Something is stirring in the London Borough of Southwark… something unstoppable that will see communities unite around common causes and more residents becoming empowered to bring about social change. So what is this mysterious force, you ask? Well, over the last year Community Southwark, the borough’s support organisation for the Voluntary and Community Sector, has been developing seven Community Action Networks (CANs) in Southwark – including one right here in Dulwich.

So what is a Community Action Network?
There is a wealth of community activity going on in every part of the borough – but sometimes it is hard for people to find out what is on their doorstep or know how to get involved. In setting up the networks we want to provide people with tools, information and opportunities to be more active in their local communities.

CAN meetings
Each network hosts three meetings per year which provide the opportunity to meet local people, and find out what activities, campaigns and initiatives are going on near you. They also provide the space to share ideas and make connections so that you can develop your own community activities. Why not come along to the next Dulwich CAN meeting? (Thursday 9th March at 6pm at the Albrighton Community Centre, East Dulwich, SE22 8AH)

1:1 Support
If you have an idea for an event, want to start a campaign, or want to start your own community group we offer 1:1 support sessions and are more than happy to come to you.

Training
One of our goals is to help people become more familiar with how local and national democracy works (and the answer isn’t “it doesn’t”!) In 2017 we will be delivering various sessions on how Government and Parliament work, how to plan a successful campaign, and what you need to do to get your voice heard. If you are interested, just drop us a line and let us know!

Volunteering
We are looking for a volunteer community researcher to interview people in East Dulwich. If you are interested, please e-mail Clare at clare@communitysouthwark.org.

Dulwich
So what have we been up to in your neck of the woods? Well, so far we’ve hosted three meetings in Dulwich and made connections with residents and local groups including the East Dulwich Community Centre, the Dulwich Society, Kingswood Community Shop and many more. Topics discussed have included volunteering opportunities and local activities for young people, increasingly high rents for shop keepers, and we will be undertaking a community asset mapping exercise with the Kingswood Community Network in the coming months.

We want to hear about the issues that are affecting residents in Dulwich and, more importantly, help do something about them. This is where you come in!

  • Sign up to southwarkcan.org for updates and information
  • Tell us about your campaign, a service that is missing or what you love about your area
  • Come to the next Dulwich Community Action Network meeting. Each meeting has a different theme and focus, but there is always space for the people in the room to share their views, set the agenda and meet others.

The next meeting is taking place on Thursday 9th March at 6pm at the Albrighton Community Centre, East Dulwich, SE22 8AH. Book your place at: www.southwarkcan.org/dulwich

You can also send us an email via engage@southwarkcan.org, or give us a call on 020 7358 7020.