Community

In June 2019 the Elephant and Castle Community Hub opened in the shopping centre, offering a popular and well-attended range of fitness and wellbeing classes, arts and crafts workshops running 5 days per week.

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, a virtual Community Hub was launched in March 2020, taking the physical classes and community support initiatives online. The virtual Hub provides everything from arts and crafts classes and baby music sessions, to online quizzes and a weekly community choir practice.

Since its launch, the Hub has welcomed over 18,000 users and over 48,000 views from people benefiting from the variety of free online and in-person activities on offer across different venues in Elephant and Castle.  We continue to work with local organisations to provide physical locations for the Community Hub in Elephant and Castle so that the activities can run both in person and online. You can view the timetable of activities here.

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  Over 18,000 people using the virtual community hub since March 2020

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  Over 48,000 views on the virtual community hub since its launch in March 2020

MEET THIS YEAR’S SUCCESFUL APPLICANTS

This year, 14 fantastic applicants have been awards grants between £2,000 and £4,500. The full list of applicants is below:

AA Educates CIC – Shaping Future Programme (£4,500)
A dynamic, youth-centred programme equipping young people aged 14–19 with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to thrive in
education, employment, and beyond.

Art in the Park – Elephant Art Club (£3,500)
A community arts organisation delivering inclusive visual arts and heritage projects, primarily from its studios in Southwark.

Draper Together CIO – Draper Kids Club (£4,000)
A vibrant charity dedicated to fostering unity and empowerment within the Elephant and Castle community in London SE1.

Friends of Crampton – After Hours School Clubs Expansion (£3,000) Supporting the further expansion of after-hours school clubs for all students at Crampton Primary School.

Hotel Elephant St Johns School Ltd – Sustainable Textiles Saturday Club (£4,000) A new club which gives young people hands-on experience in sustainable fashion and design.

Latin Ageing UK – English for the Young at Heart 50+ (£3,000) Empowering individuals aged 50 and over to engage in vibrant social activities that enhance well-being.

Mental Fight Club – Create, Relate and Integrate at The Dragon Café (£4,000) Creative and social sessions providing a supportive space for people experiencing mental ill-health, fostering connection and well-being through varied activities.

Org United Hearts CIC – The United Hearts Bloom Project (£3,000) A series of self-care and emotional resilience workshops, particularly supporting women from underrepresented backgrounds.

People’s Company – Elephant Community Fusion (£3,500) A local theatre tour that celebrates the diverse neighbourhood of Elephant and gives local people a platform to perform and connect.

Silverfit Ltd – Silverfit – Elephant & Castle Community (£4,000) Inclusive yoga classes accessible to participants of all abilities.

Southwark Playhouse – Southwark Playhouse Young Company (£3,000) A leading London theatre offering young people opportunities to develop theatre skills, build confidence, and perform on stage.

Superarts Academy of Performing Arts – RENEWAL Qigong & Expressive Writing Courses (£4,000)
Well-being focused writing courses aimed at reducing stress and anxiety among residents.

Communities 1st – Dance Classes for Older Adults (£2,000) Weekly dance sessions encouraging older adults to stay active, healthy, and socially connected.

Active Communities Network – Inspire Youth Club – Good Food Fridays (£4,500) Providing local youth with a safe, welcoming space to learn cooking, nutrition, and teamwork skills on Friday evenings.

The panel was delighted by the strength of applications and we would like to thank all that applied.