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Brought to you by the Elephant and Castle Town Centre team, inside the Castle Chronicle you can read all about what’s going on in the local community, including updates on the redevelopment of the town centre.
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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.
Over 18,000 people using the virtual community hub since March 2020
Over 48,000 views on the virtual community hub since its launch in March 2020
“It has an amazing impact. Amazing positive impact, especially now! When we cannot meet. We cannot see each other in person and be a community in that sense. What happens is, the Community Hub is a platform, a place where people can. Even though it’s virtual, they can meet and do something that they are all passionate about.”
Paulina Knapik, Community Hub Choir Director commenting on the Virtual Hub
“It’s been a godsend to the community, it’s really great. Because every day there is a different activity going on.”
Lee Kempster, Community Member
“It brings inclusion, no discrimination. So it’s including old, young, people of different ethnicities, disabilities. It brings together a community. Definitely, no matter what language you speak. Especially with dance, everyone knows how to dance. That’s a language that everyone can interact with.”
Mo Oriogun, Community Member
If interested in joining in the fun, you can find us at
or on Facebook @whatsonatelephantOr check out our Instagram
Inspiring Elephant Community Fund
Get Living is proud to announce that the Inspiring Elephant Community Fund is returning for applications in 2026, with £50,000 in grants available to support local initiatives in Elephant and Castle.
Returning for its fifth successive year, the fund will focus on two key priority areas:
- Skills and Employment for Young Adults: to support Southwark residents, including young people aged 16+ develop skills, access training and move into sustainable employment.
- Community Art: encouraging the creation of public art that reflects local identity, engages the community and leaves a lasting legacy in the area.
Local organisations can apply for grants of up to £7,000, with projects that combine creative public art with paid employment opportunities prioritised.
Applications must be submitted by 5pm on Monday 23rd February 2026.
If you know a local organisation or creative initiative producing public art in Elephant and Castle or offering employment opportunities, please encourage them to apply.
Further guidance on eligibility, priority areas, and tips for strengthening applications can be found here:Inspiring Elephant Community Fund – 2026 Guidelines
MEET Th SUCCESFUL APPLICANTS of 2025
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.
Fund winners to date
Take a look at the organisations that have been awarded funding to date as part of the Inspiring Elephant Community Fund.
