Brief Description

Founded in 1887, Blackfriars Settlement is a registered charity providing services to the community. We work with people, creating opportunities for them to achieve their aspirations. We offer a wide range of services and activities, supporting people to achieve their goals and improve their well-being. Services we provide:
- Positive Ageing for older people (including those with vision imparement): weekly activities to build health and well-being and reduce isoaltion
- those with severe and enduring mental health challenges, to build skills and social contacts facilitating peer support
- the Orb Space social integration project, working particularly with vulnerable people, breaking down barriers in the local community
- adult education, with a particular focus on basic skills, ESOL, IT for beginners etc. 
We also work with numerous local partners enabling grassroots partners to flourish, and to meet the needs of particular user groups (e.g. BAME mental health peer support). 
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Vision & Mission

TO PROMOTE THE WELFARE OF INDIVIDUAL PERSONS, FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES IN LONDON AND ELSEWHERE BY ALL PRACTICABLE MEANS AND IN PARTICULAR (BUT WITHOUT PREJUDICE TO THE GENERALITY OF THE FOREGOING) BY THE PROVISION AND MAINTENANCE OF A RESIDENTIAL OR OTHER CENTRE OF CENTRES IN SOUTHWARK OR ELSEWHERE AND THE FOSTERING OF COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES.

Aims & Activities

Empowering local people by adding expertise, encouragement and support to their efforts and achievements;creating opportunities for them to reach their educational, social and economic potential
Uniting the contributions of local volunteers and community partners to achieve shared objectives
Encouraging funds in to deliver and support quality services for people of all ages

Facts & Figures

                            We run
- Positive Ageing: weekly activities for for those over 65, including arts ad crafts, singing and music, exercise classes, 3 hot lunches a week, trips out, an annual holiday, hairdressing etc. Befriending service supports those who are unable to leave their house, usually with a visit from a befriender each week.
- Mental Health & Well-being service (MHWB): supports those with severe and enduring mental health challenges through weekly activities including discussion groups, group cook and eat sessions, art therapy, reading group, IT classes, members forum, trips etc.
- Orb Cafe Project: a social integration project aimed at breaking down barriers between the diverse groups within the local community through shared activities and events.
- Adult education: a diverse offer of courses for adults, but with a focus on basic skills, ESOL, IT, etc.
We also support other small voluntary sector groups in the community.
                            

                            Older people; over 65 and many with ongoing health conditions e.g. COPD, early dementia, mobility problems, hearing problems, and a specific group of 25 with vision impairment.
MHWB: 80% of our members have severe and enduring mental health problems
(50% with a clinical diagnosis of schizophrenia, 22% experience hearing voices on a daily basis, 30% with severe anxiety and depression, 15% with dual diagnosis including alcohol dependency). Other members have bipolar, personality disorder, cope with suicidal ideation etc.

Many members suffer through social isolation and its impacts – low confidence, motivation, lack of hope, depression.
                            

Awards

No awards received