Visitors, who were joined by the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Cllr David Gardner, enjoyed a range of free, family-friendly activities, from hair braiding to dancing, painting to boxing.
They also spoke to members of local community group, the Moorings Sociable Club Community Action Network (MSC-CAN), about what they’d like to see more of at the venue.
Next to the parade of shops on Arnott Close SE28, the Moorings Sociable Club is one of 30 community hubs across London selected for the Loved & Wanted programme, funded by the Mayor of London and National Lottery Community Fund.
Following a successful application by Peabody, who own and manage the venue, the club has secured £60,000 over two years to support activities, events and opportunities that bring together people from different communities and backgrounds.
Since reopening the Moorings Sociable Club in 2022, Peabody has worked with local people and partners to establish it as an important hub for local people. It is now home to the inclusive Camouflage Café and a growing programme of activities that help people connect, build friendships and access support.
Working alongside the MSC-CAN, local residents, community organisations and partners, Peabody will use the new funding to shape an even broader programme of activities, designed by and for the local community.
Uzma Ali, Community Development Projects Officer at Peabody, said: "The Moorings Sociable Club has already become an important place for local people to meet, access support and build new connections.
"Loved & Wanted gives us the opportunity to build on that success by working with residents to shape an even wider programme of activities. Creating new opportunities for local people is a key part of our work to improve, grow and look after the town."
The Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Cllr David Gardner, said: "It's fantastic to see the Moorings Sociable Club recognised as one of 30 community hubs across London taking part in the Loved & Wanted programme.
"This funding will help create more opportunities for people to come together, make new connections and strengthen community life. I'm looking forward to seeing local residents shape the future of this welcoming space."
Bukola Joel, member of the Moorings Sociable Club Community Action Network, said: "We want the Moorings Sociable Club to be a place where everyone feels welcome and knows their ideas matter.
"Through the Community Action Network, local people have a real opportunity to shape the activities and events that happen here. We're looking forward to welcoming even more people through the doors and helping this space continue to grow with the community."
Supporting strong, connected communities is a key part of Peabody's long-term commitment to improve, grow and look after Thamesmead.
The launch event marks the start of a series of Loved & Wanted activities that will take place at the Moorings Sociable Club over the coming months. To find out more about what's happening at the venue, visit What's On or contact Uzma.Ali@peabody.org.uk.
