Category Archives: Training

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
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