General Services
Lewisham Council
Customer Service Centre 020 8314 6000 - open every day, 24/7
Crisis Mental Health Line
(South London and Maudsley 24 hour mental health support line)
0800 731 2864 – open every day, 24/7
Advice Lewisham
Closed from 20th December and reopen on January 3rd
0800 231 5453
Social Services Gateway
Open till 4pm on Xmas eve, and on the 27th, 28th and 29th. On other dates staffed by Emergency Duty Team.
Out of hours number is 020 8314 6000
Pharmacy
Rushey Green Pharmacy, Primary Care Centre, Hawstead Road, SE6 4JH.
Open:
Sunday 24th December - 5.30pm – 8.30pm
Monday 25th December - 10am -6pm
Tuesday 26th December – 10am-2pm
Sunday 31st December – 5.30-8.30pm
Monday 1st January 2024 – 10am – 2pm
020 3049 1790
Children & Young People:
HAF (Children’s Winter Holiday Programme – activities and free lunch at multiple venues)
Free activities and lunches for school-aged children and young people aged 4–16 years who receive benefit related Free School Meals.
21st Dec – 5th Jan 2023
Download the booklet to find an activity programme for your family:
Health Visitor led Emergency Infant Formula
This provision will remain the same during the festive period, expect for the service being closed on Mon 25th Dec, Tues 26th Dec and Mon 1st Jan. The advice is to refer as normal to the Emergency Infant Formula Milk Pathway but please just be aware that for any referrals sent on the dates listed above, they will not be responded to until 27th Dec or 2nd Jan accordingly. This pathway is for the issuing of formula milk in an emergency only, and we are unable to provide milk for repeat referrals. See our November newsletter for more information about how to refer.
Community Connections Lewisham
Phoneline open until 4pm on Friday 22nd December and re-opens Tuesday 2nd January at 9.30am. 0330 058 3464.
Lewisham Donation Hub
Unit D, PLACE/Ladywell, SE13 6AY
See website for up-to-date information https://lewishamdonationhub.org/
Food, clothing, home essentials. They offer a range of fresh and frozen foods, and a more limited selection of non-perishables, toiletries, women's essentials and incontinency pads. No booking required but do check the website for important service information as it is weather dependent www.lewishamdonationhub.org
DWP
Forest Hill Job Centre is closed 25-27th December and 1st January 2024.
Good Gym
Please make last referrals before 3pm on Fri 22nd. Referrals re-open 27th until 3pm on 29th and from Tuesday 2nd Jan. Missions continue every day but need to be requested in advance.
Silver Line
The Silver Line Helpline offers conversation and is open 365 days a year 24 hours
0800 470 8090
Food Services
See Good Food Lewisham’s list of free and cheap food here for information on general food provision, updated 21st December.
Free Christmas Meals
These community organisations and businesses offer a free meal or food support for people who might be spending Christmas on their own or may be struggling financially and need emergency food. Details can change so please contact the project directly to double-check.
There's a programme of Warm Welcomes from December - March some of which will be offering hot food - we'll be sharing details of these very soon.
Before Christmas
Telegraph Hill Centre
Kitto Road, SE14 5TY
Not free. Christmas Meal Thursday 14th December. Get in touch by 10th if you're interested in attending and specify the traditional/vegetarian/gluten free/other dietary requirements. The meal will be £8 and include drinks, Christmas crackers, pudding, raffle. Contact: branchingout@thcentre.com.
FoodCycle Lewisham
Lewisham Irish Community Centre, SE6 4AS
The last meals of the year will be on Saturday 16th and Wednesday 20th December. We will be returning on the 3rd January. They are now providing meals on Wednesdays as well as the usual Saturdays. Both days are 1.30 - 3pm.
The Feast at King's Church Catford
Catford Hill, SE6 4PS
Dinner on every Wednesday, including Wednesday 20th December at 7pm.
Warm Welcome every Thursday 10am - 12pm.
Ray Champion Room, 1-18 Allwood Close, Sydenham, SE26 4JP.
Christmas Dinner is Thursday 21st from 11am. Collection only.
Open on Sunday Christmas Eve 24th December 5pm – 10pm.
Closed 25th & 26th Dec and 1st & 2nd Jan.
Pie n Mash/The Field
Christmas meal at Deptford Square in collaboration with Trooth community support group (opposite Deptford Lounge, corner of Giffin Street and Deptford High Street) on Thursday 21st December from 2.30 pm, all welcome. Groceries distributed from 1.30pm- 3.30pm Closed on Thursday 28th.
Come Out of Hiding + Sapphire
Unit 212 Peckham Levels, SE15 4ST (This is in Southwark but not too far away, Lewisham residents welcome - they usually do this in Lewisham but couldn't this year)
Thursday 21st December 6 - 8pm
Christmas Community Meal + Hampers
Sign up here: https://form.jotform.com/233113402971043
Christ Church United Reformed Church Bellingham
15 Bellingham Green, London SE6 3HQ
Christmas Meal Friday 22nd December 12.30 - 1.30, followed by various activities until 4.30pm. Three course, traditional Christmas dinner. They will cater for special diets and ask people about this at the time of booking. They can cater for up to 40 places at each dinner so you need to book in advance - contact Fiona Thomas on 07905889260 or info@ftconsults.co.uk.
Ichthus Lee Green, 23 Lampmead Rd, London SE12 8QJ
Christmas dinner on 22nd December at 1.30pm
They are doing food hamper deliveries on Christmas Eve and people can sign up for one by coming in-person to the meal project one Friday between now and the 22nd of December.
Opening hours remain the same 1.30-3.30pm every Friday, except they will be closed for one week on 29th December.
Greater Faith Ministries
Leemore Centre, 29-31 Clarendon Rise, Lewisham, SE13 5EY Bonfield Road Entrance
Greater Faith Ministries Community Meal on Friday 8th December 5-7pm. Christmas Community Meal on Friday 22nd December 5-7pm.
The Field Community Centre
385 Queens Road Peckham, SE14 5HD
Festive community feast Friday 22nd December 6.30pm.
Pay what you can afford. If you want to - come and help to set up, cook and tidy up. Next community meal will be Friday 5th January.
UCKG Help Centre, 1 Bromley Road, Catford, SE6 2TS, 020 8698 3612
Open Saturdays 11am-1pm, continuing with provision of home cooked soup, meals, and surplus food such as sandwiches, bread and milk to choose from and takeaway. Meat and veg options.
Open over the Christmas period as usual. Christmas Lunch on 23rd December at 11am – 1pm this will be sat down or take away. Everyone is welcome and no one is mean tested and no vouchers required. We will be getting additional food, which we can share.
Lewisham Salvation Army / Community Connections
Community Connections Transport are delivering Meals on Wheels in conjunction with Lewisham Salvation Army on Saturday 23rd December. Freshly made meals and goody bag will be delivered in the morning by volunteers.
To have access to the delivery an individual must be a Lewisham resident and be isolated over Christmas. To refer someone please signpost to the CCL phoneline or ring yourself on 0330 058 3464 to provide details, dietary requirements and anything else we should know about the delivery.
Please understand that this is first come, first served as there is a limited number of these meals to go round, so signpost and refer as soon as you can to avoid disappointment.
UPDATE ON 21ST DEC - THERE ARE STILL MEALS AVAILABLE
Lewisham Islamic Centre
Outside Lewisham Islamic Centre, 363 - 365 Lewisham High Street, SE13 6NZ
Saturday 23rd December 5 - 8pm
Soup Kitchen, all welcome.
Christmas Eve
Interludee Bar
12, Leegate, SE12 8SS
Christmas Eve 24th December 12 - 4pm
Free meal for homeless people. You can collect your meal or eat it at the venue.
Providing a meal on 24th December. Details to follow very soon.
Christmas Day
Honor Oak Community Centre: Love Fellowship
50 Turnham Road, SE4 2JD, 07957 198 304
Christmas Day 2 – 5pm a free Christmas meal for people in need on the estate.
