SoWN News 24 October 2025
- csaunders935
- Oct 24
- 8 min read
Welcome to your South Bank and Waterloo Neighbours newsletter.
It’s been an inspiring month across our neighbourhood with meetings, events, and plenty of moments that show the power of community in action. Coming up there is a local history talk, a volunteer meet-up and two celebratory events to provide opportunities for us to come together in the spirit of respect and inclusion.
This newsletter contains:
Highlights from the last SoWN Forum
Unite the Kingdom March – impact and response meeting summary
A joyful day at the Wonderful Waterloo and South Bank Fun Day
Celebrate Black History at Coin Street on Monday 27 October
Building a stronger elders community
Discover William Blake with the Waterloo Local History Society
Join In! Volunteer Welcome Session
Spotlight on... Leila Hidayat, Fundraising Lead at Coin Street
Highlights from the last SoWN Forum
On Thursday 9 October we gathered at the new Lambeth Walk Methodist Church for updates from across the community with a particular focus on the arts. Ahead of the meeting, Revd Sue Shortman kindly gave a tour of the wonderful new church. Visit the website to see the range of spaces and facilities available.
At 6pm, Florence Eshalomi MP opened the meeting with a series of updates from across the area, including the community’s response to the large-scale march on 13 September. Florence shared plans to chair a follow-up meeting with senior police representatives, residents, and community leaders to discuss the social and economic impact of the march and to advocate for improved planning and communication in future. (This meeting has since taken place - see the summary below.) Florence also confirmed her ongoing work around e-bike safety and announced an upcoming meeting with Gabriel’s Wharf tenants and Coin Street to discuss regeneration plans for the area.
Paul Cons then gave an inspirational update on the proposed art installation for Emma Cons Garden. You can view the presentation here.
Sam Henderson, COO, and Daniel Fulvio, Director of Community Partnerships, at Rambert discussed Rambert’s plans for sponsored art on the east facing side of their building on Upper Ground.
Tom Davies Senior Planner at Lambeth Council attended to speak about the progress of the redesignation of SoWN. Thanks to everyone who got in contact with the council to support the redesignation.
We then enjoyed presentations on Waterloo’s 'hidden' arts that demonstrated the wealth of artistic activity happening in the area. See the presentation by St John’s Waterloo, the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Coin Street for more information
The meeting closed with updates from previous meetings followed by drinks.
Unite the Kingdom March – impact and response meeting
On Friday 17 October, Florence Eshalomi MP chaired a meeting at Coin Street with representatives from the Metropolitan Police, local councillors, residents, businesses, and community groups. Attendees shared concerns about the social and economic impact of hosting a march of this scale in a multicultural, residential area.
Reports highlighted disruption, criminal activity, and public disorder, alongside a lack of advance communication and limited police presence in some locations. While attendees acknowledged the right to protest, they also emphasised that the South Bank and Waterloo is not suitable for gatherings of this size.
The police apologised for the impact and acknowledged operational shortcomings. They expressed a commitment to improving engagement with the community going forward.
All London residents can join MetEngage to know your local officers, help shape how your area is policed and have direct access to key information and advice. Sign up here.
A joyful day at the Wonderful Waterloo & South Bank Fun Day
On Sunday 21 September, neighbours came together at St John’s Waterloo for the Wonderful Waterloo & South Bank Fun Day – a celebration of local action for a fairer, greener neighbourhood. The event was organised by South Bank and Waterloo Sustains Us in collaboration with South Bank and Waterloo Neighbours and Coin Street.
The afternoon was filled with energy and connection: families got involved in the London
Philharmonic Orchestra’s Snail and the Whale music workshop and explored the Octopus
Garden Trail, children enjoyed face painting and creative workshops, and visitors got stuck into
hands-on activities from bike checks and clothing repair tutorials to climate games and
gardening tips.
Live music and performances created a fun atmosphere, while conversations at stalls and workshops highlighted the brilliant work already happening across our neighbourhood to make it more sustainable and inclusive.
The Sustains Us team would like to say a huge thank you to all the partners and volunteers who made the day possible. And thank you to everyone who came along, brought clothes to swap, bikes to repair, donated food items, or simply joined in to learn, connect, and share ideas.
If you would like to stay in touch, let them know in the contact form at sbwsustainsus.org.
You can also visit the Living Green Challenge to find more ways to engage with sustainability efforts in
South Bank and Waterloo.
The Sustains us team would love to hear your views on building a fairer, greener neighbourhood.
Your views will help shape priorities and guide the next phase of action and activities, ensuring that South Bank and Waterloo’s journey to becoming more sustainable reflects the needs and ideas of everyone.
If you have a moment, complete the short survey below to share your views.
Celebrate Black History at Coin Street on Monday 27 October
Head to the Coin Street neighbourhood centre on Monday 27 October to celebrate Black History Month. During the day there will be a drop-in event where you can enjoy refreshments and children’s activities (12pm-2.30pm), get involved in arts and crafts throughout the day and browse black owned business stalls. There will also be workshops and health and wellbeing activities.
From 6pm - 8pm, you are invited to a special evening of culture, connection, and celebration. This evening event is free, but you’ll need book on Eventbrite. You can enjoy live performances from Jazz Dance Elite, and join a film and Q&A with GSB grime, hosted by our young leaders. There will be a chance to sample delicious cultural food and refreshments whilst celebrating Black excellence in our neighbourhood.
