Stockwell’s Safe Space

Stockwell Park Community Trust, based in South London, serves as a vital centre and safe space for the local community, offering a wide range of support services, programmes, and events from its modern facility on the Stockwell Park Estate, a historically deprived area in south London.

Julie Fawcett, a housing association tenant and a director of the Stockwell Park Community Trust, explains the mission of the Trust:

“What we do here is try and make sure that the community feels safe and loved and wanted, and that there’s a place for absolutely everyone.”

Enriching the lives of local residents

Programmes and Services

Additionally, the Trust provides an array of activities and facilities to support young people, vulnerable groups, and the wider community in Stockwell and North Brixton. These include:

Community Café & Drop-in Centre

Open daily, the café offers healthy, affordable meals, hot drinks, internet access, and support services for those in need.

Community Events & Groups

The centre acts as a hub for local groups and regularly hosts events and activities to bring people together.

Food Bank

Operating on Tuesdays and Saturdays, the food bank distributes fresh and tinned goods to families in need. It supports around 40 to 45 families each week, with some larger families relying on weekly assistance.

Stockwell Park Youth Creatives

Free activities such as cookery courses, treasure hunts, dance, yoga, drama, music classes, and trips are organised for children and young adults.

Julie highlights their partnership with organisations like Certitude to provide tailored support:

“On Wednesdays, we organise an art session for people with learning difficulties. Some participants come with carers to enjoy creative activities.”

Digital Assistance and Advocacy

The Trust also supports individuals who face challenges with digital services or language barriers. They collaborate with the Home Office to assist with e-visas, census forms, court cases, and other online tasks that individuals may struggle to complete independently.

The Role of City Harvest

City Harvest plays a crucial role in supporting the food bank by delivering weekly surplus food supplies. Chef Misek shares how they creatively utilise donations:

“If we get carrots, we make carrot cake; if we get apples, we make apple cake. We rely on these deliveries to provide meals.”

A History of Transformation

Established in 1994 in response to high crime rates and poor housing conditions on the Stockwell Park Estate, the Trust emerged from a Tenant Management Organisation formed by local council tenants. With an initial £3.5 million investment from Lambeth Council, they spearheaded efforts to refurbish the estate while addressing gang violence and drug issues. By working closely with young people and vulnerable residents, they significantly reduced crime rates and ensured no one was left behind during regeneration efforts.

Julie Fawcett on the community, “We believe everybody has a part to play in this world,” Julie says.

The Stockwell Park Community Centre stands as a beacon of hope and resilience for its neighbourhood—a true refuge for all.