Eight local groups received £75,000 last year from the Elephant and Castle community fund, with projects including walking sessions and arts workshops for people with dementia writes Issy Clarke
The initiative, which receives funding from Southwark Council, supported a total of 746 people across Elephant and Castle in 2024.
Last year, the council placed particular emphasis on supporting initiatives focusing on further education and skills, young people, wellbeing, the environment, and the arts.
Councillor Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development, said: “It’s great to see the Elephant and Castle Community Fund continuing to make such a tangible impact, supporting the local community through programmes which are enriching the lives of residents.
“As Elephant and Castle continues to change and renew, this Fund is an important way of connecting the community with new opportunities, helping people learn new skills, grow in confidence and build friendships. Whether it is through gardening, creative arts, English lessons or coding classes, the organisations supported through this Fund are doing incredible work and will have a lasting impact on the lives that they touch.”
One project which has thrived thanks to money received via the fund is Silverfit, which provides exercise classes for elderly people.
Eddie Brocklesby, CEO and founder of Silverfit, said: “Silverfit is so grateful to the Elephant and Castle Community Fund for their generous support of Silverfit Nordic Walking sessions in Burgess Park, Yoga at the Elephant and Castle Community and Engagement Hub and exciting new sessions in the pipeline for 2025.
“This support is vital in promoting the well-being and health of our ageing population, and we couldn’t be more thankful.”
Other initiatives which received support last year included the Afghanistan and Central Asian Association, which was granted £9,400 to provide 70 people with English language classes and careers advice for refugee women.
Meanwhile, The Arts 4 Dementia group received funding for workshops for those with early-stage dementia, including activities such as journalling, ceramics and textiles to reduce isolation.
