St Luke, Downham

The Front Room Club based at St Luke, Downham has received £310,005 from The National Lottery Community Fund.

The Front Room Club is a cafe-style drop in for those who are experiencing or at risk of social isolation and provides a welcoming, supportive and social space for local people. The club offers medical assistance from a nurse, a pain management service, as well as a support and advice service. Many who visit can also get help with practical skills and IT support. In the last quarter, the club welcomed 130 guests.

The team have seen an increased need for support in the community due to the cost-ofliving crisis, but without funding, the club would have had to drastically reduce its services or close entirely. Now, thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, the club can continue to run for the next five years and welcome more members of the community.

This grant from The National Lottery Community Fund supplements generous donations from a crowdfunding campaign, match funded by Co-op, and the support of existing funding partners including The Bishop of Southwark’s Lent Appeal, Lewisham Council and The Charity of Sir Richard Whittington to secure and expand the project.

St Luke, Downham is in the top 10% of poorest communities in the UK. Lucie Walsh, who volunteers at the club said, “We really get to know our group members, visiting when they are in hospital and making sure they feel a true sense of belonging. Every one of our members is unique and valuable. We make sure everyone has the opportunity to imagine a better life for themselves and to achieve for themselves.”

Janet Daby MP for Lewisham East said: “The Front Room Club has always been a beacon of light in Downham but now it can shine that bit more brightly!”

Helen Bushell, Head of Regional Funding for London, the South East and East of England at The National Lottery Community Fund, said, “Thanks to National Lottery players, we’re delighted to help the Front Room Club continue its vital services to the community.”