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A new community-led art installation was unveiled on Saturday 11 December at the Cossall Estate in Southwark as part of a festive celebration. Developed by residents on the estate and local charity Arts Express, the works entitled ‘ Cossall Estate Beauty Spots’ and ‘Cossall Remembered’ includes a collection of ceramics, paintings, drawings, photographs and shoe box collage installations completed at family drop in workshops over the past year with local artists. The artwork is a tribute to the residents and is located in various locations across the estate.
Funded by the Big Lottery, this project was one of many that have taken place on the estate as part of the Well London programme; a four-year partnership delivered by seven partners including environmental regeneration charity Groundwork London. Well London has instigated work with 20 of the most deprived communities in London to improve health and overall wellbeing, including Nunhead, the 6th most deprived area of London. Since the programme began three years ago it has engaged over 10,000 people across the capital with over 80% reporting increased access to healthy eating, physical activity and achieving a greater understanding of well-being.
The event brought the local community together to take part in a festive feast that also included games, dancing, carol singing and a visit from Father Christmas. Local residents celebrated their art achievements and a fantastic time was had by all.
A local resident on the Cossall Estate commented , “It’s great to see nice music, nice food and people enjoying themselves.”
Since its establishment in 2008, the Well London programme has empowered residents to develop a number of projects designed to improve well-being and promote community cohesion. There have been two community feasts, five cook and eat sessions and two 20 metre long raised beds built and installed by Growing Southwark with the help of Veolia and Groundwork’s Green Team that supply seasonal vegetables and herbs so people have access to healthy, fresh food. The raised beds have given residents easy access to fresh and local produce whilst cook and eat sessions have provided them with the skills to make healthy recipes on a budget.
The Green Team engages those not in training, education or employment and provides them with the practical skills and knowledge to find work within the horticulture sector. Groundwork help people to retrain, gain confidence and valuable work experience to grow skills for a greener economy.
Weekly sports sessions have also taken place on the estate including football for young people, tai chi and chair dancing for those with limited mobility.
Hannah Crump, Community Project Officer at Groundwork London said:
“The impact of the Well London programme has been remarkable. Residents have come together and both taken part in and organised fantastic community led activities. There is now enthusiasm and so much energy all geared towards community spirit which is really inspiring. We are now working to make sure this ethos is taken forward to keep these valuable activities running.”
Well London’s Big Lottery delivery funding ends in March 2011 and the whole programme is being evaluated by The Institute for Health and Human Development, at The University of East London. So far their evaluation tells us that Well London has made a huge difference to the way people feel about themselves, their community and their neighbourhood.