To book your meal call 07957 198 304 or visit https://www.greetingsisland.com/invites/rtp5441bg1vo
Taste Soul Good and Cummin Up Caribbean takeaway
389 Lewisham High Street, SE13 6NZ, 0783 142 3163
Provide a free hot festive meal on 25th Dec at 1pm - 6pm.
Roast turkey to jerk chicken, rice and peas to roast potatoes! No judgement, great company, bring your family, bring your neighbours.
All Saints Community Centre
105 New Cross Road SE14 4DJ
Lunch will be 25th Dec at 12.30pm - 4.30pm.
All are Welcome.
Transport is limited but we will be able to offer some to those who most need it but please let someone know if you book transport but change your plans/mind later.
The Parish of All Saints New Cross
0207 639 3497 - 07572 655 563
‘It’s Proper Jerk’ Sydenham
164 Sydenham Road, SE26 5JZ
Christmas Day 25th December from 1pm – 6pm
Offering a free Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings
Boxing Day
Hill Station Cafe
Hill Station Cafe, Kitto Road, SE14 5TY
26th Dec open between 11 am and about 5pm for some basic hot drinks (instant coffee and tea-bag tea), squash and biscuits. Not a meal.
After Christmas
Christ Church United Reformed Church Bellingham
15 Bellingham Green, London SE6 3HQ
Friday 29th December lunch 12.30 - 1.30, followed by various activities until 4.30pm. Three course meal, with menu yet to be finalised. They will cater for special diets and ask people about this at the time of booking. They can cater for up to 40 places at each dinner so you need to book in advance - contact Fiona Thomas on 07905889260 or info@ftconsults.co.uk
Other Food Provision around Christmas
Golden Ladies Foodbank 16th December
AFRIL/Helping Hands Food Bank
St Peter’s Church, Lee, SE12 8HQ
Last foodbank 9th Dec, with an extra one on 16th Dec and first foodbank of 2024 on 6th Jan. Closed 22nd Dec - 3rd Jan. Contact Helen food bank director on 07549031729 or foodbank@afril.org.uk. These are not drop in, they have limited places for agreed referrals. We accept referrals from organisations and individuals including self-referral. Referrals are assessed for priority based also on capacity.
Bank of Things Youth Fridge
Unit 19, Lewisham Shopping Centre, Molesworth Street SE13 7HB
Open Wednesdays and Fridays 3 - 5pm until Wed 20th. Then open again on Wednesday 3rd Jan. For young people aged 11 – 25. Distributing fresh fruit and other surplus foods.
Contact: Hannah hannah@lewishamlocal.com or 07726 350915
Barley Loaves
The Ecclēsia (London City Mission) 1 Cornmill Lane, Lewisham SE13 7FY
Providing food bags from outside, alternating between men and women each week. If there is food to spare at the end it’s given to anyone regardless of gender.
We will be serving the public on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, both Sunday evenings from 8pm. Not open on Mondays 25 December and 1 January and resume the Monday service on Monday 8 January 2024. barleyloaves@ecclesia.uk
Bear Church
The Shaftesbury Christian Centre, Frankham Street, SE8 4RN
Our last day will be the 17th Dec (last evening open this year) and then re-opening on the 7th January. We will be doing Carols and food in Griffin Square in the afternoon of 23rd Dec 3.30pm. Open to all (but not a food event).
Catford Fridge
Lewisham Irish Community Centre, SE6 4AS
Closed for two weeks over the Christmas period on 23rd and 30th December.
WG Grace Community Centre, 1 Lions Close, Grove Park SE9 4HG.
Wednesdays 10-11am
Open as usual over Christmas - Wed 20th Dec and Wed 3rd Jan. On Wed 27th Dec will be operating a pre-packed bag pickup service, all welcome but they won't have the same ‘choose it yourself’ setup.
Contact: info@chartbiglocal.org.uk and 020 8851 0174.
Downham Gleaning Pantry - Social Supermarket
Brook Lane Community Church, 27-29 Brook Lane, Bromley BR1 4PX
Open Fridays 9-1pm. Social Pantry for people on low incomes and affected financially in Downham. Residents pay a membership fee of £5 a week to choose from a variety of food. To book an appointment contact downhamaid@gmail.com
They will be closed on 29th Dec and will open as normal on 5th Jan. On 15th Dec they will have Santa giving out gifts to kids in the local and surrounding areas that have been donated by the public to accompany their Christmas present appeal.
