Zone if there is no space left for those enterprises to operate!

Users of International House are continuing to fight their corner, with a series of lunch-time get-togethers to share ideas and network. Next sessions are on Thursday 16 and Wednesday 22 April, both 12-30 to 3-30 pm on the 6th floor, then Monday 27 April in the ground floor meeting room from 12-30 pm.  Enquiries to joseph.cole.24@ucl.ac.uk or

Health & Social Care

Healthwatch Lambeth If you are having difficulty finding or getting access to health services, Healthwatch Lambeth can offer support.  They offer free confidential guidance and information, to help you understand your options or raise concerns.  There are self-help guides on their website, or you can phone or e-mail for one-to-one support.  They are also willing to come to community groups to give pointers on making complaints about NHS services or raising concerns about social care.

Contact info@healthwatchlambeth.org.uk or phone 020 7274 8522.

New SEND Group at St.Vincent’s They are launching a new Arts and Crafts group for young people with disabilities directly after the Easter holidays, from Saturday 18 April, running 10 am to 11 am at St.Vincent’s Brixton Community Centre, Talma Road SW2 1AS.  For ages 11 to 18, enquiries to Leanne Twidale, LeanneT@svp.org.uk

Loos for Lambeth This is a local group of residents campaigning to improve provision of public toilets in the the borough, to make it easier for people of all ages to get out and about.  We are calling on Lambeth Council to revive its Community Toilet Scheme – the number of sites remaining accessible is now down to single figures, with a lack of publicity about what’s available and where.

If you are resident, pester your councillors (or candidates) and raise the issue.

If you are a local business, register your interest to provide a Community Toilet with the campaign.

Loos for Lambeth is supported by Age UK London – see the webpage at bit.ly/Local Loos or e-mail campaigns@ageuklondon.org.uk

Community, Events, News

March 2026


Open Meetings

So far, we have lined up two open meetings of the Neighbourhood Forum, open to all who live, work or study in the Brixton area. Both of these will be held at St. Matthew’s Estate TRA Hall in St. Matthew’s Road, SW2.

Later on, we aim to host a series of meetings in different parts of the neighbourhood, so if you want to suggest a meeting place nearer to you, please contact the Secretary at apiperbrix@aol.com

Council elections hustings, Monday 27 April

Our next General Meeting will be a Hustings for candidates from all parties contesting seats in our area.  It will be held on Monday 27 April from 7 pm at the St. Matthew’s Estate Tenants Hall, near the North end of St. Matthew’s Road, SW2. This is in readiness for the Lambeth Council elections on Thursday 7th May.  The Brixton Neighbourhood Forum covers 3 complete Council wards – North Brixton, Brixton Acre Lane and Brixton Windrush – plus parts of Brixton Rush Common and Herne Hill & Loughborough Junction.

Understanding Planning Tuesday 2nd June
Once again at St. Matthew’s TRA Hall, 7 pm.
A briefing workshop by the Brixton Society to help you respond to planning applications, both large and small.  We will try to give you some pointers on how to object, or even support, local proposals.  Please tell us if you are coming so we can make space for you – info@brixtonsociety.org.uk

More Events coming up

When time and space permit, we occasionally include events and activities beyond our core area, if they are easy enough to reach.


 A Night at the Musicals 14 March
A vibrant evening of songs from old-time classics like West Side Story to more modern favourites from Billy Elliot. Longfield Voices and Vocal Chords choirs will be joined by special guest soloists Chloe Todd (soprano) and George Reynolds (baritone) – uniting to raise our spirts and also some funding for our free community choir. We are pretty certain you’ll be humming along – if not breaking into song too. With a bar selling cocktails and a raffle with fantastic prizes to be won, it’s definitely not to be missed! Tickets: Various prices – check Eventbrite for details
Email enquiry@longfieldhall.org.uk or call 0207 978 9153 if you have any questions.


Brixton Society

Thursday 19th March, 6.15pm at Brixton Library, Brixton Oval, SW2 1JQ
Henry Doulton’s ‘Lady Artists’, illustrated talk by Dr Jane Jordan
Doulton’s Lambeth Art Pottery at Vauxhall was remarkable for employing a significant number of female ceramic designers and decorators. This illustrated talk takes us inside Doulton’s to discover what conditions were like for this pioneering generation of professional women artists, and why a significant number of these women chose long careers over marriage, which at the time was considered woman’s true career. The talk will focus on those artists and assistants who lived in Brixton (including some of the most famous), and look at a range of Doulton art pottery dating from the 1870s to 1920s.
The talk is free, but please book here.
There is an option when you book to make a donation. Any contribution, however small, will be very gratefully received. The donations will go towards covering the cost of the venue. Anything additional will go towards the wider work of the Brixton Society, helping us to keep our walks and talks free or very low cost. 
 
Brixton Society – Brixton Market Heritage Walks 
Just £5 including a Brixton Market Heritage book. All walks are led by long-time Brixton residents and take place on the 2nd Saturday of each month, starting 2.30pm on Brixton Station Road. Still a few places left for next walk Saturday 14th March. 
 
Rapport Festival of Film, 27-29 March at The Ritzy
The Rapport Festival of Film returns to the iconic Ritzy Picturehouse in Brixton for its 2026 edition, running from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th March 2026.  Curated by Lara Samuels: Artistic Director of Rapport Festival. The festival promises three days of powerful storytelling, dynamic discussions, and community celebration, showcasing the very best of Black independent cinema from the UK and around the world. 
Tickets: Available now at https://rapportfestival.com/festival-of-film-2026/
 
New Youth Hub launching on Wednesday 18 March 4pm – 7pm
We’re excited to officially announce the Trash Gxng Launch Party of our brand new youth hub in the heart of Brixton – this wouldn’t have been possible without your support and we’d love to have you there! We’re bringing the energy, the vibes, and the full Trash Gxng experience to life, and you won’t want to miss this first celebration with the community. The full agenda for the day can be found on the link for registration. Directly RSVP to confirm your attendance here: RSVP here we are 336  336 Brixton Road London SW9 7AA
http://www.trashgxng.co.uk/
 
Lambeth Hospital: New Plans
Saturday 21 March: Revised plans for a mainly residential development of the site in Landor Road will be on display for comments between 10 am and 1 pm, at the Central Film School, 72 Landor Road, SW9 9PH.
 
Brixton Day and Night: Public Drop-In Sessions at Brixton Library
We are hosting two events at Brixton Library at the end of this month to share where we are up to on the Brixton Day & Night project, with some early ideas for public space improvements across the town centre.
 
These are public events and are open to all, it would be great to see you there to get your opinion on the emerging ideas. Click here for more information about the project. If you are happy to share this with your networks please do, we are hoping to hear from as many people as possible before the more detailed design work begins.
Drop-in 1: Tuesday 24th March 4:00pm – 7:30pm
Drop-in 2: Thursday 26th March 11:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Ground floor of Brixton Library Windrush Square, Brixton Oval, London SW2 1JQ

St Vincent’s
Registration for our summer term activities is now open, and we would be beyond grateful for your support in sharing. We have activities for all ages and abilities available, and everything is free to access.
 
Tai Chi, for adults for all ages, Friday 17th April 10-11 am. We will run every week (not including May half term) until 10th July.  A gentle yet physically active class in which you will focus on breathing, balance and meditation. In our upper hall at St Vincent’s Brixton Community Centre, Talma Road, SW2 1AS
 
Drama, for young people aged 11-16 Wednesday 15th April 4:30-6 pm. We will run every week (not including May half term) until 8th July. A fun drama class, focusing on improvisation, characterisation, and learning skills. 
Email LeanneT@svp.org.uk or FaithM@svp.org.uk to sign up…

Green spaces, Green issues


Walking in Brockwell Park
Friday 20 March: Community walk around the park for over 50s, plus an opportunity for free walk leader training.  Meet outside the Brockwell Hall café at 11 am.  Enquiries to Dawn Hartwell on 07915 726 047 or e-mail to wellbeing@blackprincetrust.org.uk
 
Regular activities in and around the hall are continuing, as announced last month – see the website www.blackprincetrust.org.uk
 
Events at Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses
Sunday 15 March: Tamesas Folk Trio, music event in the Barn at 6 pm.
Saturday 21 March: Lino-cutting workshop, learn how to sketch, carve and print your own greetings card, inspired by nature, 12-30 pm.
Friday 24 April: Earth Day Wine Tasting in collaboration with Wild & Lees, starts 7 pm.
Botanical Book Talks in collaboration with Dulwich Books:
Thursday 16 April at 7 pm, Amy Chapman on Dopamine Gardening;
Thursday 14 May at 7 pm, Lottie Delamain on Gardens that can save the World.
For details, costs and bookings for all these events, see the website, https://www.brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk/events 
 
Events at Brixton Windmill
Regular openings of the mill start again from the weekend 28 & 29 March – please book if you want the full tour.  Sunday 29 March is also the Easter Family Day, 1 pm to 5 pm.
Regular sessions include the following:
Tai Chi for beginners (age 50+, free) Wednesdays at 10-30 am.
Community Club for age 60+, Thursdays 10 am to 2 pm, including chair exercise at 10-30.
Wild Balance Yoga Class, Fridays 9 am to 10 am, book slots via hello@wild-balance.co.uk Pilates for beginners (drop-in, £5 per session) Fridays 12 to 1 pm.
Joy of Sound, seated Tai Chi with music,
Fridays 2-30 to 3-30 pm.
Tai Chi in Windmill Gardens (pay what you can), Saturdays 11-30 am.
Please book for all events via the website, www.brixtonwindmill.org
 
On Your Bike
Brixton BID continues to sponsor monthly sessions by Dr Bike mechanics for cycle safety checks and essential maintenance. The next is on Wednesday 25 March, 12 to 3 pm outside Bellefields, at the junction of Bellefields Road and Stockwell Avenue, SW9 9SY.


 Crime and Safety


 Brixton Police Station Counter
Against an overall trend to reduce public access to police stations in London, Brixton’s front counter opening times have actually been extended.  Opening hours are now 10 am to 10 pm Monday to Friday, and 9 am to 7 pm at weekends.  24/7 counter services are available at Charing Cross and Lewisham police stations.
 
Windrush Square Safe Hub
Following last month’s report, this is now operating in Windrush Square on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.
It is intended to provide a safe place for people to go late at night if they are feeling unsafe and need some help. It will provide advice, hot drinks, medical help and support for anyone feeling vulnerable. So far, provision is very basic and first impressions are that it needs to develop if Lambeth is serious about its new Strategy for the Night-time Economy. 
 
Bystander Training Events
Recent publicity for social media being used to provoke teen-on-teen violence makes these training events suddenly more topical. They are in-person and Lambeth-based – more details from Fatou Gassama at fatou.gassama@ourwatch.org.uk
 
Wednesday 18 March, 2 pm to 4 pm;
Thursday 19 March, 12-30 to 2-30 pm;
Tuesday 24 March, 12-30 to 2-30 pm.


Funding, Training & Support


 Free Support
For Lambeth-based charities, community groups or other non-profit organisations, the Lambeth Community Hubs Network offers free practical support to strengthen your efforts.  They offer tailored capacity-building, a programme of training and workshops, peer learning and networking opportunities, plus a bank of useful tools, templates and guides.
Enquiries to info@lambethhubs.com or see the website: www.lambethhubs.com
 
Grant sources and deadlines
We are reducing this section because other people are now being paid to advise community groups on grant sources, while we are far too busy seeking funding to keep our own organisation going!
 
