Community
Local projects & friends
Victoria Dock parkrun was started and supported by volunteers from RDC as a great way to encounter more of our neighbours!
Not just good for your fitness, the parkrun events are also a family-friendly, free way to meet others from the community and, if you enjoy running or walking, have fun too!
Started in March 2018, the weekly Saturday morning course around Royal Victoria dock now sees up to 150 people getting involved each week. Kicking off at 9am, you need to register with parkrun online to get your unique barcode if you'd like to track your individual time and see stats of how you've done. Or, if you fancy volunteering - email victoriadock@parkrun.com. The more the merrier. Surely the views alone make it worthwhile!
RDC are proud to support NewWay Project by working in partnership with our sister congregation Bonny Downs to host the night shelter, provide volunteers and serve hearty meals weekly during winter.
Find out more: https://www.newwayproject.org/
'We believe that everyone is made in the image of God and deserves to be treated with dignity, have somewhere safe to stay and have access to the support and opportunities they need to create a better future for themselves. In our community there is increasing amounts of housing injustice and many people are forced to sleep on the street. NEWway is attempting to tackle homelessness and hopelessness by coordinating a network of host churches where local rough sleepers can have a safe place to sleep, friendly company and advocacy support throughout the coldest months of the year when they are most vulnerable. Our year round support services seek to help people rediscover their hope and dignity so they can overcome the challenges that hold them back from securing stable accommodation.'
Some of us spend time in the week volunteering at Newham District foodbank, which is based in neighbouring churches in Custom house and East Ham. We welcome foodbank donations any Sunday, and we send our harvest collection to support the foodbank every year.
'We don’t think anyone in our community should have to face going hungry. That’s why we provide three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to us in crisis. We are part of a nationwide network of food banks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.'
More information: https://newhamdistrict.foodbank.org.uk/
There are lots of activities going on in our local community, run by West Silvertown Foundation, a community led organisation which many of us work or volunteer for. West Silvertown Foundation runs Britannia Village Hall and Royal Wharf Community Dock – the 2 community centres in West Silvertown, a 5 minute walk apart.
West Silvertown Foundation also took on Bridges, a small community charity which was set up by our church. There is something for everyone across the centres – check out West Silvertown Foundation’s website to find out more.
Here are some of our highlights:
Under 5s – There are activities for under 5s and their carers 6 days a week, including music and movement, stay and play sessions, and a special group just for babies under 1.
Youth – The youth programme is for 9-25 year olds, and there is something for everyone from roller skating to DJing and cooking to card games.
ESOL – There are several English classes for adults every week, each at a different level so everyone can have the best learning for them.
Red Letter Christians UK is a network of Christian Activists working for Jesus and Justice across the UK.
Their website is full of useful blogs, and they put on events throughout the year which some of us find useful to connect with.
