Lewisham VCSE: Getting Support for your Mental Health in the Community

The Lewisham VCSE Cooperative is a partnership of organisations from the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector. This includes local charities, not‑for‑profit organisations, community groups and national mental health charities.

They provide free, community‑based support for anyone living in Lewisham who is struggling with their mental health or wellbeing. You can use these services whether or not you’re connected to South London and Maudsley.

This is a live resource and will be updated on a regular basis, last updated: 09/04/2026

Lewisham Outreach Service (Together for Mental Wellbeing)

About the service

The Lewisham Outreach Service offers free one‑to‑one sessions and supportive group workshops to help adults in Lewisham strengthen their mental wellbeing, connect with local resources, and find culturally and faith‑appropriate support.

They meet people where they are, including those new to mental health services, to make care accessible, personalised, and rooted in the community.

What is available

  • 12 sessions of 1-2-1 goal-oriented support at The Albany (Deptford) or within a convenient community space for the individual e.g., community centres, libraries, cafes or other agreed location.
  • Wellbeing group workshops
  • Connection to other types of support

The Outreach Service team also provide drop-in  sessions to find out more about what the service offers and discuss a referral (dates and locations available here.

Who is it for

  • Anyone living in Lewisham and/or registered with a Lewisham GP
  • Over the age of 18
  • Experiencing challenges with their mental health
  • People who have not previously used mental health services
  • People who have not maintained contact with mental health services
  • People using mental health services looking for further short-term care

How to access support

Referrals via: Referral Form, enquiries via email  lewishamoutreach@together-uk.org  or phone 08002088901

For further information: Lewisham Outreach Service – Together for Mental Wellbeing

South East London Connect Service (South East London Mind)

About the service

The South East London Mind Connect sits in the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust’s Primary Care and the Community Mental Health Service which supports people in Lewisham who are experiencing mental health difficulties and find them the right support.

You can get support from a mix of professionals, including mental health practitioners, social workers, peer support workers and a psychiatrist.  

What is available

  • Regular 1-1s to work towards your mental health and wellbeing goals 
  • Connections to local community and group support 
  • Support with benefit entitlement  
  • Peer Support Activities Programme both online and in community venues 

GPs and other professionals can also contact us for advice, case discussions, training and support with managing complex situations. 

Please check the South East London Mind Connect page for the latest activity updates.

Who is it for

People in Lewisham who are experiencing mental health difficulties.

How to access support

Contact your GP and ask to be referred to South London and Maudsley NHS Primary and Community Mental Health Service who will then decide whether you need support from Connect.

Culturally Appropriate and Faith Support

About the service

Primarily offered by Black-led organisations based in Lewisham, the following culturally appropriate and faith support services provide free peer support and activity groups, safe spaces for social connection and pathways to further support for culturally diverse communities.

Who is it for

  • Anyone living in Lewisham and/or registered with a Lewisham GP
  • Over the age of 18
  • Experiencing challenges with their mental health

What is available & how to access it

All the services below are:

  • Free
  • Based at community sites within Lewisham
  • Open to self-referral and/or referral from a health professional
  • Appropriate for dropping-in and out of unless specified*

*Holistic Well Women and Mabadiliko’s structured support groups require ongoing commitment throughout their therapeutic cycles.

These services are not suitable for someone in experiencing a mental health crisis, if you require urgent mental health support our Getting Help in a Crisis (Lewisham) leaflet can advise where to turn to: Crisis leaflet - Lewisham

Peer Support Groups

Autism Voice

Wellbeing Support Group for Neurodivergent Adults and Carers

This service provides a safe and supportive space for neurodivergent adults and their unpaid carers who are from mainly the global majority community and experiencing difficulties with their mental and emotional wellbeing. Activities will include crafts and food preparation.

Twice Monthly - 1st & 3rd Monday, 11am — 1pm

Jubilee Room, St. Laurence Centre, Catford, SE6 2TS

Referrals via: Drop-in or Email:  mariamakandeh@autismvoice.org.uk/  or Phone: 07460399290

www.autismvoice.org.uk

SOCIAL MEDIA: @AUTISMVOICE1

 

Feed the Hill (Bold Vision): Shared Plates, Stronger Minds (cooking group)

This service provides a weekly food-based project designed to foster community development and enhance wellbeing through shared meals and cooking activities with food traditions led by community members.

Weekly Wednesdays, 10am — 12 noon

Feed the Hill, 367 New Cross Rd, London, SE14 6AT

Referrals via: Drop-in or feedthehill@gmail.com

Enquiries via: feedthehill@gmail.com

SOCIAL MEDIA:  https://www.instagram.com/feedthehillse14/

 

Saving Souls Hub: Men’s Mental Health Forum (black men 30-45)

This service provides a safe space for men to be vulnerable and use a peer support model to help with the resistance of seeking professional help to support their mental health. Speaking on different topics including peer pressure, conflict resolution and Emotional intelligence either in-person or via Zoom.

