Since we took the difficult decision to pause in-person activities at Pembroke House and the Walworth Living Room last week, owing to the coronavirus pandemic, we’ve been working hard on three things.
First, we’ve been staying in touch with our participants, letting them know that we’re still here, and finding out how we can support them over the coming weeks.
Second, we’ve been exploring how we can keep running activities without meeting face-to-face. We’ve already run a virtual babies’ and toddlers’ music group and an online inclusive dance class!
Finally, we’ve been considering the role we can play in the wider Walworth neighbourhood: how can we support some of the amazing initiatives that have sprung up in the community? and what else can we offer to Walworth during this difficult time?
New online resources
Today, as a result of this work, we’re launching two new websites for the community:
The virtual Walworth Living Room
While our building is shut to keep people safe from the coronavirus, you can’t shut a community. We’ll continue supporting one another during this crisis with activities streamed online.
Visit the new Walworth Living Room website to find out what’s on and how you can get involved.
So much has changed in just a few weeks. To help people navigate this new world, we’ve brought together some up-to-date information about services, activities and opportunities in the Walworth / SE17 neighbourhood.
Visit the website for information about local supermarkets, pharmacies, community organisations and activities – and ways you can help out in the neighbourhood.
Next steps
But this is only the beginning. We’ll keep growing both websites by adding new information and opportunities over the next few weeks.
And we need your help. We want to build these with the community, so let us know what you think. Is there something we’re missing? What else would you like to see here? Can you help by running an activity or keeping information up-to-date?
As always, you can get in touch with us on 020 7703 3803 and info@pembrokehouse.org.uk.
Other responses to the coronavirus
We’ve also been working on a local delivery network, setting up Pembroke House as a distribution centre for food and care packages and working with the Council, community and voluntary sector and the NHS to help coordinate local responses.
We’ll be able to share more about this soon. Keep an eye on our website, our Twitter and our Facebook page for updates.
The Pembroke House team