Community Day Returns, Bigger and Better Than Ever!

Natalie Bell with the Community Choir

The eagerly anticipated Coin Street Community Day made a triumphant return to the heart of the neighbourhood centre on Stamford Street last Saturday, igniting the spirit of a couple of hundred guests hailing from every corner of SE1.

This exceptional event captivated families and individuals of all ages, offering a range of exciting and activities, all completely free of charge.

This was the first Community Day since the pandemic and provided an opportunity for Coin Street to encourage people of all ages to be part of the community. Coin Street provides a nursery, family support services and youth and community activities including sports, art, dance, young leaders, gardening, fitness, wellbeing, social activities and more. Anyone can get involved by using the services, joining activities, volunteering, or helping with fundraising.

At the Community Day attendees immersed themselves in an array of music and song. The pulsating beats of the Fun Dance Workshop had participants grooving and shaking to the rhythm, while the captivating melodies of the jazz band stirred the hearts and souls of onlookers.

Children and parents discovered a realm of joy in the family zone as little ones explored the soft play area, bounced on the bouncy castle and put their creativity to work at the Arts and Crafts station.

In the community zones, parents and seniors indulged in relaxation and rejuvenation through workshops, massage, and chair yoga experiences. These blissful interludes left participants feeling invigorated and inspired, a testament to the event's commitment to nurturing the overall welfare of every attendee.

David Hopkins, Director of Communities, expressed the resounding success of this long-awaited event and said: "We were delighted to open our doors once again to our inspirational neighbourhood centre for our first Community Day since the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a golden opportunity to reconnect with neighbours, embrace laughter and fun, and encourage people to actively engage in the vibrant activities available across SE1."

Reflecting on her experience, Florence Eshalomi MP shared her enthusiasm for the day's festivities and said: "It was an absolute delight to attend the Coin Street Community Day. Over the years, Coin Street has continuously brought people together and offered an extensive range of family support services and programs. From gardening to dance classes, youth clubs to sports, flexible meeting spaces to an Ofsted ‘Good’ rated Nursery, Coin Street makes a huge contribution  in our community and we are fortunate to have them."

Michael Situ, the new Mayor of Southwark, along with Southwark Councillor Victor Chamberlain and Lambeth Councillor Sarina Da Silva, also dropped into the Community Day and chatted with locals. Their presence exemplified the unwavering support and admiration for the community, staff and volunteers at Coin Street.

The return of Coin Street Community Day not only highlights the indomitable spirit of the neighbourhood but also served as a reminder of the power of community engagement and collective celebration. This event sets the stage for a brighter future, as Coin Street plans for its 40th anniversary next year where the bonds of camaraderie and the pursuit of joy will continue to flourish in the heart of this inspirational neighbourhood.