Leading by example for young men and boys in Lewisham

Thanks to everyone who joined us down at The Fellowship and Star for our fun-filled day where we looked at how men can be a positive inspiration for young people in Lewisham.

In a month often associated with men’s health through projects like Movember, we invited men from Phoenix homes, their families, and others in our community interested in building a better future for young people in Lewisham.

Attendees benefitted from free ‘health MOTs’, back and neck massages, virtual reality gaming and a chance to watch a film screening on positive male role models and discuss how we can do more as a community.

Phoenix resident Iscah Persaud said: “Events like this are fantastic because they bring men in the community together rather than keep everyone isolated. I'd just be sat at home if I wasn't here. Can't wait for next year!” 

Jim Ripley, Chief Executive of Phoenix Community Housing, said: “We’re committed to building a sustainable future for our community in Lewisham, and recognise that everyone has a part to play in making that happen. This fantastic event has shown that there are indeed people of all genders among us leading by example – and we’re calling on everyone to work alongside us to build a better future for our community.”

One of the few resident-led housing associations in the UK, we hosted the event to encourage more men to become involved and help us shape Phoenix and our area in south Lewisham.

As well as our usual ways of getting involved – through groups like our Resident Scrutiny Panel and mystery shoppers – we’re encouraging men to join project groups to advise us how we can further support men in getting involved. More information on our pop-up projects is online here.

We welcome residents to events throughout the year to find out their views. We’re seeing in the Christmas season and wrapping up the year with a Santa’s grotto, reindeer along the Bromley Road and more at Community Links at The Green Man SE6 2RP on Saturday 7 December from 12-3pm.

We’re also planning to host an event to celebrate the amazing contribution women are making to Phoenix and Lewisham alongside International Women’s Day – stay tuned to find out more.