Hybrid (Zoom & in-person) 2nd Thursday of every month

In-person last Thursday of every month, 8pm — 10pm

Bellingham Leisure Centre, 5 Randlesdown Road, London, SE6 3BT

Referrals via:  info@savingsouls.org.uk or booked slots

Saving Souls Hub

 

Saving Souls Hub: Women’s Mental Health Forum

This service provides a safe space for women to be vulnerable and use a peer support model to help with the resistance of them seeking professional help to support their mental health. Speaking on different topics including peer pressure, conflict resolution and emotional intelligence.

The First Thursday of every month, 7pm — 9pm

Bellingham Leisure Centre, 5 Randlesdown Road, London, SE6 3BT

Referrals via:  info@savingsouls.org.uk  or  booked slots

Saving Souls Hub

 

Saving Souls Hub: The Family Circle

This service provides a monthly gathering designed to support those who care for loved ones with visible or hidden additional needs including those with physical disabilities, neurodiversity, chronic illness, and/or mental health struggles.

The Third Monday of Every Month, 10am — 11am

Bellingham Leisure Centre, 5 Randlesdown Road, London, SE6 3BT

Referrals via:  info@savingsouls.org.uk  or  booked slots

Saving Souls Hub

 

Lite-Waves Therapeutic Education CiC  

Re-Connect Tyn drop-in service for young black men aged 18-25  

This programme provides a safe space for young black men aged 18-25. It provides 1-2-1 careers advice, training, confidence and connection.  Real talk – a safe space to speak about your life, pressure, stress or  what’s  on your mind. Real Respect  -   No labels . No assumptions.   This space is ALL about your emotions and wellbeing. Help with careers, training, confidence, and connections. And FREE hot food.  

Weekly  

Lewisham Community Space, Lewisham Shopping Centre, Molesworth St, London SE13 7HB  

15:00-17:00  

Referrals via: Drop-in or enquire via 07453517481 / Re-connect@litewavescp.org 

Litewaves website

 

Emotional and Relational Support Groups

Mabadiliko  CiC

General Emotional Support Groups for the black community (12-week therapeutic cycles)  

This service provides a facilitated  culturally responsive space where participants can: process experiences of racism and discrimination, develop practical coping strategies for anxiety, relationship challenges, and workplace issues, build self-esteem and confidence through peer support and connect with networks of Black community organisations.  

Weekly

Online via Zoom  

Referral via  referral form  

Participants must be willing to commit to the full fixed-term programme from start to finish.   The group is not suitable for individuals who are currently acutely unwell, in crisis or approaching crisis, and/or requiring intensive, multidisciplinary, or  secondary care  input.  

Enquiries:  teammabadiliko@mabadiliko.org  

Home - Mabadiliko CIC

 

Mabadiliko CiC 

Neurodivergent Emotional Support Groups for the black community (8-week therapeutic cycles)  

This service provides a facilitated  culturally responsive space for neurodivergent participants to: process experiences of racism and discrimination, develop practical coping strategies for anxiety, relationship challenges, and workplace issues, build self-esteem and confidence through peer support and connect with networks of Black community organisations.  

Weekly  

Online via Zoom  

Referral via  referral form  

Participants must be willing to commit to the full fixed-term programme from start to finish.    The group is not suitable for individuals who are currently acutely unwell, in crisis or approaching crisis, and/or requiring intensive, multidisciplinary, or secondary care input.  

Enquiries:  teammabadiliko@mabadiliko.org  

Home - Mabadiliko CIC  

 

Youths in Mind  

Youths in Mind supports young people aged 18–30 in Lewisham through early ‑ intervention, non ‑ clinical wellbeing activities.   

Women’s Wellbeing Support  

The service offers wellbeing workshops, creative expression, peer support, and one ‑ to ‑ one check ‑ ins for those experiencing low mood, anxiety, isolation, or identity ‑ related stress. It is culturally aware and particularly supports young women from racialised and faith communities. Youths in Mind complements SLaM pathways by providing safe community spaces that build confidence, connection, and emotional wellbeing.  

By appointment  

Varied locations  

Referrals: youthsinmind@gmail.com

Creative Health groups

Holistic Well Women  

Uzima  Wellness Project - c reative w ellbeing ci rcles for women (8-week therapeutic cycles)  

This service provides weekly facilitated group sessions for women  that are trauma - informed  and  culturally sensitive .  Weekly sessions  include : art therapy creative and wellbeing activities, wellbeing coaching and chats, Sista Circles peer-led reflective gatherings, green therapy  nature connection  and healthy living workshops.  

