In April last year we launched Space for Action, an offer of easily attainable, free space for small-scale community-building and fundraising events.
We consider this offer part of our social responsibility as a public charity with a space to share. Local people and groups with a connection to Southwark and Lambeth were our priority when we set up Space for Action – and remain so! – as well as events that align with our vision and values to centre marginalised communities and practices.
Hosted in 2024
Almost one year on, here’s a bit of a breakdown of what happened over the first year of Space for Action…
- Our Community, Our Voice used our Research Studio to host a creative arts workshop. Their afternoon event aimed to empower and enable people living in Southwark to share their stories and express their views and feelings about issues important in their lives, especially around housing.
- TRANSCENDANCE held Let’s Play movement classes for beginners identifying as trans, non-binary and or Global Majority/ BIP0C who need an inclusive and supportive space.
- Mental Fight Club, who support Southwark community members with their mental health, ran a LGBT+ friendly and accessible event for regular attendees in our Roof Studio.
- Rieckhof / Silva hosted a movement workshop inspired by their UPROAR project exploring cycles of protest and hope. Using sound, props and live music.
- Tea & Connect hosted a series of small monthly tea parties for those experiencing loneliness and isolation – especially aimed at refugees, migrants and asylum seekers. These fun afternoons included quizzes and craft making.
“Without your generosity, kindness, and practical assistance we wouldn’t have been able to provide this platform for LGBT practitioners and to create such a safe space for community participants in such an impactful way … your space is absolutely stunning and each and every member of your staff was so helpful, positive, and professional … I really can’t thank you enough.”
Neil Coles – Senior Project Manager at Mental Fight Club
Coming up in 2025…
We’re looking forward to welcoming Dyarr Collective, who will host a celebration of Arab identity with poetry, music, art and food – and Dabkeh Gathers, a community group who will host one of their regular gatherings at SDS to share the traditional Palestinian folklore dance Dabkeh.
Would you like to host an event as part of Space for Action?
We’re imagining that Space for Action will include:
- community meetings and organising
- gatherings to socialise, observe or celebrate
- fundraising or awareness-raising events
Following our joyous and raucous fundraiser for the Khalil Sakaini Cultural Centre, we’re particularly keen to host fundraisers for causes that align with our values and ways of working.
Take a look at the Space for Action page for more information.