Our Your Space programme reaches out to the most isolated members of the community, bringing people together in a safe space. We’re so pleased its impact on the lives of Newham community members has been recognised in this way.

It was established to help ease social tension in the evolving London Borough of Newham, where investment in local infrastructure has brought in change and upheaval. At its heart, Your Space is a community-based therapeutic service providing discussion groups in safe, non-judgmental environments.

Activities include a weekly conversation club, social walking groups, conversational skills for speakers of other languages, as well as groups focused on families, elders and women with learning difficulties.

Our Programme Coordinator encourages each participant to have their voice heard by sharing their thoughts with the group – creating open discussion and nurturing peer-to-peer support. Members are also supported to feel empowered and comfortable in navigating their everyday lives and the struggles that come with it.

We are proud that over the past year, our Your Space project has recorded almost 2,000 attendances, with further programmes and groups planned in the future. The human stories which come from these groups are moving, and a true testament to the work results we produce.

Denise has been coming to Your Space for over six years. She said:

“I was introduced to Your Space by a friend, and I’m so happy she persuaded me to come along. People were so welcoming and friendly. They accepted me and my family.

“We all respect each other and we really do care. Everyone has your best interests at heart, and I’ve never felt that at any other group I’ve gone to.

“Without Your Space, I don’t think I would be where I am now. I’ve got more confidence and been inspired to do other things. I’m now a community organiser for PEACH, the People’s Empowerment Alliance for Custom House. You don’t get to choose your family – but this is the family I would have chosen.”

We look forward to finding out the winners of the Awards on Saturday 7th September 2019. Watch this space!

To find out more about Your Space please click here, or to make a donation to support Caritas Anchor House’s work, please click here.