Local residents stock up on essentials at the Lewington winter market
Residents of the Silwood estate in Rotherhithe could replenish supplies of food and essential items at the Lewington Centre between midday and 2pm on Tuesday 18 February.
Through its Foundation, L&Q, a housing association which manages homes on the estate, held a winter market with high-quality produce donated by its supply chain partners.
It is one of several services that L&Q provides for residents who may need additional support due to the rising cost of living.
The event was also an opportunity for residents to meet the new owners of the Lewington Centre café space, Spring Community Hub.
Team members were on hand to speak to residents over a hot drink about the community activities and support services they would like to see.
Therapy 4 Healing wellbeing services provided support through relaxation / stress-busting techniques and massage, and there were activities for young children to enjoy.
Comments from residents who attended the winter market to stock up on provisions include:
“Very good, especially for families. Will make a difference – it’s so expensive to afford household items. Thank you!”
“Great – helpful! I have another baby on the way, so this takes away stress.”
“Variety is amazing, taking into consideration the whole household. The volunteers are friendly and it’s well set up.”
“Very well organised and staff are polite. I worked for 30 years and never needed help, but I had to leave work due to health issues. This has a positive impact
“Very helpful, nice variety of products and kind, helpful people.”
“Absolutely amazing to help the local community.”
Sam Ross-Harding, Community Assets Portfolio Manager at the L&Q Foundation, said:
“The winter market was a great success and an example of what our dedicated colleagues achieve collectively for the benefit of local communities above and beyond managing residents’ homes. On the day, over 70 households from the local area were represented, equating to around 300 residents from a diverse range of backgrounds.
“We achieved our aim of creating a positive and upbeat atmosphere, in line with our commitment to removing the stigma from seeking help during times of financial hardship. My thanks to our supply chain whose generous donations were very much appreciated by residents.”
The Lewington Centre is an accessible, inclusive space where all residents of the Silwood Estate are welcome to spend time and get access to advice, support and a range of activities.
In addition to Tuesday’s one-off winter market, community volunteers support running a food bank every Friday, set up in partnership with Southwark Council with provisions from London-based charity The Felix Project.
The Lewington Centre also hosts a Warm Hub every Friday during the winter months where local people can come in from the cold, enjoy refreshments and socialise.