Trade Shows
Attending trade shows and exhibitions can help small and start-up businesses keep up with wider trends in their industry as well as finding new products, services and appliances.
Given the high profile of catering and hospitality in our Town Centre, take note that there’s a clutch of trade shows at the Excel exhibition centre on 30 March to 1st April including the International Food & Drink Event (contact ifeteam@montgomerygroup.com ) and Hospitality, Restaurant & Catering (hrc@montgomerygroup.com ).  
Business Networking
Born or Made in Brixton holds fortnightly meetings for creatives, designers, freelancers and entrepreneurs, to provide mutual support and networking.  Next event is on Wednesday 18 March, from 8-30 to 9-30 am at 3Space (ground floor meeting room), International House, Canterbury Crescent, SW9 7QD. 
More info at www.bornormade.com
 
Your Forum Bulletins
 
Get your name out there!  If you are doing something around the Brixton area – an event, a new service, or making changes in what you already do – you are welcome to use these bulletins to tell other Forum members. That’s well over 700 on our current list.  We aim to circulate around the 10th of each month, but please allow us a week to put it together, because we work on a very part-time basis.
So, send items by the 3rd of the month to the Forum Secretary at apiperbrix@aol.com.

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

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

February 2026

Making Plans for Brixton

Before Christmas, we were awaiting the go-ahead to start devising a Neighbourhood Plan that would reflect the needs and aspirations of the community rather than the ambitions of developers.  However, Lambeth Council planners pointed out several topics where we need to improve our arrangements, so we are currently contacting various groups to resolve concerns.

For example, we have been talking with the Loughborough Junction Action Group about extending the boundary to include the local centre around the railway station, as well as supporting a bid for lifts up to platform level.

If you think something else should be included in our plans, make sure you tell us soon – contact Alan Piper (Forum Secretary) at apiperbrix@aol.com


Our next open meeting – Council elections hustings, Monday 27 April

It may seem a long way off, but we wanted to fit this in shortly before the Lambeth Council elections on Thursday 7th May.  Our next General Meeting will be a Hustings for candidates from all parties contesting seats in our area.  It will be held on Monday 27 April from 7 pm at the St. Matthew’s Estate Tenants Hall, near the North end of St. Matthew’s Road, SW2.

The Neighbourhood Forum covers 3 complete Council wards – North Brixton, Acre Lane and Windrush – plus parts of Rush Common and Herne Hill & Loughborough Junction.

More Events coming up


When time and space permit, we include events and activities beyond our core area if they are easy enough to reach.

Film Screening & Workshop
Thursday 19 February at the Liberation Centre, Beehive Place SW9: A joint Film screening and workshop by the Advocacy Academy and the Stuart Hall Foundation.
Book via Eventbrite.

LGBTQ+ Zine Fair
Saturday 21 February, 12 pm to 4-30 pm in Brixton Library, come and see a range of ‘zines on LGBTQ+ themes. 

Literacy Festival
Saturday 28 February, 11 am to 3 pm:
St. Vincent’s Hall, Talma Road, SW2 1AS. A special event for children and young people as part of the National Year of Reading, with stalls from Doorstep Library and the National Literacy Trust.  Each child and young person will be able to meet a chidren’s author, join in craft-making, a drama workshop or drumming, and head home with a free book.  Free but please reserve spaces in advance by e-mail to LeanneT@svp.org.uk 

Spring Black Culture Market 
Weekend 28 February & 1st March, 11 am to 5 pm with a different mix of traders each day, in the basement of The Department Store, 248 Ferndale Road SW9 8FR. Free but please book in advance at www.blackculturemarket.co.uk 


Green spaces, Green issues


What’s on in Brockwell Hall
A reminder about some free sessions for residents over 50, provided by the Black Prince Trust: 
Tai Chi, Mondays 10 am to 10-45;
Chair Exercise (Band Together) Tuesdays, 
2 pm to 2-45;
Chair Yoga, Wednesdays 1-15 pm to 2 pm;
Mat Yoga, Wednesdays 2-15 pm to 3 pm.
To book, visit www.blackprincetrust.org.uk or enquiries to Bev de Valmency, 07 301 032 161 or wellbeing@blackprincetrust.org.uk 

There are also paid Hatha Yoga classes (no age limits) on Fridays between 8 am and 9 am at £15 per session, provided by Yogabliss in the Bristowe Room.  For more details please see https://yogabliss.org.uk/classes/

Events at Brockwell Park 
Community Greenhouses
Sunday 15 February: Flash Fiction, creative writing to produce a perfectly-formed story in less than a thousand words, 10-30 to 1 pm.
Sunday 22 February: Willow-weaving basket making workshop, 10 am to 4 pm.
Sunday 1st March: Mindfulness in Nature, 12-30 to 3-30 pm.
For details, costs and bookings for all these events, see the website, https://www.brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk/events  

Events at Brixton Windmill
Regular sessions include the following:
Tai Chi for beginners (age 50+, free) Wednesdays at 10-30 am.
Community Club for age 60+, Thursdays 10 am to 2 pm, including chair exercise at 10-30. 
Wild Balance Yoga Class, Fridays 9 am to 10 am, book slots via hello@wild-balance.co.uk Pilates for beginners (drop-in, £5 per session) Fridays 12 to 1 pm.
Joy of Sound, seated Tai Chi with music, 
Fridays 2-30 to 3-30 pm.
Tai Chi in Windmill Gardens (pay what you can), Saturdays 11-30 am.
There are also occasional workshop-type events – the next is a Bread-making Class on Saturday 28 February, 10-30 to 1-30 pm.
Please book for all events via the website, www.brixtonwindmill.org

Lambeth Climate Partnership
Biodiversity is the theme for their next event, on Tuesday 24 February, 5 pm at the Garden Museum (the former St. Mary’s Church next to Lambeth Palace), Lambeth Road SE1.
There will be several short presentations and a chance to network with others.  
Enquiries/ bookings to lcp@lambeth.gov.uk, or for an overview, see www.lambethclimatepartnership.org 

Windrush Square Safe Hub
Local councilor Scarlett O’Hara reports that  Brixton is getting a new Safe Hub located in Windrush Square.  Supported by the Brixton BID and the Council, it will be a larger facility than the temporary version recently tested. It is intended to provide a safe place for people to go late at night if they are feeling unsafe and need some help.
It will provide advice, hot drinks, medical help and support for anyone feeling vulnerable. This is part of Lambeth’s overdue Strategy for the Night-time Economy.  Look out for it on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.


Funding, Training & Support 


Grant deadlines approaching
Less opportunities listed this month, simply because we are too busy researching grant sources to keep our own organisation going beyond the end of March!

A reminder that Locality previously advised us of these offers (Google the funder for contact details):
Peter Harrison Foundation – Opportunities through Sport, up to £50,000, closes 1 April.
Ironmonger’s Company, for charities working with disadvantaged young people, grants up to £10,000, closing date 31 July.

Business Networking
Born or Made in Brixton holds fortnightly meetings for creatives, designers, freelancers and entrepreneurs, to provide mutual support and networking.  Next dates in our diary are Wednesdays 18 February & 4 March, both from 8-30 to 9-30 am at 3Space (ground floor meeting room), International House, Canterbury Crescent, SW9 7QD.  
More info at www.bornormade.com 

Free Support
For Lambeth-based charities, community groups or other non-profit organisations, the Lambeth Community Hubs Network offers free practical support to strengthen your efforts.  They offer tailored capacity-building, a program of training and workshops, peer learning and networking opportunities, plus a bank of useful tools, templates and guides.
Enquiries to info@lambethhubs.com or see the website: www.lambethhubs.com 

Help getting on-line
Back to Basics: Clear Community Web now holds Digital Drop-in Sessions on the Stockwell Gardens Estate: a friendly and free space to get questions answered or problems solved for your laptop, tablet or smartphone.

Tuesdays 2 pm to 4 pm in the Old Laundry, Eastcote Street SW9 9BY. 

High Trees Internet Café:  If you are on the south side of Brixton, the Internet Café at the High Trees Hub may suit you better.  It’s open to the public and free to use, with access to Wi-Fi and printing facilities, at 220 Upper Tulse Hill SW2 2NS (corner of Tulse Hill and Trinity Rise).  
Opening times Monday & Friday 9-30 am to 12-30 pm, and Wednesdays 2 pm to 5 pm.
Enquiries to hello@high-trees.org or phone (020) 8671 3132 or visit www.high-trees.org   

For disabled and older residents, there are also weekly sessions on Tuesdays run by Millennium Community Solutions at the Southwyck  Coding & Arts Centre (behind the Barrier Block), Southwyck Estate, SW9 8UR.  Contact Gail on 07 951 087 923.

Your Forum Bulletins
Get your name out there!  If you are doing something around the Brixton area – an event, a new service, or making changes in what you already do – you are welcome to use these bulletins to tell other Forum members. That’s well over 700 on our current list.  We aim to circulate around the 10th of each month, but please allow us a week to put it together, because we work on a very part-time basis. 
So, send items to the Forum Secretary at apiperbrix@aol.com by the 3rd of the month.

Keep in Touch
We want to be inclusive and ensure that these bulletins reach all community organisations, social enterprises and activists in the wider Brixton area.  Please contact us at admin@brixtonneighbourhoodforum.org 
–    If you want to be added to our mailing list, or to add a colleague or neighbour.
–    If you want these bulletins sent to a different e-mail address, so that you see them more quickly or reliably.
–    To unsubscribe if you have moved away or are no longer interested.

Arts,, Community, Events, News

January 2026

The Better Late than Never

A pause for breath…
After a brief pause for seasonal festivities, we are picking up the threads again.  This bulletin is being prepared just before our committee meets again on the 8th, so we are still sorting out our meeting dates (and places) for the next few months. 
In the meantime, we are repeating a few items from last month while there is still time for you to follow them up.

Brixton Neighbourhood Plan
As explained last month, we are refining our application to take on board the comments received, as well as feedback from Lambeth planners.  We were encouraged to see that the vote on the nearby Kennington/ Oval/ Vauxhall neighbourhood plan went off successfully on 11th December – the nearest part of their area is west of Brixton Road and north of South Island Place and Dorset Road.

To keep things moving, we welcome your suggestions of meeting places in different corners of Brixton, while we still have funds for room hire.  Also please get in touch if you have a bright idea, an offer of help or a local issue to raise.
Enquiries to Alan Piper, apiperbrix@aol.com

Forums face cuts
Back in November, the Council’s Cabinet agreed to a package of cuts to everything which the Council is not legally obliged to provide. Many local contracts were paused to reduce cashflow.  Neighbourhood Forums like ourselves were among the casualties, so we are now seeking other funding to continue our work until at least March 2027.  We are collaborating with the other forums where possible.

Green spaces, Green issues

Privatising Brockwell Park?
Lambeth seems to have given us the worst option for summer events in the Park.  Once again there’s a planning application for a series of commercial events in May/June, which will take a big chunk of the park out of public use for 5 weeks.  In the past few years the fencing, lighting, marquees etc have been shared with the Lambeth Country Show but Lambeth has already decided the million pounds to put on the Show is no longer affordable.  

Brockwell Hall is gradually hosting more events, following completion of the restoration in the Autumn.  There have been comments that hire fees are on the high side for community events, but there are some free sessions for residents over 50, provided by the Black Prince Trust, starting 12 January: 

Tai Chi, Mondays 10 am to 10-45;
Chair Exercise (Band Together) Tuesdays, 
2 pm to 2-45;
Chair Yoga, Wednesdays 1-15 pm to 2 pm;
Mat Yoga, Wednesdays 2-15 pm to 3 pm.
To book, visit www.blackprincetrust.org.uk or enquiries to Bev de Valmency, 07 301 032 161 or wellbeing@blackprincetrust.org.uk

There’s also a Community Wellbeing Day on Saturday 24 January, open 11 am to 3 pm.

There are also paid Hatha Yoga classes (no age limits) on Fridays between 8 am and 9 am at £15 per session, provided by Yogabliss in the Bristowe Room.  For more details please see https://yogabliss.org.uk/classes/

Community Greenhouses
There are already several practical workshop events lined up for the weeks ahead:
Sunday 15 February: Flash Fiction, creative writing to produce a perfectly-formed story in less than a thousand words, 10-30 to 1 pm.
Sunday 22 February: Willow-weaving basket making workshop, 10 am to 4 pm.
Sunday 1st March: Mindfulness in Nature, 12-30 to 3-30 pm.

For details, costs and bookings for all these events, see the website, https://www.brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk/events  

Max Roach Park wins friends
We welcome the recent formation of a Friends group for Max Roach Park.  A committee has been formed with a wide membership from local estates and streets, and support from LCC who manage the playgroup and playground within the park.  A recent upgrade of the playground has provided an initial boost but there is still plenty to do.

Lambeth Climate Partnership
Over the past year, a variety of organisations and businesses have been meeting to share good practice in energy efficiency and climate-friendly initiatives.  Members have heard about community greening projects, active travel programmes and innovative retrofit work. 
More is in mind for the year ahead, starting off with a meet-up focussed on Transport innovations – to confirm details, e-mail to lcp@lambeth.gov.uk

Brixton Windmill Events
Regular sessions include the following:
Tai Chi for beginners (age 50+, free) Wednesdays at 10-30 am.
Community Club for age 60+, Thursdays 10 am to 2 pm, including chair exercise at 10-30. 

Wild Balance Yoga Class, Fridays 9 am to 10 am, book slots via hello@wild-balance.co.ukPilates for beginners (drop-in, £5 per session) Fridays 12 to 1 pm.
Joy of Sound, seated Tai Chi with music, Fridays 2-30 to 3-30 pm.
Tai Chi in Windmill Gardens (pay what you can), Saturdays 11-30 am.

There are also occasional workshop-type events – the next is a Bread-making Class on Saturday 28 February, 10-30 to 1-30 pm.
Please book in advance via the Friends website, www.brixtonwindmill.org

Health and Social Care

Winter Wellbeing
It’s that time again when we recycle advice shared with us in earlier years by Brixton Therapy Centre and Lambeth Public Health Team.

Sleep well but resist the urge to hibernate! Rather aim for 7 to 8 hours per night, going to bed and rising at consistent times.  A warm bedroom helps.

Tackling stress helps with that first point, particularly if you are running a business or organisation.  Massage can relax the muscles but also de-stress the mind. Taking time out for Yoga or meditation can also help. 

Connect with the people around you, be social.  Take notice of your surroundings and keep learning, even if you don’t have major responsibilities.  If you have time to spare, there are many local organisations looking for volunteer help.

Exercise in any form is helpful – it could be as simple as taking a walk regularly, with a target of 150 minutes a week.  Similarly, you could cycle, dance, garden or play football, but the key is that you enjoy it and it becomes a regular part of your life.

Diet matters.  It’s tempting to fall back on comfort eating, but variety should be the watchword.  There’s lots of advice out there, but above all, hold the sugar and avoid “empty calories” from sweets, alcohol and fizzy drinks, and be wary of hidden sugars in processed foods.  On the other hand, don’t skip breakfast, and be sure to drink plenty of fluids.

Winter Blues or seasonal affective disorder (SAD) affects 1 in 15 people due to reduced sunlight at this time of year.  Getting out in the fresh air, letting plenty of light into your home and even a light box can help directly, but diet and exercise should be part of the package too. 

Mental Health First Aid
Art4Space are hosting a course run by It’s a Playground on 29 & 30 January, at their Community Arts Centre at 31 Jeffreys Road, SW4 6QU.  This will be the Youth version, but the Adult version will be run again on 19 & 20 March.  The full fee is £325 but there is a £50 discount for Lambeth volunteer organisations.
Book via www.art4space.co.uk

Community Emergency Resilience Network
The Brixton Project has been working on behalf of the London Resilience Forum to develop community-led procedures across Lambeth’s neighbourhoods in times of crisis.  It’s critical for communities to have strong leadership and collaboration during emergency scenarios, grounded in the knowledge and experience of local organisations.

The Community Resilience Ecosystem is being developed on the One Planet digital platform, enabling community groups to map emergency provision, share procedures and resources, and build systems to support all Lambeth residents in an emergency.
Please complete the Google form below, so the project can build an up-to-date and connected Network:
https://forms.gle/eA5ZyHvGJf3pri1p7
Enquiries to Mala Naicker, 07 932 918 026.

Funding, Training & Support 

Grant deadlines approaching
For the time being, we will continue to share reminders about grant opportunities, but your first point of enquiry should be Integrate, whose contract to provide funding advice was recently renewed.  Enquiries to contact@integrateagency.co.uk

The Paul Mellon Centre mostly offers research grants and scholarships to individuals in the fields of art, design and architecture. Their latest funding round closes at the end of January, but you should also allow time for references to be taken up.  For more details see their website at www.paul-mellon-centre.ac.uk

funding for buildings of historic interest, i.e.  
for project viability (up to £15k), project development (up to £100k) and capital works (up to £350k).  Open until 31 March, jointly funded by Architectural Heritage Fund, DCMS and Historic England.

Business Networking
Born or Made in Brixton holds fortnightly meetings for creatives, designers, freelancers and entrepreneurs, to provide mutual support and networking.  Next one in our diary is on Wednesday 21 January, 8-30 to 9-30 am at 3Space (ground floor meeting room), International House, Canterbury Crescent, SW9 7QD.  More info at www.bornormade.com

Training Opportunities
Free training courses for Lambeth-based charities and community groups are available through the Lambeth Hubs Network.  Most in-person events will be held at High Trees, the former St. Martin’s Library at the cross-roads of Tulse Hill and Upper Tulse Hill, SW2 2NS.  Other hub members will host events occasionally, including at 336 Brixton Road and Longfield Hall.
You are encouraged to register with the Hubs Network and complete a simple survey so they can provide the subjects in most demand.  Enquiries to info@lambethhubs.com

Art, craft and printing courses
198 Contemporary Arts & Learning will be hosting two free 10-week courses as part of their Step Up programme:
Enquiries to education@198.org.uk or phone (020) 7978 8309.

Art and Design will run on Wednesdays, 11-30 am to 5 pm from 28 January.
Advanced Film and Video will run on Tuesdays, 11-30 am to 5 pm from 27 January. 

Also under the Step Up umbrella, Photofusion are hosting a Photography course of 12 sessions over 6 weeks, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10 am to 2-40 pm at their studios in Beehive Place.  Enquiries to Steff at steff@photofusion.org

Hausprint Studio offers short courses and facilities for printing methods such as etching. 
Coming soon is a course on experimental Aquatint (hard ground etching on zinc), over five Tuesday evenings from 27 January, led by Bob White.
All courses at Vincent’s Yard, 23 Alphabet Mews, SW9 0FN (at south end of Hackford Road).  More details at www.hausprint.studio 

Art4Space continue to offer a wide variety of courses and craft sessions at the A4S Creative Learning Hub, 31 Jeffreys Road, SW4 6QU.  Further details on their website at www.art4space.co.uk
Several options are on offer but we wanted to highlight:
Creative Enterprise on Tuesday mornings from 13 January for 10 weeks;
Creative Remedies on Wednesday mornings from 14 January for 10 weeks, both courses free to eligible groups. 

Keep in Touch
We want to be inclusive and ensure that these bulletins reach all community organisations, social enterprises and activists in the wider Brixton area.  We also e-mail them to local councillors, and to forums in surrounding areas. But there’s no point in having a long mailing list of people who are no longer active around Brixton.

So please contact us at admin@brixtonneighbourhoodforum.org
–    If you want to be added to our mailing list, or to add a colleague or neighbour.
–    If you want these bulletins sent to a different e-mail address, so that you see them more quickly or reliably.
–    If you have moved away or are no longer interested.

Your Forum Bulletins
Making changes? If you are doing something around the Brixton area – an event, a new service, or making changes in what you already do – you are welcome to use these bulletins to tell other Forum members. That’s 700+ on our current list.  We aim to circulate around the 10th of each month, but please allow us a week to put it together, because we work on a very part-time basis. So send items to the Forum Secretary at apiperbrix@aol.com by the 3rd of the month.

Community, Events, Fund Raising, News, Training

December 2025


Brixton Neighbourhood Plan


Our committee has started reviewing a summary of your comments recently passed to us by Lambeth planners.  Among the issues raised were:
Boundaries: The main change proposed was to include Loughborough Junction Station and the rest of the local centre around it.  We will also be making adjustments to avoid cutting across the boundaries of other defined areas such as Conservation Areas.  We cannot do much for those who prefer to think they live in Clapham/ Tulse Hill/ Herne Hill, except to suggest that they get involved in shaping their neighbourhood, regardless of postcode. 
Local Businesses: We had downplayed business involvement because the legislation is based on individual membership of a Forum, but it turns out that businesses can contribute and vote in the final referendum.  
The Forum was founded a couple of years before the Brixton Business Improvement District (BID) was set up, and we need to renew links.  Even so, we already have 50 businesses and social enterprises on our mailing list, alongside 76 voluntary or community organisations.
NEXT STEPS: We are lining up a series of local meetings to help us refine boundaries and highlight key sites to feature in the Plan. That is why we have been asking for suggestions of meeting places outside the Town Centre – and that call is still open, while we have the funds for room hire.
We have also enlisted additional support from planning students at UCL’s participatory urban planning course.
 
We have a lot of contacts to follow up in the next couple of months, but don’t wait for us to come to you – feel free to get in touch if you have a bright idea, an offer of help or a local issue to raise.
 
Enquiries to Alan Piper, apiperbrix@aol.com

Forums face cuts


A few months ago, Lambeth Council canvassed ideas for where it could make savings, prompted by runaway costs for coping with homelessness and welfare support after 14 years of austerity.  The Brixton Blog has already reported that Lambeth failed its last Audit report, so prospects are not good for  preferential treatment from the Government.
 
On 24 November, the Council’s Cabinet agreed to a package of cuts to everything which the Council is not legally obliged to provide, such as libraries, parks, sports centres and most support to community organisations, including the Neighbourhood Forums.  That means we have to find other means to continue beyond March next year.
We are in touch with other forums and will keep you informed.

Local Events coming up


Brixton Windmill Events
The next public event in Windmill Gardens will be the Winter Fair on Sunday 7 December, open from 12 noon to 3-30 pm.
Once again, Santa’s Grotto will be set up on the ground floor of the windmill.  There will be a guest appearance by Longfield Voices, from the opposite side of Brixton.  And there’s a Festive Wreath-making workshop the same day, at either 12-30 or 2 pm, £15 per person, minimum age 14.
 
