Southwark (Phase 1 - Completed)

The following Well London activities took place in the Cossall & Brimmington Neighbourhood target area.

Themed Projects

Be Creative, Be Well

• Arts Express: Two new works of public art through a series of workshops.
• Arts Express: A documentary project.

Eatwell

Community Feasts were delivered in October 2009 and September 2010.

DIY Happiness

Eight DIY Happiness sessions.;Dare to Dream ideas that were developed included 'DIY Family Happiness' classes for local residents including, relaxation, massage, reading groups, physical activity. This project continued for seven additional weeks, funded by 'Parents for Parents'.

The whole course was really informative. The facilitators are great and very down to earth. Me and my whole family have benefited from me doing this course and I will miss doing it.

DIY Participant, Southwark

Changing Minds

A number of Mental health awareness sessions took place in the local area.

Healthy Spaces

• Cossall Estate (Growing Southwark) Workshops
• The Cossall Cook Up Programme

Activate London

• Elderly people's chair dance sessions.
• Boxercise
• Table tennis sessions

Heart of the Community Projects

Training communities

This project provided training for the following Well London groups:

• WLDT members
• Well London Activators
• MWIA facilitators
• Young Ambassador

Training Communities also offered Personal support packages (PSPs).  Examples of training people chose included the following:

• Aqua Aerobics instructor training.
• Hygiene training.
• Project manager training.
• Introduction to counselling.
• Higher level teaching assistant training.
• IT for 'golden oldies'.
• women's health and wellbeing.

Youth.com

• DJ and open mic session.
• A table tennis tournament.
• Fortnightly table tennis sessions.

h3>Related links

• Well London Delivery Team
• WellNet
• Active Living Map

I extremely enjoyed Well London being in the area and it has improved the mood of the neighbourhood and myself immensely... I have learnt a lot and met new people. Some people who have been living next door to each other for 20 years have never spoken and are now doing things together.

Project Participant.

Participant Data

Total participants; 832

637 people reported an increase in healthier eating.
578 people reported increased access to affordable healthy food.
688 people reported an increase in levels of physical activity.
688 people reported that they felt more or much more positive.

Growing Southwark

There have been two community feasts, five cook and eat sessions and two 20 metre long raised beds built and installed by Growing Southwark with the help of Veolia and Groundwork’s Green Team that supply seasonal vegetables and herbs so people have access to healthy, fresh food. The raised beds have given residents easy access to fresh and local produce whilst cook and eat sessions have provided them with the skills to make healthy recipes on a budget.

The Well London Team engages those not in training, education or employment and provides them with the practical skills and knowledge to find work within the horticulture sector.

Well London helps people to retrain, gain confidence and valuable work experience to grow skills for a greener economy.

Weekly sports sessions have also taken place on the estate including football for young people, tai chi and chair dancing for those with limited mobility.

There have also been two major arts projects that were completed in December 2010. Developed by residents on the estate and local charity Arts Express, the works entitled ‘Cossall Estate Beauty Spots’ and ‘Cossall Remembered’ includes a collection of ceramics, paintings, drawings, photographs and shoe box collage installations created at a family drop in centre with local artists. The artwork is a tribute to the residents and is located in various locations across the estate.

The impact of the Well London programme has been remarkable. Residents have come together and both taken part in and organised fantastic community led activities. There is now enthusiasm and so much energy all geared towards community spirit, which is really inspiring. We are now working to make sure this ethos is taken forward to keep these valuable activities running.

Hannah Crump, Community Project Officer at Groundwork London.