Across the country, Clarion Futures’ Communities teams are working with partners to create opportunities to help you connect and thrive.
We’re shining a spotlight on the fantastic work taking place in South London, where the local team has been delivering a range of impactful activities for young people and families.
Activities include building confidence and communication skills, supporting wellbeing, promoting safety, and bringing communities together through events. These stories highlight the positive difference being made in your community, showcasing how collaboration and community-led initiatives help you reach your full potential.
Free haircuts and wellbeing sessions in Lewisham and Bromley
Clarion Futures have partnered with community organisation, Saving Souls, to launch Back to School Cuts, a free hair care and wellbeing initiative for young people aged 8 to 14 in Lewisham and Bromley.
Running every half term at Orchard Gardens Community Hub, the sessions offer more than just haircuts and hairstyles. Young people are supported in a safe, welcoming space where they can talk openly, feel heard, and build up their confidence. All stylists are trained in mental health awareness, helping to support young residents during a time when youth mental health concerns are rising.
Following a successful pilot, the programme is now expanding to reach more communities. Sessions take place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during half terms. Find out more and learn how to sign up by visiting www.savingsouls.org.uk.
Crystal Palace Community Trust as B2SC Project in Bromley is part of their HAF.
Inspiring young safety champions in Penge through hands-on learning
Clarion Futures recently partnered with United Infrastructure to deliver a Safety Superhero workshop at a primary school in Penge, inspiring young people to learn about safety in an interactive and engaging way.
The fun session involved 25 year-2 pupils, teaching them essential safety skills and introducing them to real-life people who work in science and engineering.
Children took part in hands-on activities, from identifying hazards to designing their own safety gear, and even trying on real protective equipment. Each pupil signed a class pledge to become a “Safety Superhero” and received a copy of an accompanying book.
As Bethany Holroyd, Founder of The Safety Superhero Academy, explains, these workshops are designed to “inspire curiosity, spark creativity, and empower children to become safety champions.”
Building confidence and communication skills through public speaking
Pupils at St John’s CE Primary School in Penge recently built their confidence in speaking through an engaging London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA) taster workshop, delivered by Clarion Futures in partnership with KBH Haus.
The session introduced 38 year 3 and 4 pupils to public speaking, teamwork, and active listening through fun, interactive activities. Pupils participated in energetic warm-ups and creative speech exercises, building confidence as they worked together to present ideas and support one another with positive feedback.
The workshop also gave the school a taste of the wider LAMDA Public Speaking Programme, which helps develop communication, confidence and leadership skills, with the opportunity to achieve formal qualifications in the future.
One pupil said: “It was very fun; it helped me speak properly so that people could understand correctly. I loved the games! I liked mixing with a different year group. I built new friendships. I really want to do it again!”
Young voices finding confidence through radio
Love Da Beat Radio, a community-led radio station and social enterprise based in Penge, has delivered two inspiring School Transition Workshops for local year 6 pupils, funded by Clarion Futures.
The sessions supported children as they prepare for secondary school, covering gang awareness, knife crime, peer pressure and staying safe, all through fun, hands-on radio activities. Pupils worked together to create their own radio content, building confidence, communication skills and teamwork.
Teachers and the local police praised the workshops for being engaging, positive and impactful, with many children saying it was their favourite experience of the year. Every child recorded a segment that was broadcasted on Love Da Beat Radio's, Kids Corner.
"These vital messages will play a key role in supporting our pupils as they prepare for secondary school - helping them keep themselves safe and grow confidently in their independence" - Headteacher
Bringing Bromley together through Spark Festival activities
Residents across Bromley came together to celebrate community spirit at this year’s Spark Festival, delivered by Clarion Futures in partnership with Bromley Council and InCommon.
Designed with local people at its heart, the festival offered a wide range of activities, from creative workshops to storytelling sessions, creating opportunities for neighbours to connect, learn and have fun.
During the festival, visitors to the Greener Cleaner Hub at The Glades were able to find out more about local opportunities and hear from community leaders about how residents can continue to get involved. Listen here.
Find out more
To find out more about how our charitable foundation, Clarion Futures, can help you, please get in touch by completing the form below.