The Elves and the Shoemaker
The Dot Collective return to Brixton this month to perform this story by the Brothers Grimm.  The first show will be on Friday 12 December at 6 pm in the amenity building in Windmill Gardens, SW2.  Please book in advance via the Friends website, www.brixtonwindmill.org
 
If that date doesn’t suit you, the Dot Collective  will also be bringing their show to Longfield Hall on Thursday 18 December, this time with two performances, at 5 pm or at 7-30 pm.  Bookings in that case via https://longfieldhall.org.uk
 
LJ Works Winter Festival
A reminder that LJ Works are hosting a Winter Festival on Saturday 6 December, offering a beautiful selection of plants, Christmas cards, and handmade ferments, as well as a drop-in bulb planting workshop.  All-day music will be provided by young DJs from Groove School.
Festive drinks and warming treats will be available across the road at the Platform Café.
LJ Works is on Loughborough Road, opposite Wyck Gardens, SW9.
 
Christmas Estates Tour
The Brixton Chamber Orchestra will appear at several locations around Brixton to give free performances this month. No need to book.
 
Friday 12 December, 7 pm at Loughborough Estate, SW9.
Saturday 13 December, 3 pm at Angell Town Estate, SW9.
Sunday 14 December, 3 pm at St. Matthew’s Estate, SW2;  7 pm at Tulse Hill Estate, SW2.
 
Sunday 21 December, 3 pm at Longfield Hall, Burton Road SE5 (opposite Minet Library).
 
Art, craft and printing courses
Art4Space continue to offer a variety of courses and craft sessions at the A4S Creative Learning Hub, 31 Jeffreys Road, SW4 6QU.  Further details on their website at www.art4space.co.uk
Several options are on offer but we wanted to highlight for the New Year:
Creative Enterprise on Tuesday mornings from 13 January for 10 weeks;
Creative Remedies on Wednesday mornings from 14 January for 10 weeks, both courses free to eligible groups.
198 Contemporary Arts & Learning will be hosting two free 10-week courses in the New Year as part of their Step Up programme: Enquiries to education@198.org.uk or phone (020) 7978 8309.
 
Art and Design will run on Wednesdays, 11-30 am to 5 pm from 28 January.
Advanced Film and Video will run on Tuesdays, 11-30 am to 5 pm from 27 January.
 
Also under the Step Up umbrella, Photofusion are hosting a Photography course of 12 sessions over 6 weeks, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10 am to 2-40 pm at their studios in Beehive Place.  Enquiries to Steff at steff@photofusion.org 

Green spaces, Green issues


Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses
Upcoming events include:
Lucy & Diva’s Big Fat Indian Festive Feast,  Friday 5 December, 6-30 pm;
Lino-print Christmas Card workshop, Saturday 6 December, from 1 pm;
Slovakian Christmas Music, Sunday 7 December, starting 4 pm.
Green Woodworking Induction: from Log to Spoon, Friday 12 December, at 12 pm.
 
Festive Family Event, Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 December, 11 am to 2 pm each day, including crafts in the greenhouse, a Christmas trail, and food and drink in the Barn until 1-30 pm.
 
For details and bookings of these events, see the website, https://www.brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk/events 
 
Lambeth Climate Partnership
Over the past year, a variety of organisations and businesses have been meeting to share good practice in energy efficiency and climate-friendly initiatives.  Members have heard about community greening projects, active travel programmes and innovative retrofit work.
More is in mind for the year ahead, but meanwhile there’s a seasonal meet-up on Wednesday 10 December, 5 pm to 7 pm in Kennington – to confirm the location, e-mail to lcp@lambeth.gov.uk
 
On Your Bike
Brixton BID continues to sponsor sessions by Dr Bike mechanics for cycle safety checks and essential maintenance. The next session is on Saturday 13 December, as part of the monthly Car-free Day on Atlantic Road.

Health and Social Care


Community Emergency Resilience Network
Following Grenfell, the early impacts of climate change, rising hate crime and lessons learned from Covid-19, it is clear that we urgently need stronger community-led and neighbourhood-based systems of resilience.
The Brixton Project is working on behalf of the London Resilience Forum to develop community-led procedures across Lambeth’s neighbourhoods in times of crisis.  It has become critical for communities to have strong leadership and collaboration during emergency scenarios, grounded in the knowledge and experience of local organisations.
 
The Community Resilience Ecosystem is being developed on the One Planet digital platform, enabling community groups to map emergency provision, share procedures and resources, and build systems to support all Lambeth residents in an emergency.
Please complete the Google form below, so the project can build an up-to-date and connected Network:
https://forms.gle/eA5ZyHvGJf3pri1p7
Enquiries to Mala Naicker, 07 932 918 026.
 
SEN School Changes
We hear from Councillor David Bridson that Lambeth propose to change the surplus Kings Avenue primary school to serve as an annexe to Elmcourt Special School.  This should provide 60 extra places for children with special educational needs from April next year.
Elmcourt is based at the former Strand School site in Elm Park, SW2.
 
Mental Health First Aid
Art4Space are hosting a course run by It’s a Playground on 29 & 30 January, at their Community Arts Centre at 31 Jeffreys Road, SW4 6QU.  This will be the Youth version, but the Adult version will be run again on 19 & 20 March.  The full fee is £325 but there is a £50 discount for Lambeth volunteer organisations.
Book via www.art4space.co.uk

Funding, Training & Support


Training Opportunities
How to Make Change is a 10-month series of monthly sessions hosted by the Advocacy Academy at their Liberation Centre in Beehive Place, SW9 7QR.  Expect sessions on topics such as power, how to run good meetings, conflict resolution – and lots of good food!
Following a taster session on Thursday 4 December, regular sessions will continue on the 2ndTuesday of the month until 13 October at 7-30 pm.  Sessions are free and open to all ages.  Enquiries to betty@theadvocacyacademy.com or call her on 07 762 124 216.
Free training courses for Lambeth-based charities and community groups are available from this month through the Lambeth Hubs Network.  Most in-person events will be held at High Trees, the former St. Martin’s Library at the cross-roads of Tulse Hill and Upper Tulse Hill, SW2 2NS.
You are encouraged to register with the Hubs Network and complete a simple survey so they can provide the subjects in most demand.  Enquiries to info@lambethhubs.com
The Brixton BID will be resuming its series of free training courses for members early in the New Year.
 
Grant deadlines approaching
We will continue to share reminders about grant opportunities for the time being, but your first point of enquiry should be Integrate, whose contract to provide funding advice has recently been renewed.  Enquiries to contact@integrateagency.co.uk
 
GTR Your Station Your Community: up to £50,000, to support mental health, employability skills, diversity & inclusion, sustainability and station improvements (esp. for Thameslink and Southern services); deadline 9 December.
 
National Lottery: Funding for Community-led Environmental Projects: A new fund to support projects that improve the environment and help people connect with nature where they live.  Funding up to £20,000 for up to 2 years, deadline 17 December.
 
The Paul Mellon Centre mostly offers research grants and scholarships to individuals in the fields of art, design and architecture. Their latest funding round closes at the end of January, and you should also allow time for references to be taken up.  For more details see their website at www.paul-mellon-centre.ac.uk
 
Heritage Revival Fund: offers 3 levels of funding, for project viability (up to £15k), project development (up to £100k) and capital works (up to £350k).  Open until 31 March ‘26, funded by Architectural Heritage Fund, DCMS and Historic England.
 
Your Forum Bulletins
See your name here!  If you are doing something around the Brixton area – an event, a new service, or making changes in what you already do – you are welcome to use these bulletins to tell other Forum members. That’s 700+ on our current list.  We aim to circulate around the 10th of each month, but please allow us a week to put it together, because we work on a very part-time basis. Send items to the Forum Secretary at apiperbrix@aol.com by the 3rd of the month.
Keep in Touch
We want to be inclusive and ensure that these bulletins reach all community organisations, social enterprises and activists in the wider Brixton area.  We also e-mail them to local councillors, and to forums in surrounding areas. But there’s no point in having a long mailing list of people who are no longer active around Brixton.
 
So please contact us at admin@brixtonneighbourhoodforum.org

  • If you want to be added to our mailing list, or to add a colleague or neighbour.
  • If you want these bulletins sent to a different e-mail address, so that you see them more quickly or reliably.
  • If you have moved away or are no longer interested.
Arts,, Community, Events, Fund Raising, News, News, Training

November 2025

Making Plans for Brixton
We are continuing to pursue our bid to make a Neighbourhood Plan for Brixton, but we are keen to resolve outstanding queries and objections.  Please be aware that, if you sent comments to the Council, we only have a third-hand summary at present, so you are welcome to contact us directly.  We have already had discussions with Loughborough Junction Action Group to support better access to that station and a vision for the local centre.  We have also joined conversations about reviving Brixton Station Road and Atlantic Road after failed “improvements” by the Arch Company. Enquiries to Alan Piper, apiperbrix@aol.com

Local Events coming up

Community Research Exchange
The Brixton Project is excited to announce that the Community Research Exchange is back for 2025, with a new programme investigating place through the lenses of climate, community wealth and culture, in partnership with Impact on Urban Health. 

Three days of talks, workshops and performances will explore the impact of the climate crisis, how we can build and keep wealth within local communities, and how culture can forge a sense of belonging.
Discussions will focus on alternative plans for the area from International House to Valentia Place.

Tuesday 18 November, 10 am to 4 pm at the Brixton Project Space, International House: Climate, place-making and regeneration practice.

Thursday 20 November, 10 am to 4 pm as above, Community Wealth: hear from key voices in community wealth-building, and from creative practitioners trying to reclaim space for future generations.

Saturday 22 November: Culture – community lunch, 1 pm to 3 pm; closing party 3 to 8 pm.
Enquiries to hello@thebrixtonproject.com

Shakespeare at Longfield Hall
The Factory Theatre Company return to Longfield Hall on Thursday 20 November to present “Cymbeline” by William Shakespeare, for just one performance, at 7 pm. To book, see https://longfieldhall.org.uk

Rapport Festival G10 Artist Exhibition
14 – 23 November 23 Market Row https://bit.ly/RapportFestival-G10

The Advocacy Academy
Just Us invite Young People 14 – 24 to join open youth space every Wednesday 3 – 7pm in the heart of Brixton at The Liberation Centre Beehive Place (to the left of Recreation Centre). 

LJ Works Winter Festival
LJ Works are hosting a Winter Festival on Saturday 6 December, offering a beautiful selection of plants, Christmas cards, and handmade ferments, as well as a drop-in bulb planting workshop.  All-day music will be provided by young DJs from Groove School.
Affordable wreath-making workshops will be run at 12-30 and 2-30 pm (book in advance). Festive drinks and warming treats will be available across the road at the Platform Café.
LJ Works is on Loughborough Road, opposite Wyck Gardens, SW9.

Art, craft and printing courses
St Vincent’s Brixton Centre is holding a Festive Printmaking Fundraiser on Saturday 22 November, 10 am to 4-30 pm.  For £35 per person, you can be taught 2 different print-making techniques in separate 3-hour sessions (and lunch is provided).
Enquiries to LeanneT@svp.org.uk or see their website for other activities at the Centre: www.svp.org.uk

Art4Space
Continue to offer a variety of courses and craft sessions at the A4S Creative Learning Hub, 31 Jeffreys Road, SW4 6QU.  Further details on their website at www.art4space.co.uk

Hausprint Studio
Offers short courses and facilities for printing methods such as etching. 
All courses at Vincent’s Yard, 23 Alphabet Mews, SW9 0FN (at south end of Hackford Road).  More details at www.hausprint.studio

Black Culture Market  
Christmas Market Sat, 6th and Sun, 7th December 2025, Brixton – 11:00 – 17:00 both days at The Department Store, 248 Ferndale Rd SW9 8FRGreen spaces, Green issues 

News from Brockwell Park
On Sunday 9th November, Brockwell Park Community Partners – in effect, the management advisory committee – met with David McAlpine, the consultant assessing the outcome of the refurbishment of Brockwell Hall on behalf of the Lottery funders. 

Proposals had first been drafted back in 2014, so some elements had changed or been cut out by the time work was completed just a couple of months ago.  Most comments concerned teething troubles of getting the building fully operational, such as only one toilet working, poor signage and access limitations.  At present, displays on the ground floor are very basic and more is hoped for. A late change is to offer the old stable block for commercial office space, rather than use it for parks staff offices.  Belated efforts are being made to develop a programme of community activities on site, initially to be co-ordinated by Catherine Hamilton, who used to look after neighbourhood forums such as ourselves. However, members were concerned at the high cost of hiring rooms for events.

Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses
Maddie Morris Folk Music Gig at the Greenhouses, Sunday 16 November, 5pm;
Festive Fermentation workshop, Saturday 22 November, 12-30 pm;
Lino-print Christmas Card workshop, Saturday 29 November OR Saturday 6 December, from 1 pm;
Lucy & Diva’s Big Fat Indian Festive Feast,  Friday 5 December, 6-30 pm;
Make Willow Christmas decorations, Sunday 7 December, from 11 am.

For details and bookings of upcoming events, see the website, https://www.brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk/events

Brixton Windmill Events
The next public event in Windmill Gardens will be the Winter Fair on Sunday 7 December, open from 12 noon to 3-30 pm. Once again, Santa’s Grotto will be set up on the ground floor of the windmill.
There’s a Festive Wreath-making workshop the same day, at either 12-30 or 2 pm, £15 per person, minimum age 14.

Finally, the Dot Collective return on Friday 12 December, starting at 6 pm, to perform The Elves and the Shoemaker by the Brothers Grimm.  Please book in advance via the website, www.brixtonwindmill.org

If that date doesn’t suit you, the Dot Collective  will also be bringing their show to Longfield Hall on Thursday 18 December, this time with two performances, at 5 pm or 7-30 pm.  Bookings in that case via https://longfieldhall.org.uk

Max Roach Park wants Friends
Growing out of conversations at the North Brixton Safer Neighbourhoods Team, local residents have come together to form a Friends group for Max Roach Park.  This is a friendly group of local residents who care about keeping the park a welcoming, green and safe space.
A WhatsApp group is already active, and the Friends are about to adopt a constitution. They are keen to involve more people.  Their next meeting will be on Thursday 20 November at 6-30 pm at the Max Roach Centre on Wiltshire Road, SW9 7NE.

Friends of Loughborough Park
BIG LEAF SUNDAY: Sunday 16th 2.30pm – 4pm – Meet at the Container
Almost all the leaves are down from the trees in the park and we need your help!
We want to do a big afternoon of clearance in the park
We’ll be building a NEW LEAF MULCHER and collecting as much of the autumn drop as we can
Equipment, gloves, vibes all provided, followed by refreshments at SuperCute Brewery

On Your Bike
Brixton BID continues to sponsor sessions by Dr Bike mechanics for cycle safety checks and essential maintenance. The next is on Wednesday 26 November, 12 to 3 pm outside Piano House on Brighton Terrace, SW9.
The following session will be on Saturday 13 December, as part of the next Car-free Day on Atlantic Road.

The Brixton BID has also been quietly pursuing other Green initiatives, including Recycling arrangements with First Mile for local businesses.  During September and October, they saved the equivalent of 157 trees or 23.6 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

On the South Circular Road
With the Tulse Hill Forum currently dormant, the Norwood Forum has taken up the cause of the massive gyratory system next to the Tulse Hill Hotel.  Transport for London explored some options a year or two ago, but pressure is building locally to change to a layout with less air pollution, with a deputation to Lambeth Council on 15 October.

Health and Social Care

Doctors Strike warning
The NHS SE London Integrated Care Board has issued advice to the public in advance of the resident doctors’ strike expected from Friday 14 to Wednesday 19 November:

Only go to A&E or phone 999 for a life-threatening emergency or serious injury.
If you are unwell, contact your GP, or contact NHS 111 online, including for mental health emergencies.
You can also visit your local pharmacy for expert advice.

Digital support for Disabled
From 4th November, Millennium Community Solutions is running a weekly digital support service for older and disabled residents.
You can learn digital skills, including setting up and using devices like smartphones, as well as how to access the Internet.  The friendly team will assess your needs to assess the support that will give you the skills and confidence to cope.  Some free devices may be available.

Sessions are on Tuesday afternoons between 1 pm and 3 pm, at Southwyck Coding and Arts Centre, behind Southwyck House (the Barrier Block) off Moorland Road, SW9 8UR. 

Funding, Training & Support
Grant deadlines approaching
We have heard from various sources about several upcoming grants, but for most you will have to follow them up via a Google search:

Paul Hamlyn Foundation – Ideas and Pioneers Fund offers grants up to £20,000 for groups with a turnover below £150,000 pa for developing bold ideas for social change. Priority to applicant aged 18-30, deadline 2nd December.

GTR Your Station Your Community: up to £50,000, to support mental health, employability skills, diversity & inclusion, sustainability and station improvements (esp. for Thameslink and Southern services); deadline 9 December.

National Lottery: Funding for Community-led Environmental Projects: A new fund to support projects that improve the environment and help people connect with nature where they live.  Funding up to £20,000 for up to 2 years, deadline 17 December.

Heritage Revival Fund: offers 3 levels of funding, for project viability (up to £15k), project development (up to £100k) and capital works (up to £350k).  Open until 31 March ‘26, funded by Architectural Heritage Fund, DCMS and Historic England.

Vote for your good cause
Good to see people following up on the THINC grants that we mentioned last month.  Now you can vote for who should get support, but voting closes on Sunday 30 November.

Step 1 – find the voting page at www.cvr.community/thinc and choose Brixton projects (only Brixton residents can vote for Brixton-based projects, so ignore Peckham).
Step 2 – browse the projects, which vary in size.
Step 3 – select your favourite projects. You have a total of 9 votes – 3 for small projects, 3 for medium and 3 for large. 
We suggest you vote for the projects that will have the most impact on the community’s health and wellbeing.
Step 4 – Submit your vote.  For example, to select St.Vincent’s “Tea Rave” programme for older adults, use the link https://haveyoursay.lambeth.gov.uk/en-GB/ideas/it-s-a-tea-rave-1 and/or you may wish to support extending the Brixton BID’s   Car-free days on Atlantic Road?  And don’t forget to hit “Submit Vote”!

Training Opportunities
How to Make Change is a 10-month series of monthly sessions hosted by the Advocacy Academy at their Liberation Centre in Beehive Place, SW9 7QR.  Expect sessions on topics such as power, how to run good meetings, conflict resolution – and lots of good food!
Following a taster session on Thursday 4 December, regular sessions will continue on the 2nd Tuesday of the month until 13 October 2026, all at 7-30 pm.  Sessions are free and open to all ages.  Enquiries to betty@theadvocacyacademy.com or call her on 07 762 124 216.
Business Support
Born or Made in Brixton has added another breakfast meeting, Wednesday 26 November between 8-30 and 9-30 am in the ground floor meeting room, 3Space, International House, corner of Canterbury Crescent and Popes Road, SW9.  Bookings via Eventbrite or see www.bornormade.com

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

  • Fire Safety (level 2) Tuesday 11 November;
  • Personal Licence (level 2) Wednesday 26 November;
  • both 10 am to 4 pm in Brixton.
  • Enquiries to admin@brixtonbid.co.uk
Community, Events, News

OCTOBER 2025

Next Forum meeting

A reminder that our next public meeting will be on Monday 13 October, from 7 pm at the Vida Walsh Centre, 2b Saltoun Road, SW2 1EP (opposite the Black Cultural Archives). 

Our main business will be our bid to prepare a Neighbourhood Plan for Brixton.  The Council has asked to receive comments or objections before 5 pm on Friday 24 October send them to planningpolicy@lambeth.gov.uk  Monday’s meeting is your opportunity to ask questions and make suggestions.  We want to include and involve residents who live near sites at risk of development, BUT we don’t want to annoy other neighbourhood forums by pushing our boundaries out too far.

We hope for Council approval by Christmas, but the serious work of holding a series of consultation events will start in the New Year.

Already there have been positive offers of expert help with research and events.

We are also still keen to hear from more locations around Brixton – not just in the centre – that could host those events during the next year or two.

Other Council Consultations

We mention them when we can, but deadlines don’t always match with our publication dates.
Go Vocal is Lambeth Council’s online community engagement channel.  It provides updates on current consultations, with relevant contact details and closing dates for comments.  The website link is https://haveyoursay.lambeth.gov.uk/en-GB

More Plans for Brixton –

Pop Brixton/ International House

Both sites should continue in their present uses until March 2027, but will we then lose from the borough the many enterprises and organisations currently based there?   Some relocation advice is available, and Lambeth is holding a drop-in session for current tenants on Tuesday 14 October, from 4 pm to 5 pm in the Pop Brixton event space. Enquiries to consultation@49bsr6cc.com

Local Events coming up

Last of the Summer Nights
Brixton Business Improvement District has supported a series of monthly car-free days on Atlantic Road together with other promotional offers.  Saturday 11 October will be the last in the current format, but expect fresh efforts in the run-up to Christmas.
Once again, the team from Dr Bike will be on hand to help with bicycle repairs and advice, between 12 noon and 3 pm.

Brixton Windmill Events
Brixton Windmill opens for one last weekend of tours on Saturday & Sunday 11 & 12 October between 1 pm and 5 pm.  For full tours, please book in advance via the website, www.brixtonwindmill.org Following the well-attended Harvest Festival in Windmill Gardens last month, plans are now being made for a Halloween family event on Sunday 26 October, and a Festive Fair on Sunday 7 December.
 
Art, craft and printing courses
Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses are hosting a Lino-printing Workshop on Saturday 25 October, from 1 pm.  Learn how to sketch, carve and print your own design for a greeting card, perhaps inspired by Halloween or Autumnal gardens.
For details of all upcoming events and courses at the Community Greenhouses, see their website https://www.brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk/events
 
Hausprint Studio offers short courses and facilities for more advanced printing methods such as etching.  Coming up is a 4-week course on hard-ground and soft-ground etching on zinc, on Tuesday evenings from 14 October, at Vincent’s Yard, 23 Alphabet Mews, SW9 0FN (at south end of Hackford Road).  More details at www.hausprint.studio
 
Art4Space continue to offer a variety of courses and craft sessions at the A4S Creative Learning Hub, 31 Jeffreys Road, SW4 6QU.  Further details on their website at www.art4space.co.uk
 
St Vincent’s Brixton Centre is now running an art group for adults of any age and ability on Thursday mornings during term time, 10-30 to 12-30.  Sessions are free but provide your own materials. Enquiries to LeanneT@svp.org.uk or see the website for the full list of activities: www.svp.org.uk
 
Shakespeare at Longfield Hall
The Factory Theatre Company return to Longfield Hall on Thursday 20 October to present “Cymbeline” by William Shakespeare, for just one performance, at 7 pm. To book, see https://longfieldhall.org.uk  
 
Remembrance Commemoration
News just in of local commemoration events on Sunday 9th November:
At 11 am at the Stockwell War Memorial, SW9, with the Mayor in attendance.
At 2 pm by the African-Caribbean war memorial in Windrush Square, SW2.