Feed the Hill
367 New Cross Rd, London SE14 6AT
Deliveries of food boxes to housebound people in SE4, SE8 & SE14. Free to those self-isolating or experiencing food poverty. Boxes are nutritionally balanced, dietary needs catered for. Small social supermarket for people on low incomes (£2 per shop), no membership required, bring proof of address. For food box deliveries text 07748 713212 by the end of Saturday for the next week.
They run a small “social supermarket” on Wed 10am - noon for people on low incomes who may benefit from spending less on their weekly shop (£2 per shop, or free if you can’t afford £2) no membership required, please bring proof of address.
The social supermarket will be open on 27th Dec for those who need it.
Felix Project
Open as usual except 25th, 26th December and 1st January.
Legendary Community Club
Foodbank finishes on Friday 22nd Dec and reopens 8th Jan.
Email legendarycclub@gmail.com or call/message Andra on 07581566004
Lewington Food Project
Lewington Community Centre, 9 Eugenia Road, SE16 2RU
L&Q are running a food bank for local residents. It’s first come first served but they can take referrals and deliver on some occasions. Dietary requirements catered for.
Usually open Fridays but open Wednesday 20th December & Thursday 21st December 1-3pm.
Contact: 07940 393291
Multiple locations. Check their website for details: http://www.lewisham.foodbank.org.uk/
Closed after Friday 22nd until 8th January.
The Field Community Centre / Pie n Mash
385 Queens Road Peckham, SE14 5HD
Thursdays 1 - 3pm, last one 21st, closed until 4th January.
Hot food and free groceries. Open to all.
Next community meal will be Friday 5th January 6 - 9pm.
Contact: thefieldnewcross@gmail.com
RMUK wellbeing will be closed 25th Dec –1st Jan. Opens on 2nd Jan.
Offering African and Caribbean Cultural Foods, fresh fruits, veg and Ital emergency delivery and doorstep befriending service for vulnerable households in Lewisham, Lambeth and Southwark. Referrals can be made to rmukwellbeing@gmail.com Tel 07769813799. Deliveries once a week Tuesday evening. Users must register. There is a £2 to £4 contribution required. For emergency food requests or to offer food donations, please call Chi on 07377871228 or Derwin on 07879652645. Website: www.rmukwellbeing.com
St Luke’s Downham Front Room Club
St Luke's Downham, Northover, Bromley, BR1 5JR
Last day is Friday 22nd Dec and reopenig Tuesday 2nd Jan.
Offer food every Monday, Tuesday and Friday to anyone that walks through the door - it’s £3.
As soon as they arrive, we consider that they are a member.
St Peter's Church Brockley
St Peter's Church, Wickham Road, Brockley, SE4 1LT
A social supermarket for people in the SE4 area. Pay £3 membership weekly fee and choose enough groceries to last a week. Dietary needs catered for. Request food via the website link to get a shopping appointment. Can deliver in some circumstances. www.stpetersbrockley.org.uk/feedback-food-request.
Closed for two weeks, 27th December and 3rd January. Will reopen 10th January.
Sydenham Community Supermarket
Kelvin Grove Children Centre, Kelvin Grove, Sydenham SE26 6BB
Offering members low cost, healthy groceries for £3.50 a week. Run by residents for residents. People can turn up and register on the day.
Contact: 020 8613 0172 or 074438 88181
Last shopping day is Thursday 21st December, re-open Thursday 4th Jan.
Victory Care Foodbank
157 - 159, Lewisham High Street, SE13 6AA
Open on 23rd, 24th and 31st Dec.
Word of Life Church, Grove Park
72A Mayeswood Road, SE12 9RP
Last day for the food bank/warm space will be Friday 22nd December. Re-open 5th January.
Information last updated 21/12/2023. We are waiting for more information from some food projects and businesses. This information has been complied by Good Food Lewisham and Community Connections. If you have any updates or see anything that's not correct, please
email helen@lewishamlocal.com.
