Borough Wide support

This work aims to bring groups together who are working across the following areas as well as provide dedicated support to these groups through:

  • showcasing the strengths and achievements of Lewisham’s voluntary and cultural sectors
  • advocating for their sector at local, regional or national level
  • ensuring that service users and people with lived experience are represented in relevant forums, supporting networking and collaboration across the sector
  • sharing good practice to build capacity among peer organisations; and  
  • contributing to strategic policy development in the borough (for example, through the Stronger Communities Partnership Board)

Areas of work

Black-led VCS

The Lewisham Black Infrastructure Hub delivered by Lewisham Local aims to strengthen and support the black-led and black-serving voluntary sector in Lewisham

Contact: hello@lewishamlocal.com

Digital inclusion

The Digital Access For All (DAFA) project, run by Catbytes, provides digital skills training, device loans, and free drop-in sessions to help digitally disadvantaged residents and organisations across the borough.

Contact: info@catbytes.community

LGBTQ+ support

The Lewisham LGBTQ+ Network - In collaboration with Proud to Be ME CIC and SE London Pride, Lewisham Local will be coordinating and amplifying the work of local LGBT+ groups, whilst strengthening their capacity and resilience through training, mentoring, funding and representation.

Contact: hello@lewishamlocal.com 

Adults with learning disabilities

Lewisham Learning Disability Voices, led by Lewisham Speaking Up, helps give a voice to organisations working with, and people with learning disabilities in the Borough of Lewisham.

Contact: info@lsup.org.uk or phone 020 8692 1862

Sanctuary seekers

Lewisham Migration Forum (LMF), coordinated by Lewisham Refugee and Migrant Network (LRMN), is a space for individuals, communities, businesses, charities, universities, the Council, health providers, and more, to get together and discuss issues, share resources and collaborate on campaigns and initiatives and to make the migrant and refugee sector in the borough stronger and more effective.

Contact: info@lrmn.org.uk

Sports

Active Lewisham! is a project to bring together groups working with those in our community who are least active, highlighted in Let’s Get Lewisham Moving., the physical activity strategy for the borough.

The Active Lewisham Project includes one to one fundraising support and capacity building for charities and Community Interest Companies. There area also regular meetings of the Lewisham Sports Forum which bringstogether local community groups, funders and other agencies.

Contact: Rosalind Hardie, Sports Funding Development Manager, roz@lewishamlocal.com or 07599 455789

Arts infrastructure

Creative Potential: Anchor Organisation Programme 2026 – 2029 by the Albany, drives community-led arts, co-creation, and local social impact.

Contact: hello@thealbany.org 

As part of Lewisham's Cultural Strategy, we are also funding the following organisations: