Regent’s Park Together
A community initiative to support each other through the cost of living crisis
As the cost of living crisis continues, many of us are worried about the cost of heating our home.
To help people stay warm this winter, we have teamed up with local organisations and residents to provide a ‘warm welcome’ space with activities and food, where local residents can come together in a safe and warm space.
As well as at ODAC, ‘warm welcome’ spaces are available across Camden. Find out more or find others at camden.gov.uk/warmwelcome
Here At Old Diorama Arts Centre, 201 Drummond Street, NW1 3FE
Our creation and community centre is open every day of the week (til 10pm Mon-Thurs and until 6pm Fri - Sun). You’re welcome to hang out in our foyer to work, chat and warm up! We have free WiFi and free tea and coffee.
Wednesdays are Make, Do and Meet
Make, Do and Meet is a day to get together and support each other, with creative and useful skills exchange workshops and social coffee mornings in ODAC’s upstairs comfortable community space.
From 10am – 12.30pm every Wednesday we will be running a creative workshop to learn a range of useful arts-led skills for upcycling and low-budget luxury. Workshops will include sewing and clothes repairs, household upcycling, painting and drawing, jewellery-making and a range of craft designs. The programme so far:
15th February, Drama and crafts workshop with Sankofa Storytelling Arts.
22nd February, Making candle holders & jewellery with Bahja
1st March, Home Decorations (Dream Catchers) with Sammi
8th March, Making & Mending: making pillowcases and how to hand stitch with Hasna
15th March, Making Candle Holders & Jewellery with Bahja
22nd March, 3D Frames and Cupcake Socks with Lima
Consider the studio your ‘home away from home’. It is open until 5pm as a comfy space for people to chat, socialise, support each other, get advice or play some games - whatever people need and want.
There is no need to sign up - just drop in!
All ages are welcome. Children and babies welcome but must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
Free tea, coffee, snacks and refreshments provided.
If you have any questions, get in touch with Mariam Hassan, Local Programmes Manager on 020 3951 8983 or mariam@olddiorama.com.
At Surma Community Centre, 1 Robert St, NW1 3JU
Surma Centre is open as a warm space for the community 10am-4pm daily.
Fridays are Community Kitchen
Every Friday 3:30-7pm, starting 17th Feb. Collect free hot meals or join us to eat together or have a hot drink and snacks. Activities include film screenings, quizzes, bingo, creative corner, pool, table tennis & more - for all ages.
Regent’s Park Community Champions started Community Kitchen started over 6 dates in December, at ODAC and Surma, and now it’s returning on a weekly basis!
Please sign up in advance at this link, so we know how much food to make: https://forms.office.com/e/5B1d9CcRkR
If you have any questions, get in touch with Ellie Rudd, Community Champions Manager on ellie.rudd@fya.org.uk
Would you like to volunteer to help out?
We’d love to have your help!
For Community Kitchen, please use this form to sign up: https://forms.office.com/e/p1XreKGDND
For Make, Do and Meet, please email Mariam Hassan on mariam@olddiorama.com
Who’s making this possible?
Regent’s Park Together is a community-led initiative to tackle the cost of living crisis together, led by a group of local charities and residents as Community Champions Regent’s Park.
The organisations leading the management are Old Diorama Arts Centre, Fitzrovia Youth in Action, Bengali Workers’ Association (Surma Centre), The Euston Partnership and Camden’s Detached Youth Team.
These activities are made possible with funding from the Camden Cost of Living Response Fund, and all the organisation and individuals involved.
How do I get specialist help?
If you’re struggling to afford the essentials – including food, energy bills or housing costs - or if you’re in debt, help is available.
find advice at camden.gov.uk/costofliving
contact one of the organisations in Camden Advice Network. Find their details at camden.gov.uk/CAN
call the council on 020 7974 4444 (option 9)
call Citizens Advice Camden on 0800 278 7835
