Organised by Southwark Pensioners CentreSouthwark Pensioners Centre is raising funds for a new building which will enable us to deliver our vital services to three-times the number of vulnerable older people. Can you help us transform what it means to be old in Southwark?
Southwark Pensioners Centre is a vibrant community organisation dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older adults aged over 50 in the London Borough of Southwark.
Established in 1987 with a mission to empower and support the elderly, our centre provides a welcoming space where pensioners can access a wide range of services, participate in social activities, and find a sense of belonging.
We offer a comprehensive range of services designed to meet the diverse needs of our members. This includes information and advice from experts on financial matters, health care, and legal issues. We organise social activities such as coffee mornings, exercise classes, arts and crafts sessions, and outings. Our health and well-being programs promote physical and mental health through fitness classes and mindfulness workshops. Furthermore, we provide volunteer opportunities, allowing members to give back to the community, stay active, and share their skills and experiences.
Southwark Pensioners Centre is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of older adults. Through our programs and initiatives, we aim to foster a supportive community where everyone can thrive. We collaborate with local organisations, health services, and government bodies to ensure that our members have access to everything they need to lead fulfilling lives.
Older people suffered and continue to feel the impacts of the pandemic acutely. Well-being and mental health are increasingly in the spotlight, yet tougher to maintain amidst growing cost-of-living challenges. And the population of the UK is ageing. The number of older people requiring our services in the borough is steadily increasing. This project will address the challenges faced by older people in Southwark, and prepare the organisation to manage continued changes to the local population.
Our current centre is located in an old Victorian property on the first floor and basement of 305 Camberwell Road circa 250m2. The building is in need of investment and there is restrictive access. There are no lifts and the basement area is inaccessible for many of our users.
The new centre is on the ground floor and basement of a housing estate at the heart of the Camberwell community with good local bus connections. The new building is designed with the specific needs of older people in mind, particularly those with chronic health conditions and disabilities. The new space according to sustainability principles and will help Southwark Council achieve Net Zero by 2050.
Provide accessible, enhanced facilities and activities to support physical well-being
Create communal spaces for social interaction and community building
Provide a programme of activities to build strong community ties
Offer mental health support and advice across a range of topics
Promote independence and empower active participation, with some activities led by older people from the community
Provide resources and support to alleviate financial pressures
Adapt and respond to the evolving needs of our community
Our vision is for all older people in our community to be living their best lives, experiencing a golden age of civic participation, engagement in the cultural life of our community, accessing vital services, and having meaningful and in-depth interactions with children and young people and other generations.
The impact of the new centre will be felt both by older people and the wider community. A better supported, active older population will alleviate pressure from other community members and services, whilst enhancing quality of life and sense of fulfilment amongst older people. Through comprehensive support services, new and suitable spaces, and a diverse range of activities and volunteering opportunities, we will reduce isolation and alleviate financial pressures, creating an environment in which older people thrive.
Between the last two censuses (held in 2011 and 2021), the number of people in Southwark aged 50 to 64 years rose by 3.8% (source: ONS). This trend is set to continue. By 2050, the number of people over the age of 65 is expected to grow from 9.4% to 16.5% of the world’s total population (source: McKinsey).
“Societal participation” is among the most important factors bolstering the health of older adults around the world. Defined as, “consistent involvement in deliberate activities that lead to meaningful engagement with one’s society and community”, this covers activities like working, volunteering, pursuing lifelong learning, or participating in community activities (source: McKinsey Health Institute).
Southwark Pensioners Centre (SPC) currently supports 1,700 people over the age of 50 per year. The new centre will enable us to increase this by 25% in the first year, and 35% in the second year. SPC will be able to serve an eventual total of 2,225 people per year.
60% of SPC services are delivered by older people, for older people. This promotes independence, encouraging self-sufficiency and active participation.
We have secured £1m investment from Southwark Council for the new centre. We need to raise a total of £2m.
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