Participants must be willing to commit  to the full fixed-term programme from start to finish.  

Variable locations and times  

Referrals via holisticwellwomen@gmail.com  

Holistic Well Women - Health and Wellbeing Nonprofit in London  

Latin Hub UK  

Dance Stress  Away  – Belly Dance  

This service provides Belly Dance Classes for women only, with an inclusive class ideal for beginners, over 50s or anyone who prefers a gentle approach. There is also an ‘intensive’ high-energy uplifting class.  

Weekly – Wednesdays  

18:00-19:00 (Inclusive)  

19:00-20:00 (Intensive)  

Lewisham Community Space, Lewisham Shopping Centre, Molesworth St, London SE13 7HB  

Referrals via: Drop-in (where there is availability) or register online  linked here    

Enquiries via:  hi@dancestressaway.org  

Latin Hub UK  

Dance Stress  Away  – Salsa Dance  

Th is service provides  Salsa Classes  with  an inclusive class ideal for beginners, over   50s or anyone who prefers a gentle approach. There is also an intensive class – a high-energy uplifting class.  

Weekly Wednesdays 15:00-15:45 (Inclusive)  

Weekly Wednesdays 15:45-16:30 (Intensive)  

Lewisham Community Space, Lewisham Shopping Centre, Molesworth St, London SE13 7HB  

Weekly Saturdays 10:00-10:50 (Inclusive)  

Weekly Saturdays 10:50-11:40 (Intensive)  

Waldron Health Centre, Amersham Vale, London SE14 6LD  

Referrals via: Drop-in (where there is availability) or register online  linked here    

Enquiries via:  hi@dancestressaway.org  

Saving Souls Hub  

The Food Project (Foodbank)  

This service provides f ree food support  and advice to accessing health & wellbeing activities for those in need.  

Weekly Fridays  

14:30-16:00  

Bellingham Leisure Centre, 5  Randlesdown  Road, London, SE6 3BT  

Referrals  via:   info@savingsouls.org.uk  or  Drop in  (15:30-16:00)  or   booked slots  (14:30-1 5:30)  

Saving Souls Hub  

Saving Souls Hub  

Safe space social (18-25)  

This service provides a  safe space  for young men  to: p lay  games ,  chill  & relax , d o your university or adult learning coursework , b uild brotherhood , p rotect your mental wellbeing .  This  isn’t  therapy.  There’s  no pressure to talk.   This space is about young men coming together and creating community with each other, not being told who to be.  

Weekly  Wednesdays  

4:30pm to 6:30pm  d uring term time  

Bellingham Leisure Centre, 5  Randlesdown  Road, London, SE6 3BT  

Referrals  via:   info@savingsouls.org.uk   or  booked slots  

Saving Souls Hub  

Men’s football  Friday  (25-45)  

This service provides a  space to play football for free while meeting new people and providing the physical activity needed to help with mental health and well-being.  

Every other Friday evening  

19:00-20:00  

Bellingham Leisure Centre, 5  Randlesdown  Road, London, SE6 3BT  

Referrals  via:   info@savingsouls.org.uk   or  booked slots  

Saving Souls Hub  

Women’s Self-Defence Class  

This service creates a  space for young girls and women  to learn h ow to recognise potential dangers, avoid dangerous situations and defend  themselves,  if necessary . It also provides  a safe space for conversation  that  focus es  on empowerment and confidence.  

Weekly Tuesday  

19:30-21:00  

Bellingham Leisure Centre, 5  Randlesdown  Road, London, SE6 3BT  

Referrals  via:   info@savingsouls.org.uk  or  booked slots  

Sports and Physical Exercise

Enable Leisure & Culture: Lewisham Healthy Walks Men’s Group

This service provides a monthly walk for men, starting in the Lewisham Community Space in Lewisham Shopping Centre, and returning back for a wellbeing activity workshop in the centre.

Monthly - Last Saturday, 12 noon — 1pm 

Healthy Walks (starting at Lewisham Community Space)

13:00-14:00 Wellbeing Activity

Lewisham Community Space, Lewisham Shopping Centre, Molesworth St, London SE13 7HB

Referrals via: Drop in or Email  lewishamhealthywalks@enablelc.org  or  Registration link  (indicate yes to question ‘‘Do you wish to join our men’s walking group?’)

lewishamcommunityspace.played.co

 

Saving Souls Hub: The Food Project (Foodbank)

This service provides free food support and advice to accessing health & wellbeing activities for those in need.

