Community Projects

In 2022, the RHS partnered with the NHS trust at University Hospital Lewisham to co-create its first wellbeing garden for hospital staff affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The aim of the project was to create a vital hub for NHS staff, patients and the wider community to come together and connect through nature.

The Gleaning Pantry is a social supermarket in Downham run by Downham Aid in partnership with Brook Lane Community Church. The project provides affordable food and household goods to residents in Downham and surrounding areas of Lewisham and Bromley, helping to prevent and relieve poverty. Food is sourced from supermarket surplus, FareShare donations and local community contributions, allowing households on low incomes or means-tested benefits to access essential supplies at reduced cost. The initiative grew out of Downham Mutual Aid, which was established in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown and later formalised as the unincorporated association Downham Aid in 2023. In addition to food support, the project aims to assist people facing financial hardship, ill health, disability or other disadvantage, helping strengthen community support networks in the area.

Pepys Social Supermarket is a community food project run by 2000 Community Action Centre for residents within the SE8 catchment area. The project operates as a membership-based social supermarket, helping local households access affordable groceries while supporting community wellbeing. Members pay £3.50 per week and can select a basket of food with an approximate retail value of £25. Membership forms are available at the centre or through the organisation’s website.

Peckham Pantry is a community food project run by the charity Pecan in Peckham, south east London. The pantry operates as a membership-based social supermarket, where members pay a small weekly fee to choose groceries worth significantly more than the membership cost. The project helps local residents access affordable food while also offering support services, advice and opportunities that strengthen community wellbeing.

WDCFplus (Whitefoot and Downham Community Food Plus) is a volunteer-led community organisation in the Whitefoot and Downham area of Lewisham, established in 2011 to help alleviate food poverty and strengthen community support networks. The project provides food provision programmes for families in need while also promoting healthy living, building community connections and developing partnerships with local services. WDCFplus supports around 140 families each week, offering short-term food and support programmes typically lasting six weeks to six months, alongside referrals to partner organisations that provide services such as debt advice, housing support and wellbeing guidance. The initiative is run largely by community volunteers, helping residents access practical support while building confidence, skills and local connections.

Evelyn Community Store is a community-run grocery shop in Deptford, Lewisham, providing affordable food and essential goods for local residents. Alongside groceries, the store supports the community through advice, activities and initiatives aimed at tackling food insecurity and strengthening neighbourhood connections.

St Peter’s Brockley is an Anglican parish church in Brockley, Lewisham, that serves as a place of worship and a community hub for local residents. Alongside regular services, the church hosts a variety of community activities, events and groups that support connection, wellbeing and neighbourhood engagement. The church also runs a social supermarket for people living in SE4, open Wednesdays from 12 pm to 2 pm at Wickham Road, Brockley SE4 1LT. For a £3 weekly membership, members can choose enough groceries for a week, with dietary needs catered for. Shopping appointments can be requested through the website, and delivery may be available in some circumstances.

St Luke’s Church Downham is a community church and local hub in Downham, Lewisham, offering worship, community activities and support services for residents. The church hosts a range of groups and initiatives including family activities, community events and social support programmes that aim to strengthen community connection and wellbeing in the area.

Old Tidemill Wildlife Garden is a community garden and wildlife space in Deptford, Lewisham, created and maintained by local volunteers. The garden provides a place for residents to grow plants, support urban biodiversity and take part in community gardening, workshops and environmental activities that encourage learning, creativity and neighbourhood connection.

Manor House Gardens is a historic public park in Hither Green, Lewisham, and a Green Flag Award–winning green space known for its wildlife, heritage and community facilities. Covering about 3.34 hectares, the park includes a historic lake and the River Quaggy, meadows, gardens and a wide range of spaces for recreation, nature and community events. Facilities include a community café, children’s playground, community garden, tennis courts, outdoor gym equipment, ball court and a dedicated dog-exercise area, as well as the Grade II listed Manor House, which now serves as a community library.

Ladywell Fields Community Orchard is a volunteer-run orchard located in Ladywell Fields, Lewisham, where local residents grow and care for fruit trees while supporting urban biodiversity and community involvement in green spaces. The orchard provides opportunities for volunteering, learning about fruit growing and enjoying locally grown produce within the park.

The Horniman Museum and Gardens is a public museum and cultural institution in Forest Hill, Lewisham, featuring collections of anthropology, natural history and musical instruments. Set within extensive gardens and parkland, the site also supports environmental education, biodiversity and community engagement through exhibitions, events and outdoor learning programmes.