Health and Social Care

Feedback on Health and Care

Last month we highlighted the Get Involved e-bulletin issued monthly by the SE London Integrated Care System, covering all the  South-East London boroughs from Lambeth to Bexley.

We should also remind you that Healthwatch Lambeth is still active.

Meet with National NHS leaders

A reminder that a conversation between National NHS leaders and representatives of local voluntary and community organisations is being arranged for Thursday 30 October, 10-30 am to 3-30 pm with lunch included.

Places are limited, so please register your interest with Bren McInerney (community volunteer) via 07 940 045 770 or e-mail to: brenmcinerney@hotmail.com

Other News

Crime and Police matters

A reminder that a couple of months ago, the Met Police launched this alternative means of engaging with the public and local businesses.  Met Engage is intended to keep people informed of local policing activities, offer crime prevention advice and issue invitations to local engagement events, such as meetings of Safer Neighbourhood Teams. Users can highlight issues of concern to them and provide feedback on the services provided.  The new service can be accessed via www.metengage.co.uk

Funding, Training & Support

Lambeth-funded support

The long-awaited support contract for the voluntary and community sector has been divided between 3 bodies: Integrate will advise on grants and fund-raising. Lambeth Community Hubs Network will advise on organising and good practice. The Brixton Project will lead on advocacy for voluntary organisations generally, an aspect not covered since the closure of LVAC several years ago.  Fuller details expected soon.

Grant deadlines approaching

We hear from various sources about several upcoming grants, but if no link is shown, please refer to Google search:

Clearview Research has a £400,000 fund to support projects in Brixton or Peckham, with up to £50,000 for any single project.  Closing date is 26 October and projects must focus on Mental Health or Healthy Eating and Living. Open to community groups, CICs, charities (max. turnover £500k pa) or individuals.

See the THINC fund website https://www.cvr.community/thinc or register for an application pack at

https://clearviewresearch.org/thinc-application-pack

National Lottery Awards for All has an Environment strand to support community-led projects for improving green spaces, cutting waste or carbon emissions, or helping people to access nature.  Grants of up to £20,000, but don’t apply if you have a current Awards for All grant.  Deadline is 17 December.

Heritage Revival Fund: offers 3 levels of funding, for project viability (up to £15k), project development (up to £100k) and capital works (up to £350k).  Open until 31 March ‘26, funded by Architectural Heritage Fund, DCMS and Historic England.

Business Networking

Born or Made in Brixton has added 2 more breakfast meeting dates to its schedule: Wednesdays 29 October and 12 November, both 8-30 to 9-30 am in the ground floor meeting room, 3Space, International House, corner of Canterbury Crescent and Popes Road, SW9.  Bookings via Eventbrite or see www.bornormade.com

London Southside Chamber of Commerce is holding a Business Expo on Saturday 1st November, 3 pm to 7 pm at the Boury Academy, South Lambeth Road, SW8 2TJ. Enquiries to radiana@london.scc.co.uk

Trustees and Committees

Many charities and community enterprises struggle to build up a team of committee members, trustees or directors with a blend of skills and abilities.  We share training opportunities and recruitment ideas in these bulletins when we pick them up.  Something to look out for is Trustees Week, 3-7 November. More details expected soon.

Arts,, Community, Events, Fund Raising, News, Training

SEPTEMBER 2025

Forum News

Next Forum meeting:

We aim to hold at least 4 general meetings of the Forum each year.  We can now confirm that the next will be on Monday 13 October, from 7 pm at the Vida Walsh Centre, 2b Saltoun Road, SW2 1EP (opposite the Black Cultural Archives).  There is still time to tell us if you want to include something on the agenda – please contact the Secretary at apiperbrix@aol.com

Making Plans for Brixton

Pop Brixton/ International House

The current round of consultations runs until Sunday 14 September.  Although it’s still proposed that International House will remain, it’s now likely to be in wholly residential use.  The business space will be relocated on the lower floors of a new complex on the Pop Brixton site, above shops and market storage, with 2 residential towers rising above.  Both sites should continue in their present uses until March 2027.  

Proposals will be shown in Brixton Tate Library on Thursday 11 September, 4 pm to 7 pm, and in Atlantic Road during the car-free day on Saturday 13 September, 11 am to 4 pm.

Enquiries to consultation@49bsr6cc.com or by phone to (020) 8469 3079.

Towards a Neighbourhood Plan

The proposed area should be published for comments from Monday 8th September, and people should respond (to Lambeth) by Monday 20 October.  The Council should then decide before Christmas on final boundaries and whether we are an acceptable team to make a neighbourhood plan.

That means consultation events and plan-making will only get going in the New Year.  But if you have a bright idea, or a quibble over the boundary, feel free to tell us now, while it’s fresh in your mind.

In the meantime, we have been exploring sources of professional help, so that work can start as soon as we get the go-ahead.

We are also still keen to hear from more locations around Brixton – not just in the centre – that could host consultation events.

Reviving Station Road

Atlantic Road and Brixton Station Road have been severely weakened by the Arch Company’s mismanaged attempt to upgrade the railway arches below the station.  Too many are still empty or unattractive, and the adjacent street market has suffered.  Now the Brixton Project are proposing a community-led regenerative project, centred on Brixton Station Road, to rescue this part of the Town Centre.  This might restore footfall to a corner facing the removal of Pop Brixton in 2027.

This idea was one of several to emerge from a series of discussions among groups in Lambeth and Southwark, under the banner of Rewiring Communities.  Enquiries to Binki Taylor, binki@thebrixtonproject.com

Local Events coming up

Lambeth Heritage Festival

A full programme of events takes place all around the borough throughout September.  You may still find a printed programme at a Lambeth library, or find the programme online at bit.ly/LambethHeritage2025

Mindful Moments at St. Vincent’s

A new weekly activity is being introduced from 12 September at St. Vincent’s Brixton Centre in Talma Road SW2.  Thanks to funding from L&Q Housing Association, a 13-week series of free Tai Chi sessions will run on Friday mornings between 10 and 11 am. 

Enquiries to LeanneT@svp.org.uk or see the website for the full list of activities restarting this month: www.svp.org.uk

Art4Space craft courses

A whole new series of courses and craft sessions starts up this month, at the A4S Creative Learning Hub, 31 Jeffreys Road, SW4 6QU.  We have just seen their latest programme – full details on their website at www.art4space.co.uk

Brixton Windmill Events

Brixton Windmill opens for free short tours on Saturday & Sunday 13 & 14 September between 1 pm and 5 pm.  No need to book but it may be busy because this coincides with London Open House Festival and the national Heritage Open Days.

Followed closely by the Harvest Festival in Windmill Gardens on Sunday 28 September,

1 pm to 5 pm, with live music, family workshops, milling demonstrations, hot food and beer.

More details at www.brixtonwindmill.org  

Exhibition at Longfield Hall

Retrace is a photographic exhibition illustrating the route from Hubert Grove SW9 to the Minet Library SE5, comparing views taken in 1967 to the modern street scene.  Open from 9 to 28 September – see also https://longfieldhall.org.uk

Festival of Encounters

A series of talks, workshops, films and installations is running until 4th October, curated by the Van Gogh House, at various locations around the north side of Brixton. For full listings, see the website at https://festivalofencounters.com  

Black History Month Market

Advance notice of a special edition of the Black Culture Market for Black History Month.  This will be on Saturday & Sunday 4 & 5 October, 11 am to 5 pm both days, once again in the basement of the Department Store at 248 Ferndale Road, SW9 8FR.

Tickets are free but please book in advance at www.blackculturemarket.co.uk

Green spaces, Green issues

Loughborough Park community vegetable growing

Have you ever cultivated any of the beds at the back of the Open Space, around the old container?  The Friends of Loughborough Park are convening a meeting on Saturday 20 September at 2 pm to discuss returning the beds to a fit state for re-use, and would like to hear from previous users.  Please contact Jon Bromwich at jon.bromwich@outlook.com or Xiaochen Low at xiaochen.low@gmail.com

Black Growth CIC

Recently, they have mainly been active in Croydon but they have 2 Brixton events lined up for September:

Saturday 13 September – Black Farmer’s Market, Brixton Station Road.

Sunday 21 September – BFM Wellness Edition, around the bandstand in Myatt’s Fields Park. More details at https://bit.ly/3X2qx2W

Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses

Another performance from Mambista is lined up for Sunday 7 September at 6 pm, this time with Cuban rhythms from Sarabanda.

From Log to Spoon – an introduction to Green Woodworking is a craft session on Friday 12 September from 12-30 pm.

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

On Your Bike

Brixton BID continues to sponsor monthly sessions by Dr Bike mechanics for cycle safety checks and essential maintenance. The next is on Saturday 13 September, 12 to 3 pm at the junction of Atlantic Road, Marcus Garvey Way and Railton Road, SE24. This will coincide with the next car-free day on Atlantic Road.

The following session will be on Wednesday 24 September, 12 to 3 pm outside Mosaic Clubhouse on Effra Road, SW2.

Another low traffic neighbourhood starting up

On the north-west fringe of our area, Lambeth Council is starting the Stockwell Gardens LTN this month on a trial basis.  It covers the streets between Landor Road and Clapham Road, eastwards from Clapham North Tube Station to Stockwell Road.  The main effect will be to prevent traffic filtering through between Clapham Road and Landor Road, but it’s not clear yet if anything is being done to reduce congestion or hazards on Landor Road itself. The scheme will be open to objections for the first 6 months.

Health and Social Care

Help in a Mental Health Crisis

A free out-of-hours service based at Mosaic Clubhouse on Effra Road can provide short-term support to residents experiencing a mental health crisis.  It offers a safe space, someone to listen, and a few hours away from everything.

The Evening Sanctuary is open every evening from 6 pm until midnight. It provides a range of optional activities, including movies, board games, fitness, yoga, arts and crafts.  There are opportunities for peer support and signposting to specialist services. Members must have a Lambeth address, but referrals can be made by any medical professional.

Enquiries to (020) 7924 9657, or e-mail to evening.sanctuary@mosaic-clubhouse.org

Feedback on Health and Care

The SE London Integrated Care System brings together all health services in the South-East London boroughs from Lambeth to Bexley. They issue a monthly Get Involved e-bulletin to seek views on existing services and proposed changes.  A typical month will flag up at least a dozen wide-ranging topics or specialist services, more than we can easily report here. 

If you have a specific interest in health issues, we suggest you get on the list to receive their e-bulletin directly – contact engagement@nhssoutheastlondon-external.nw008.com

Meet with National NHS leaders

A reminder that a conversation between National NHS leaders and representatives of local voluntary and community organisations is being arranged for Thursday 30 October, 10-30 am to 3-30 pm with lunch included.

Places are limited, so please register your interest with Bren McInerney (community volunteer) via 07 940 045 770 or e-mail to: brenmcinerney@hotmail.com

Be Well at Brixton Library

A Project Smith/ Community Connectors grant is enabling the Friends of Brixton Library to run health workshops over the weekend 3rd /4th October – more details from foftlbrixton@gmail.com

Other News

Council Consultations

Go Vocal is Lambeth Council’s online community engagement channel.  It provides updates on current consultations, generally with relevant contact details and closing dates for comments.  The website link is https://haveyoursay.lambeth.gov.uk/en-GB/

Met Engage

A reminder that a couple of months ago, the Met Police launched this alternative means of engaging with the public and local businesses.  Met Engage is intended to keep people informed of local policing activities, offer crime prevention advice and issue invitations to local engagement events, such as meetings of Safer Neighbourhood Teams. Users can highlight issues of concern to them and provide feedback on the services provided.  The new service can be accessed via www.metengage.co.uk

Funding, Training & Support

Grant deadlines approaching

We have heard from various sources about several upcoming grants, but if no link is shown, please refer to Google search:

Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund has £500,000 from the UK Government to support digital skills training, assistive technology and connectivity improvements for vulnerable groups, including older people, job seekers and low-income families.  Closing date 10 September; all projects must be complete by 31 March 2026. More details at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/digital-inclusion-innovation-fund

Grassroots Community Innovation Fund from the Lambeth Southwark & Lewisham Sexual Wellbeing Service is offering grants up to £2500 to support activities to raise awareness, reduce stigma or social isolation and promote ways to wellbeing.  Deadline is 12 September, enquiries to izzy.williams@turning-point.co.uk

Diversity and Inclusion Awards from Zurich Municipal Insurance offer small charities the chance to win up to £10,000. Three prizes are offered, with a closing date of 30 September. More details from https://www.zurich.co.uk/charity-insurance/diversity-inclusion-awards

Paul Mellon Centre has opened its Autumn funding round, deadline 30 September.  Its grants and scholarships can support research, lectures, exhibitions and publications about British art and architecture.  More details on their website at https://paulmelloncentre.grantplatform.com

National Lottery Awards for All has an Environment strand to support community-led projects for improving green spaces, cutting waste or carbon emissions, or helping people to access nature.  Grants of up to £20,000, but don’t apply if you have a current Awards for All grant.  Deadline is 17 December.

Heritage Revival Fund: offers 3 levels of funding, for project viability (up to £15k), project development (up to £100k) and capital works (up to £350k).  Open until 31 March ‘26, funded by Architectural Heritage Fund, DCMS and Historic England.

Business Training Opportunities

Social enterprises and small businesses within the Brixton BID area should be able to join the BID’s free training courses.  We expect more dates soon, but next up are:

  • Personal Licence (level 2)

Tuesday 9 September, 10 am to 4 pm.

  • Health & Safety (level 2)

Wednesday 8 October, 10 am to 4 pm.

Enquiries to admin@brixtonbid.co.uk

Charity Training Opportunities

The Charity Learning Consortium offers access to a library of over 500 on-line learning courses intended to support charitable organisations, large and small, with their training needs.  Unlimited access is offered to all staff and volunteers with subscribing organisations.  They have a virtual coffee morning on Tuesday 16 September to introduce their services for third sector organisations.  Register at: https://charitylearning.org/charity-learning-coffee-mornings/

Trustees and Committees

Many charities and community enterprises struggle to build up a team of committee members, trustees or directors with a blend of skills and abilities.  We share training opportunities and recruitment ideas in these bulletins when we pick them up.  Something to look out for is Trustees Week, 3-7 November. More details nearer the date.

Arts,, Community, Events, Fund Raising, News, Training

AUGUST 2025

Forum Update 


Next Forum meeting?
Due to various commitments in September, we are planning the next General Meeting of the Forum for October.  Date and location will be confirmed in our September bulletin, but if you want to include something on the agenda, it would be a good idea to tell us sooner rather than later.  Please contact the Secretary at apiperbrix@aol.com

Making Plans for Brixton Pop Brixton/ International House
We had a preview of the development programme at the Forum general meeting on 3rd July, and the next stage of consultations starts on 11th September.  This time, we may even see some building plans, though it seems the intention remains to adapt International House while replacing Pop Brixton with a new apartment block.  Both should continue in use until March 2027.
Enquiries to consultation@49bsr6cc.com or by phone to (020) 8469 3079.

Towards a Neighbourhood Plan
We now have a timescale from Lambeth’s Planning Policy Team.  The proposed area will be published for comments in the first week of September, and people have 6 weeks to respond (by mid-October).  The Council will decide by Christmas on final boundaries and whether we are an acceptable team to make a neighbourhood plan.
That means consultation events and plan-making will only get going in the New Year.  But if you have a bright idea, or a quibble over the boundary, feel free to tell us now, while it’s fresh in your mind.

In the meantime, we have been exploring sources of professional help, so that work can get underway as soon as we get the go-ahead. We are also still looking out for more locations around the Brixton area to host consultation events.

Local Events coming up

Angell Town Networking event
On Saturday 4th September, from 6 to 8 pm, Angell Town RMO is hosting an event at Overton Road for residents, commercial tenants, local VCS organisations and faith groups to connect, learn more about each other and share opportunities.
RSVP/enquiries to 07 860 395 933, NWhittaker@lambeth.gov.uk  

Lambeth Heritage Festival
A full programme of events takes place around the borough through the whole month of September.  You may find a printed programme at any Lambeth library, or find the whole programme online at bit.ly/LambethHeritage2025

Solidarity Summer Market
The Advocacy Academy is holding a Solidarity Summer Market on Saturday 30 August, 10 am to 4 pm at the Liberation Centre in Beehive Place, SW9.  An opportunity to buy eco-friendly, justice and healing-related goodies while supporting the Advocacy Academy’s programme and mutual aid groups in Palestine. 
If you want to run a stall at this event, contact Isaiah@theadvocacyacademy.com

Exhibition at 198 Gallery
Witnesses is the latest exhibition at 198 Contemporary Arts & Learning, running until 11 September.  It showcases work by London-based women artists Amida Deen and Ihsan Saad Ihson Tahir. Further details on the website at www.198.org.uk

Mindful Moments at St. Vincent’s
A new weekly activity is being introduced from 12 September at St. Vincent’s Brixton Centre in Talma Road SW2.  Thanks to funding from L&Q Housing Association, a 13-week series of free Tai Chi sessions will run on Friday mornings between 10 and 11 am.  Enquiries to LeanneT@svp.org.uk or see the website for the full list of activities restarting next month: www.svp.org.uk

Green spaces, Green issues

Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses
For details of upcoming events and courses at the Community Greenhouses, see the website https://www.brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk/events
One to note in the meantime, Mambista will perform on Sunday 17 August, 6-30 pm, with Brixton jazz legend Michael “Bammi” Rose.

On Your Bike
Brixton BID continues to sponsor monthly sessions by Dr Bike mechanics for cycle safety checks and essential maintenance. The next will be on Saturday 13 September, 12 to 3 pm at the junction of Atlantic Road, Marcus Garvey Way and Railton Road, SE24.

Black Growth CIC
Recently, they have mainly been active in Croydon but they have 2 Brixton events lined up for September:
Saturday 13 September – Black Farmer’s Market, Brixton Station Road.
Sunday 21 September – BFM Wellness Edition, around the bandstand in Myatt’s Fields Park.
More details at https://bit.ly/3X2qx2W

Other News

Brixton Police Station reprieved
Desperate to save money, the Metropolitan Police has abandoned its policy of having a public-facing police station in every borough, with 18 sites to lose their front desk.
However, Brixton is one of 20 which are being retained.  Other survivors south of the river include Walworth, Croydon and Bromley.

Met Engage
Meanwhile, the Met is developing alternative means of engaging with the public and local businesses.  Met Engage is intended to keep people informed of local policing activities, offer crime prevention advice and issue invitations to local engagement events, such as meetings of Safer Neighbourhood Teams. Users can highlight issues of concern to them and provide feedback on the services provided.  The new service can be accessed via www.metengage.co.uk

Art4Space craft courses
A whole new series of courses and craft sessions starts up next month, at the A4S Creative Learning Hub, 31 Jeffreys Road, SW4 6QU. See their website for full details, at www.art4space.co.uk

Health and Social Care

Meet with National NHS leaders
A conversation between National NHS leaders and representatives of local voluntary and community organisations is being arranged for Thursday 30 October, 10-30 am to 3-30 pm with lunch included.
Places are limited, so please register your interest with Bren McInerney (community volunteer) via 07 940 045 770 or e-mail to: brenmcinerney@hotmail.com

Support for migrants, refugees and asylum seekers
The long-standing “hostile environment” set up by the previous government has recently spilled over into demonstrations outside hotels housing asylum seekers.  Voluntary groups may wish to help those at risk, but advice has only recently been pulled together by London Plus and the London Communities Emergencies Partnership (LCEP).  A list of resources and contacts is being built up – see their website at https://londonplus.org/concerns-about-anti-migrant-hostility/

Community Connectors
Project Smith starts another free training course for volunteer community connectors later this month.  Dates for the 4-day course are 26 August, 15/16 September and 1st October.  Gain an accredited qualification in behaviour change from the Royal Society of Public Health.  Lambeth-based but venues to be confirmed – for more details and to sign up, e-mail to emma@rbeassociates.com

Be Well at Brixton Library
A Project Smith/ Community Connectors grant is also enabling the Friends of Brixton Library to run health workshops over the weekend 3rd /4th October – more details from foftlbrixton@gmail.com

Long Covid Superheroes
Alchemise Theatre’s Long Covid Superheroes project is a year-long creative project specially designed for young people (age 8-14) living with Long Covid. 
Led by artists with lived experience and run in partnership with Long Covid Kids, this exciting programme is fully funded by Arts Council England and completely free to join.  Sessions start in September on Mondays at Longfield Hall (times to be confirmed).  For details and expression of interest form, please see https://longfieldhall.org.uk/2025/05/30/long-covid-superheroes/
If you know a family who might benefit, please share this information.

Funding, Training & Support
Grant deadlines approaching
We have heard from various sources about several upcoming grants, but for most you will have to follow them up via a Google search:

Women & Girls Community Fund: offers grants of up to £5,000 to support women’s health needs, including education and promotion work, but the deadline for EoIs is Sunday 17 August, to publichealth@lambeth.gov.uk

Metropolitan Public Gardens Association makes small grants (up to £1500) to groups that improve publicly accessible open space.
Deadline 18 August.

Brockwell Live Community Fund: open for community organisations connected with or local to Brockwell Park.  Sponsored by the various commercial events leading up to the Lambeth Country show, deadline is Thursday 22 August.  Enquiries to community@brockwell-live.com

Grassroots Community Innovation Fund from the Lambeth Southwark & Lewisham Sexual Wellbeing Service is offering grants up to £2500 to support activities to raise awareness, reduce stigma or social isolation and promote ways to wellbeing.  Deadline is 12 September, enquiries to izzy.williams@turning-point.co.uk

Paul Mellon Centre recently opened its Autumn funding round with a deadline of 30 September.  Its grants and scholarships can support research, lectures, exhibitions and publications concerned with British art and architectural history. 
More details on their website at https://paulmelloncentre.grantplatform.com

National Lottery Awards for All has an Environment strand to support community-led projects for improving green spaces, cutting waste or carbon emissions, or helping people to access nature.  Grants of up to £20,000, but don’t apply if you have a current Awards for All grant.  Deadline is 17 December.

Heritage Revival Fund: offers 3 levels of funding, for project viability (up to £15k), project development (up to £100k) and capital works (up to £350k).  Open until 31 March ‘26, funded by Architectural Heritage Fund, DCMS and Historic England.

