Local community schemes come up trumps in Lambeth council funding announcement

A group which works to save children and young people in Myatt’s Fields from educational failure and other effects of social problems is the big winner in a list of cash awards worth almost a quarter of a million pounds, announced by Lambeth council.

XLP, which supports young people in Lambeth facing challenges like family breakdown, unemployment, and educational failure, often in areas impacted by antisocial behaviour and gang violence, will get £156,814.

The organisation, which works alongside bodies including St Gabriel’s School in Myatt’s Fields, focuses on creating positive futures through long-term relationships and belief in change, regardless of background. Initiatives include a school exclusion reduction programme, mentoring, sports and arts and a mobile youth centre. Read about XLP here.

Three other local community projects are celebrating their share of the combined windfall from the Borough’s Community Connections fund.

Breath Arts Health Research — £77,000. Breath are world leaders in combining creativity and scientific research to improve health and wellbeing in communities. The Melodies for Mums programme aims to support new mothers in Brixton and Stockwell experiencing postnatal depression or low mood. This free, 10-week group singing initiative, delivered in local community settings including the Liz Atkinson Children’s Centre, has been proven to improve mental health, boost confidence, and strengthen social connections. More details here.

Longfield Hall Trust — £10,000. The famous local landmark bid will receive the funding injection to help continue it’s work in the community: read about the Hall’s work here.

The Remakery – £9,995. This renowned sustainability organisation which includes a collection of workshops and community space in Lilford Rd will use the grant to support its ongoing community outreach work. Read more about this project here

Community Connections encourages initiatives set up to make our borough fairer and safer — more details can be found here.

Cllr Annie Gallop and Cllr Paul Gadsby said:

“It’s great to see Lambeth stepping in and putting our cash where it’s going to have a significant effect on the lives of many vulnerable people. We’re also please to see big financial boosts for organisations which have been working to improve lives in our neighbourhoods for many years.”

Myatt’s Fields venues take part in Lambeth’s free holiday activities for children and young people.

An exciting drama programme at Longfield Hall and multisports and crafts at Myatt’s Fields North community centre are just some of dozens of activities planned during the borough council-organised Winter of Food and Fun, which runs from Monday December 23rd to Friday January 3rd.

The programme is aimed at children between four and 16 years who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals. Each club will provide free healthy meals, fun physical activities to suit all tastes and ages, as well as opportunities for the family to learn about food and nutrition.

A flyer is being distributed around our neighbourhoods — you can find it here. More about the project, funded with cash from the Department for Education, is here.

Join this year’s Lambeth Youth Summit

Lambeth’s Youth Council has announced plans for this year’s Youth Summit which aims to bring together young people, businesses and youth organisation’s to drive positive change in the borough.

The Summit’s organisers said:

“Coming this 12th July at the Lambeth Town Hall,our event will be packed with exciting activities, from interactive stalls to free food and a photo booth. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re into sports, arts, politics or just having a good time with friends.Our lineup features very special headliners from all over the UK (TBA),spoken word artists etc.

But that’s not all – we’re also providing a platform for young people to share their thoughts and ideas about issues that matter to them. We’ll have a range of engaging and interactive activities, from panel discussions to creative workshops, where young people can speak out and have their voices heard. It’s a chance to make connections, learn new skills, and be inspired by the ideas of others.

So mark your calendars and don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to be a part of Lambeth Youth Summit. It’s a day to celebrate youth, creativity, and community – and we can’t wait to see you there!

You can sign up for the event on the 12 July here – and learn more about the work of the Youth Council here.

How can we make Myatt’s Fields more child friendly?

Lambeth Council’s new Child Friendly Lambeth initiative will be holding a consultation event in Myatt’s Fields asking for young people’s views on what improvements and priorities they would like to see from their council.

In its mission statement, Child Friendly Lambeth states:

Lambeth are embarking on an ambitious three to five-year programme to be recognised as a UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) Child Friendly Community.

This borough-wide partnership programme will see participation from the local authority, schools, community and faith groups, voluntary and community sector organisations, local businesses, police, health providers and commissioners.

The consultation event will be held 12:00 – 16:00, Wednesday 10th August 2022 at Myatt’s Fields South Basketball Court, London, SW9 6SN.

Further details below: