There are many services available over the winter months.
Here are details and links you can use to get support, most of which are free:
Food Banks and Affordable Food Options
Southwark Foodbank
Emergency food and support for those in crisis. Visit: Southwark Foodbank.
Central Southwark Spring Community Hub
Food parcels, advice, and additional assistance: Central Southwark Community Hub
How to access our services:
There are a variety of ways you can access the above services.
- You can be referred by a health professional,
- call their helpline on 020 3751 9684 and is available Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm
- email them at southwarkhub@together-uk.org
- visit their Drop In service every Wednesday – Drop In Appointments are available from 12-3pm
- visit their Pop Ups around the borough
Scope’s Advice on Food Support
Guidance on accessing food banks and free/low-cost food without referrals: Scope - Food and No Money
The Bread and Butter Thing
Affordable food membership with no fees or referrals required: The Bread and Butter Thing
Warm Spaces
Libraries and Leisure Centres
- Many local libraries, including the new Una Marsden Library, are warm spaces.
- Check Southwark Council's map for details here: https://geomap.southwark.gov.uk/connect/analyst/mobile/#/main?mapcfg=%2FAnalyst%2FNamedProjects%2FSouthwark%20Warm%20Spaces
- Facilities like Camberwell Leisure Centre, Dulwich Leisure Centre, and Peckham Pulse offer free gym and swimming to Southwark residents
- Southwark Council provides a detailed with updated locations and hours: Warm spaces | Southwark Council
Community & Faith Spaces
- Haddon Hall Baptist Church
Free hot drinks, pastries, and children's toys on Wednesdays (10:30 am - 12:30 pm). Location: 22 Tower Bridge Road, SE1 4TR Southwark Council - Kingswood Arts
Warm space with activities, community kitchen, and movie days, Monday to Friday (8:30 am - 5:00 pm) at Kingswood House, SE21 8QN Southwark Council - Pembroke House
Activities and social support on Fridays (10:00 am - 3:00 pm) at 80 Tatum Street, SE17 1QR Here is the hyperlink for Pembroke House: Pembroke House - Activities and social support
Specialist Programmes
- Time & Talents for Older Adults
- The Old Mortuary (Mondays, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm): Hot meals and energy-saving advice.
- T&T2 at Surrey Quays Shopping Centre (Wednesdays, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm): Digital support and more Southwark's community services.
- Together at Pecan
Multiple sessions during the week at 121a Peckham High Street, SE15 5SE. Provides meals, snacks, and guidance Southwark Council - Southwark Carers
Warm meals and advice for carers on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays (11:00 am - 4:00 pm) at Walworth Methodist Church, SE5 0EN Southwark Council
Mental Health Support
- Southwark Wellbeing Hub
Access to mental health services and wellbeing advice: Southwark Wellbeing Hub. - Shout Crisis Text Line
24/7 confidential support via text. Text "SHOUT" to 85258 - Samaritans
Confidential talking support 24 hours a day: Dial 116 123 - National Health Service (NHS)
NHS Mental Health Crisis support can be reached by dialing 111 and selecting option 2
Housing Crisis Support
- Oasis Community Housing
Accommodation and life skills for young people. Visit: Oasis Community Housing - Shelter
Urgent housing advice and support: Shelter - Centrepoint
Housing and training for youth aged 16-25: Centrepoint
Family-friendly Activities & Events
- Southwark Council’s Food and Fun Holiday Programme
Engaging activities and free meals for children and families: Southwark Council Activities - Adventure Playgrounds and Youth Clubs
Local playgrounds and youth clubs offer sports, games, and creative workshops: Southwark Playgrounds - Cultural and Festive Events
- Family-friendly performances at the Old Operating Theatre Museum and Unicorn Theatre.
- Seasonal events at The Glasshouse at Winter by the River. Find out more: WhereCanWeGo
- 50 Things To Do App
A guide to free activities with kids, from exploring parks to nature-inspired crafts: 50 Things To Do