Last week we hosted a networking event, our first since the national lockdown, at One Blackfriars viewing platform– what a remarkable venue! We realised how valuable it was to bring all of the community partners we have funded together, and it was clear that we should not assume people know each other just because they work in the same area.
Leading up to the evening, many guests wanted to know the event’s purpose, the plans for the day and if somebody was going to give a presentation. The simplicity of no structure on the day allowed everyone to have a casual, friendly chat about what their organisations have been doing and what is working for them and not working for them. We are excited to see how these relationships transpire in the future. Most importantly, we wanted to introduce these organisations to our trustees in the Community Investment Committee, as they are part of the granting-making process. This event created a space for charities and community groups to have a two-way conversation with our trustees without having the power dynamics of pitching for money. United St Saviour’s wanted to focus on rewarding groups for their commitment to Southwark. We pride ourselves on being an open and trusting funder, and this event was a great way to continue showing our commitments.
It was impossible to capture all the conversations in the room, but I would like to shine some light on the:
It was impossible to capture all the conversations in the room, but I would like to shine some light on the:
- Creative Talent in Peckham: Many people were excited to hear about the growing talent in Peckham Theatre, an inspirational placemaking and performance arts academy, on the heart of an estate and creative quarter of Peckham, where they champion artistic excellence. By providing a platform for underrepresented performers and technicians from low-income and Black communities to increase diversity within the sector and lead change from the inside out. A week before the event, United St Saviours’ staff were impressed by a show called Sunny Side Up. . A solo lyrical performance based on true stories, where the audience was invited to delve into the mind of Lil D growing up in Peckham and his journey in primary and secondary. He poetically explores how upbringing, environment and life events shape the masculinity of young Black boys. An extraordinary aspect is that one young writer performed by himself for 70 minutes, the type of talent you see in West End.
- School Exclusions: Many organisations working with young people in schools voiced concerns about a marginalised group of vulnerable young people at risk of exclusion. Many parents struggle with the confidence challenge of school decisions. Limited resources or caseworkers are available to support the exclusion process in Southwark. When parents gain support from external organisations, their child has already been permanently excluded. Southwark Law Centre is hosting a workshop for parents and community organisations on 20th March to cover informative training in criminal law, educational law and the exclusion process, school attendance orders and how school discipline can impact criminal cases. To book a place or find any future dates, please email Ariane.Ordoobadi@southwarklawcentre.org.uk. Future Men are developing a resource that will be available anytime for parents by creating a podcast that will educate parents through conversations that explain what steps to take, the type of questions to ask, what exactly to do, and how to challenge the school exclusion process.
- Eating on a Budget: With the cost of living impacting everyone’s pockets and food insecurity in the borough increasing, it is essential to have fun, creative activities that help with budgeting and bring people together. Copleston Centre have a Community Café with lots of food-based activities. Cooking on budget engages local food businesses in Peckham to host a cooking class with residents. So not only do they learn how to cook various cultural dishes, but it is also restaurant quality, and they can afford to treat themselves cheaply. This is a great way to help build relationships between the local community and businesses.