Weekly Fridays, 2.30pm — 4pm

Bellingham Leisure Centre, 5 Randlesdown Road, London, SE6 3BT

Referrals via:  info@savingsouls.org.uk  or Drop in (15:30-16:00) or  booked slots  (14:30-15:30)

Saving Souls Hub

 

Saving Souls Hub: Safe space social (18-25)

This service provides a safe space for young men to: play games, chill & relax, do your university or adult learning coursework, build brotherhood, protect your mental wellbeing. This isn’t therapy. There’s no pressure to talk. This space is about young men coming together and creating community with each other, not being told who to be.

Weekly Wednesdays, 4:30pm to 6:30pm during term time

Bellingham Leisure Centre, 5 Randlesdown Road, London, SE6 3BT

Referrals via:  info@savingsouls.org.uk  or  booked slots

 

Saving Souls Hub: Men’s football Friday (25-45)

This service provides a space to play football for free while meeting new people and providing the physical activity needed to help with mental health and well-being.

Every other Friday evening, 7pm — 8pm

Bellingham Leisure Centre, 5 Randlesdown Road, London, SE6 3BT

Referrals via:  info@savingsouls.org.uk  or  booked slots

 

Saving Souls Hub: Women’s Self-Defence Class

This service creates a space for young girls and women to learn how to recognise potential dangers, avoid dangerous situations and defend themselves, if necessary. It also provides a safe space for conversation that focuses on empowerment and confidence.

Weekly Tuesday, 7.30pm — 9pm

Bellingham Leisure Centre, 5 Randlesdown Road, London, SE6 3BT

Referrals via:  info@savingsouls.org.uk  or booked slots

 

Latin Hub UK  

Dance Stress Away – Belly Dance  

This service provides Belly Dance Classes for women only, with an inclusive class ideal for beginners, over 50s or anyone who prefers a gentle approach. There is also an ‘intensive’ high-energy uplifting class.  

Weekly – Wednesdays  

18:00-19:00 (Inclusive)  

19:00-20:00 (Intensive)  

Lewisham Community Space, Lewisham Shopping Centre, Molesworth St, London SE13 7HB  

Referrals via: Drop-in (where there is availability) or register online  linked here    

Enquiries via:  hi@dancestressaway.org  

 

Latin Hub UK  

Dance Stress Away – Salsa Dance  

Th is service provides  Salsa Classes  with  an inclusive class ideal for beginners, over   50s or anyone who prefers a gentle approach. There is also an intensive class – a high-energy uplifting class.  

Weekly  Wednesdays   1 5:00 -1 5 : 45  (Inclusive)  

Weekly Wednesdays  1 5 : 45 - 16 : 3 0 (Intensive)  

Lewisham Community Space, Lewisham Shopping Centre, Molesworth St, London SE13 7HB  

Weekly Saturdays  10:00-10:50 (Inclusive)  

Weekly S aturdays  10:50-11:40 (Intensive)  

Waldron Health Centre, Amersham Vale, London SE14 6LD  

Referrals via: Drop-in (where there is availability) or register online  linked here    

Enquiries via:  hi@dancestressaway.org  

Advocacy and Capacity Building

Autism Voice

Advocacy and Capacity Building Support for Neurodivergent Adults and Carers

This service provides advocacy support to parents/carers and neurodivergent adults to connect with support provided by statutory health and social care professionals.

By appointment on demand

Forest Hill Job Centre, 32-34 Dartmouth Rd, SE23 3XU om, St. Laurence Centre, Catford, SE6 2TS

And/or a community setting that is convenient and suitable for you 

Referrals via: Drop-in or text/phone: 07460399290 Email: mariamakandeh@autismvoice.org.uk/ 

www.autismvoice.org.uk

SOCIAL MEDIA: @AUTISMVOICE1

Further information/FAQ

I am experiencing a mental health crisis, where can I go for help?

There are resources available for anyone in Lewisham who needs urgent mental health support further details can be found here:  Crisis leaflet - Lewisham

How can I access counselling and therapy?

SLaM provide a range of short-term psychological therapies to adults 18 years and over, who are registered with a Lewisham GP. Further details can be found here:  Lewisham Talking Therapies

For culturally sensitive counselling and therapies see below:

Intercultural Therapeutic Services at Goldsmiths | Goldsmiths, University of London

This service provides Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy to residents in Lewisham predominantly from black and ethnic minority backgrounds

Lewisham Wellbeing Therapeutic Service - Refugee Council

This service offers therapy for refugees and people seeking asylum in Lewisham.

 

We are also funding the following VCSE organisations to carry out bespoke work with underrepresented communities in their neighbourhoods:  

Genesis Impact - ‘REACH: Address the Mess’ programme supporting black men’s wellbeing through Christian-rooted group programmes  

Therapy 4 Healing – 1-2-1 counselling for underrepresented communities including black communities with ADHD, domestic abuse survivors and others