Soft Power in South London
Where Mental Health Meets Community
In South London, healing doesn’t always wear a white coat. Sometimes it arrives in the form of a peer-led workshop, a late-night sanctuary, or a garden tended by those reclaiming their sense of self. Across Brixton, Croydon, Camberwell and Peckham, a constellation of charities is quietly reshaping the mental health landscape—one conversation, one safe space at a time.
Mosaic Clubhouse, Brixton
Service: The Evening Sanctuary
At 65 Effra Road, Mosaic Clubhouse offers more than support—it offers belonging. Rooted in the internationally recognised Clubhouse model, members co-run the space alongside staff, from reception to café to workshops.
One standout initiative is the Evening Sanctuary, a non-clinical alternative to A&E for Lambeth residents in crisis. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 6pm to midnight, it provides calm, peer-supported respite when the city feels too loud.
Explore Mosaic Clubhouse
Mind in Croydon
Service: Advocacy & Counselling Hub
Founded in 1967, Mind in Croydon is a pillar of mental health support in the borough. Its Advocacy Service ensures that users—especially those in hospital or forensic settings—have a real say in their treatment.
In 2024 alone, over 1,600 people accessed professional advocacy, while 517 sought counselling. The charity’s ethos is clear: empower individuals to live fully, as part of their community.
Discover Mind in Croydon
Southwark Community Sanctuary, Camberwell
Service: Crisis Support Sessions
Hosted at Blackfriars Settlement and Thames Reach, this sanctuary offers six tailored support sessions for adults in emotional distress. It’s not a drop-in—it’s a commitment to care.
Open late into the evening, the space blends professional guidance with peer support, helping individuals develop safety plans and reconnect with local services.
Visit Southwark Community Sanctuary
The Listening Room, Peckham
Service: Therapeutic Drop-In for Young Adults
Funded by Maudsley Charity, this project turns a modest room into a haven for young adults navigating anxiety, identity and post-pandemic uncertainty.
Every Thursday, the space opens with music, tea and optional therapy. No pressure, no diagnosis—just presence. It’s part of a wider £600,000 initiative supporting 21 grassroots mental health projects across South London.
Learn about Maudsley Charity
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