Details:
Monday 27 October
12pm 6pm (free no need for a ticket).
6pm - 8pm (book your free ticket on Eventbrite)
Coin Street neighbourhood centre, 108 Stamford Street, SE1 9NH
Join Lambeth's Community Cohesion Event on Monday 10 November
Lambeth Council invite you to a special Community Cohesion Event, bringing together residents, community leaders, councillors and local organisations for an evening of connection, collaboration, and collective action.
Hate crime is rising, hate speech is spreading on social media and our communities across Lambeth are feeling the impact. Lambeth stands united with all our communities in rejecting all forms of violence, terror and hate, including antisemitism and islamophobia. We are a proud Borough of Sanctuary and we celebrate the diversity that makes our wonderful borough so special.
Join them to stand united, proud and to celebrate our diverse communities, at the start of Inter Faith Week.
Date: Monday 10 November
Time: 6.30pm to 8pm
Venue: Assembly Hall in Lambeth Town Hall, Brixton, SW2 1RW.
There will be short speeches, information stalls, networking time and refreshments.
Confirm your attendance by booking your ticket.
If you have any queries, please contact the Community Engagement team at engagement@lambeth.gov.uk
Building a stronger elders community
Since 2022, a small group of Waterloo residents has grown into a vibrant network of over 80 people, united by a shared goal: to help one another live independently and stay connected to the neighbourhood. They've explored everything from assistive technologies and social prescribing to local care initiatives and Council-led programmes, always with a focus on practical solutions and community-led action.
Three Priorities for Change
The Elders group are now focused on three key projects: a comprehensive Directory of services for older people (launching January 2026), a Caring Community Model to strengthen neighbour-to-neighbour support, and long-term backing for a proposed nursing home on the Coin Street site - the only real chance to keep care close to home. Each initiative is shaped by local voices and built on collaboration.
Growing Connections
Alongside this work, we’re building relationships through events, socials, and partnerships with local organisations like AgeUK Lambeth, GSTT, and Coin Street. Our New Year’s Elders gathering and summer pop-ups have sparked new energy, and we’re keen to keep the momentum going. Whether you're older, caring for someone, or simply thinking ahead, this work is for all of us.
People of all ages are welcome to join. If you'd like to get involved, email Carole.
Discover William Blake with the Waterloo Local History Society
Between 1790 and 1800, the poet and artist William Blake conceived, wrote, engraved and self-published some of the finest poems in the English language as well as some of the most enduring images in English art, all from a small house on Hercules Road, North Lambeth. Jon Newman, Lambeth historian and archivist, talks about the extraordinary work of the man, arguably Lambeth's greatest resident, and the particular importance of Lambeth, the place, to shaping his art.
Date: Monday 24 November
Time: 6 for 6.30pm
Location: The Hercules, 2 Kennington Road, SE1 7BL
Booking: Tickets £11.55 https://williamblakeattheHercules.eventbrite.com
The Waterloo Local History Society are looking for enthusiastic people who have an interest in local history who would like to join their small team to develop research ideas, a web site and arrange and support events. They meet monthly for an hour or so. If you are interested do contact them via email: waterloolocalhistory@gmail.com
Join in! Volunteer welcome session
This open event is all about recruiting volunteers. Come along to explore opportunities around Waterloo and why not bring a friend or encourage a family member to join? Everyone is welcome.
Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community while gaining valuable personal and professional benefits. It helps build connections, boost confidence, and develop new skills - all while making a meaningful impact. Whether you're supporting a local cause, lending a hand at an event, or sharing your expertise, volunteering creates a sense of purpose and belonging.
Date: Wednesday 1 October
Time: 4 to 7 pm
Location: Coin Street neighbourhood centre
For more information email Sarah Vagerson
Spotlight on... Leila Hidayat
What’s your role in South Bank and Waterloo?
I am the Fundraising Lead for Coin Street. You can usually find me writing grant applications and reports for our youth and community, and family and children’s centre projects. If I’m not behind my computer, I am having a coffee with one of our lovely funders and partners, arranging experiences for corporate volunteers, or liaising with challenge event participants.
What was your first job?
A butcher’s assistant, for a brother and sister duo named David and Lynn. I worked for a few hours after school twice a week and on a Saturday. Lynn has since sadly passed, but David still runs the shop. I pop in there to buy my sausages!
What’s your favourite thing to do on the weekend?
I travel to new places when I can. I flew to Rome last Spring with my friend Hannah, where we spent our time walking, looking at old stuff, and eating. That was a great weekend!
What’s the best surprise you’ve ever received?
I like to be surprised by people. There are terrible things going on over the world, but there are kind, generous and courageous people. It’s nice to be reminded of that.
If you could live in any movie, which one would it be?
Sing – I’ve watched this film a hundred times with my daughter. For those who haven’t seen it, it’s about a Koala, called Mr Moon, who tries to save his struggling theatre, by organising a singing competition. I can’t sing, but it would be great to be on stage, releasing that dopamine and endorphins with a good singalong.
Who do you nominate for a SoWN spotlight?
Yinka Fabusuyi, the new Senior Community Engagement Officer at King’s College.