Training Opportunities
Awesome Tech Training have come up with an even better offer than last month.  This time they have a free training day on Wednesday 21 August, with a series of webinars:
10-11 am, Getting started with WordPress;
12-1 pm, Everything you need to know before setting up a website;
3- 4 pm, Introduction to Digital Marketing.
All enquiries to rachel@awesometechtraining.com

Business Training Opportunities
Social enterprises and small businesses within the Brixton BID area should be able to join their free training courses.  We expect more dates soon, but next up is:

  • Personal Licence (level 2)

Tuesday 9 September, 10 am to 4 pm.
Enquiries to admin@brixtonbid.co.uk

Business Networking
Born or Made in Brixton hold their next meeting for freelancers, creative start-ups and micro-businesses on Wednesday morning 20 August between 9 am and 10 am at The Birds Nest, on the 11th floor of International House.
See also www.bornormade.com

News

JULY 2025

Forum Update

Here again is another selection of upcoming events and useful services around the Brixton area.  While some activities take a break next month, we should be back in a month’s time with a fresh selection.

Join the Forum for Free!

It’s now official – there is no charge to join the Neighbourhood Forum, or to renew your past membership.  All we ask is your name, postal address (ideally with postcode) and a current e-mail address.

Please send these details to admin@brixtonneighbourhoodforum.org

Of course, if you want to make a donation, that’s very welcome.  But our main concern is to ensure that more local people, businesses and community organisations are involved.

Meetings Programme

We are planning our programme of Forum meetings and other events through to Summer next year.  We expect the next open meeting to be in October, because we are already aware of a lot of other events scheduled for September.

My Place or Yours?

We are collecting details of any organisations within the wider Brixton area which hire out rooms or halls for meetings.  Until now, we have focussed on a few central venues for our own events, but once our Neighbourhood Plan gets underway, we will need a wider range of meeting places in different corners of Brixton so we can pick up on local concerns.

If your group wishes to host one of our meetings, or if you want to come along and share what you do, please contact the Forum Secretary at apiperbrix@aol.com 

Community Showcase

For a long time, we have wanted to put on an event where local community groups can show what they do.  We are seeking separate funding so this can be an indoor event, ideally at Brixton Tate Library, so we now expect this to take place early next year.

Local News and Events

Traffic-free Atlantic Road

The monthly series of car-free days on Atlantic Road returns on Saturday 12 July, between 12 and 6 pm.  This time, the family-friendly street festival has a Latin-American theme. Funding has come through from the GLA to support themed performances and cultural events for these car-free days which will continue on the second Saturday of each month into December.  The Brixton BID is contributing additional cleaning and security to ensure the area is safer and accessible.

Deliveries can still be made to shops before 10 am and after 8-30 pm.  If you would like to be involved in future themed events, contact events@brixtonbid.co.uk

Print Courses at Hausprint

If you are thinking of joining the Etching Year course which starts in the Autumn, there is a free Taster Session on Saturday 12 July, 1 pm to 3 pm – please book in advance via the website, https://hausprint.studio

Also coming up are a Stone Lithography Day course on Saturday 26 July, followed by a specialist Carborundum course over 4 days in August.  Hausprint is at Vincent’s Yard, 23 Alphabet Mews (off Hackford Road) SW9 0FN. Enquiries to michelle@hausprint.studio

Performances at Brixton House

Lil.Miss.Lady by Dominic Garfield with Music by Lady Lykez, performances until Sunday 20 July.

Part rave, part drama – Lil.Miss.Lady explores the history of Grime through the eyes of a trailblazing female MC.

From the early stages of Jungle, ravers will take an immersive journey through the sounds and visuals of UK bass music culture – UK Garage, Sub-Low, Funky House, Dubstep and Grime.

Age UK Fundraiser – Comedy Night

Comedian Eshaan Akbar is set to host an evening of comedy acts at Brixton House on Wednesday 23 July, at 7-30 pm, to raise funds for Age UK Lambeth

For more details and bookings, see www.brixtonhouse.co.uk

Community Arts at Art4Space

Once again, a wide choice of crafts sessions and courses are being offered at their studios at 31 Jeffreys Road, SW4 6QU.  Some of them are free to eligible age groups! 

See for yourself by visiting their Summer Craft Fair on Saturday 19 July, between 12 and 5pm, and also see their website at www.art4space.co.uk

Brixton Chamber Orchestra – Summer Estates Tour

No tickets are needed for these free concerts – just turn up.  The whole 30-piece orchestra is visiting several local estates over two weekends, including:

Tulse Hill Estate, Friday 18 July, 7 pm.

Clapham Park Estate (at The Cube, Kings Avenue SW4 8EP), Saturday 19 July, at 3-30 pm.

Angell Town Estate, Saturday 19 July, 7 pm.

Stockwell Gardens West (Eastcote Street SW9 9BY), Sunday 20 July, 3-30 pm.

Loughborough Estate (Millbrook Road SW9), Saturday 26 July, 7 pm.

Stockwell Park Estate (21 Aytoun Road SW9) Sunday 27 July, 7 pm.

Holiday Activities and Food

Lambeth’s Summer Holidays and Food programme is open to children who attend a Lambeth School AND receive benefits-related free school meals.  This will run from 28 July to 29 August.  This year there is a central booking system, already open, more details at www.lambeth.gov.uk/haf 

Longfield Hall

Play in a Week – this free drama programme enables kids to create a play within a week, with a choice of sessions to suit different age ranges. Monday 28 July to Friday 1st August, 10 am to 1 pm for 6-8 age group, 2 pm to 5 pm for 9-11 age group.  Monday 4th to Friday 8th August, 10 am to 1 pm for 11-13s, 2 pm to 5 pm for age 14-16s.

Please book through the website, which has details of other ongoing activities at the Hall opposite Minet Library, https://longfieldhall.org.uk

NB – Some other activities take a break during August, so please check the website.

Black Culture Market

This popular event returns to Downstairs at the Department Store, 248 Ferndale Road SW9 on Saturday and Sunday 2 & 3 August, open 11 am to 5 pm each day.  Support Black-owned businesses and makers in Brixton. Admission free but please book in advance via the website, www.blackculturemarket.co.uk

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

Green spaces, Green issues

Myatt’s Fields Park

Sunday 13 July – Family Fun Day, 12 to 5 pm around the bandstand and picnic area, with the XLP mobile youth centre bus, bouncy castle and ball pit for younger children, market and food stalls, plus art and crafts station and DJ.

Sunday 27 July – London Land Justice Fair, 12 to 6 pm around the bandstand.  Engaging discussions and a chance to meet with various organisations focussed on shaping a fairer future for land use in London.

Friday 2nd August – Spoken Word event, open to poets, storytellers and wordsmiths. Timetable still being settled, so if you want to perform, please contact Nadzi directly at Nadze-ere-08@hotmail.com

Events at Brixton Windmill

Guided tours of the windmill are now taking place on at least one weekend a month, the next being on 13/14 July, between 1 pm and 5 pm.

The next month sees Art in the Park on Sunday 10 August, between 1 pm and 5 pm.

This is a family-friendly event with a range of free workshops for children and adults. No need to book – just come along.

There are also a number of regular weekly activities in the education centre alongside the mill.  For all events in Windmill Gardens, please see www.brixtonwindmill.org

Black Growth CIC

They sought our support last year with setting up a regular Black Farmer’s Market in Brixton Station Road.  Since then they have re-organised with new branding (to avoid confusion with the outfit in Market Row) and have 2 Brixton events lined up for September:

Saturday 13 September – Black Farmer’s Market, Brixton Station Road.

Sunday 21 September – BFM Wellness Edition, around the bandstand in Myatt’s Fields Park.

More details next month, and also see https://bit.ly/3X2qx2W

Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses

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

Health and Social Care

Learn about your local Hospice

Royal Trinity Hospice at Clapham is offering a free talk and tour on Wednesday 16 July between 6 and 8 pm, for potential volunteers and supporters, and for professionals in health or social care, to give a better understanding of what the Hospice does.

Please reserve a place in advance at www.royaltrinityhospice.london/events

Changing support for Patients

The Government recently announced that Healthwatch patient support services would be absorbed into the NHS and local authorities. advice sessions.  It may be some time before legislation is in place and new arrangements are set up.

Healthwatch Lambeth have asked us to remind you that they are still operating in the meantime, and will share details as the new system emerges.  So if you have a concern, question or experience to share about health or social care in Lambeth, please get in touch at (020) 7274 8522 or by e-mail to indo@healthwatchlambeth.org.uk

Friendly Digital Support for Disabled Residents

Millennium Community Solutions continue with their drop-in project at Southwyck Hall, behind the Barrier Block.  Sessions continue until 21 August, on Thursdays between 1 and 3 pm.

Whether you are just starting out or only need extra support, come and get connected in a friendly and accessible space.  They can introduce you to a range of digital devices and assistive technology.  The project is supported by Lambeth Council and Disability Advice Service Lambeth (DASL).

Access: 50 yards down Moorland Road from Coldharbour Lane, turn right at glass wall.

Enquiries to Gail at 07 951 087 923.

Funding, Training & Support

Grant deadlines approaching

We have heard from various sources about several upcoming grants, but this time you will have to follow them up via a Google search:

Clothworkers Foundation Open Grants programme: re-opens for applications from 2nd July.  Grants for capital projects including building works, equipment or vehicles.

Friends Provident Foundation is offering grants up to £120,000 over 2 years for organisations driving change towards a fairer sustainable economy.  Deadline 5 August.

Metropolitan Public Gardens Association makes small grants (up to £1500) to groups that improve publicly accessible open space.

Deadline 18 August.

Heritage Revival Fund: offers 3 levels of funding, for project viability (up to £15k), project development (up to £100k) and capital works (up to £350k).  Open until 31 March ‘26, funded by Architectural Heritage Fund, DCMS and Historic England.

Ubele Energy Resilience Fund: Grant funds are available to help Black or racial minority organisations combat rising energy costs and improve sustainability.  Enquiries to Sheila.forster@ubele.org or see the webpage www.ubele.org/our-work/energy-resilience-fund

Business Training Opportunities

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

  • Fire Safety (level 2), Wednesday 16 July, 10 am to 4 pm.
  • Emergency First Aid (level 3) Wednesday 6 August, 10 am to 4 pm.
  • Personal Licence (level 2)

Tuesday 9 September, 10 am to 4 pm.

Enquiries to admin@brixtonbid.co.uk

Charity Learning Consortium

The Charity Learning Consortium offers a range of on-line training modules and learning management systems.  They have a virtual Coffee Morning on Tuesday 15 July, 9-30 am to 10-15, to showcase what they offer and explain recent developments.  This Zoom session is free.  Enquiries to Sam Haighton (membership development) at (020) 3974 1511 or shaighton@charitylearning.org

On-line Marketing Training

Awesome Tech Training offer a range of Webinars to support small organisations. There’s a cluster of bite-sized sessions coming up on Tuesday 22 July to help you take control of your digital presence.  Each webinar lasts an hour including time for questions, and costs £36 (or book all 3 and pay for just 2!).

10 am: Basics of SEO for small businesses.

12 pm: Using Google Business Profile to boost your local SEO.

3 pm: Introduction to Google Analytics.

Enquiries to rachel@awesometechtraining.com

Community Groups Support

After some hesitation, Lambeth Council is going ahead with inviting bids for a new contract to follow on from services currently provided by Integrate.  The new contract will have 3 strands, capacity building, funding advice, and (previously lacking) advocacy on behalf of the voluntary and community sector.  Closing date for bids is Monday 21 July. Enquiries to voluntarycommunitysector@lambeth.gov.uk

Your Forum Bulletins

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

The forum for community groups and individuals around Brixton