Welcome to the virtual Earls Court Community Hub. We have set this up to be a portal for community initiatives that are going on in Earls Court during this time of uncertainty and social distancing.
We know that keeping the mind and body active is essential while we are in self-isolation so we want to try and bring together a host of wellness, fitness and arts & crafts activities online.
Lots of local amenities and businesses are having to change the way they work at the moment, so we hope this can be a hub to promote some of these services too. We will continue to update this with initiatives as we hear about them, so please keep sharing them with us!
What's happening?
Check out our list of activities below that you can get involved in:
London Wonderground comes to life with a gorgeous botanical wonderland known as the Pleasure Garden
More infoMore infoThe National Portrait Gallery in partnership with The Earls Court Development Company
More infoMore infoThe Earls Court Development Company launches its own educational workbooks for children
More infoMore info
If there is a class or activity you feel would benefit the community and would like to see streamed or you would like to offer a class to the community, please...
Community Aid
In these difficult times we will keep a list up to date of all services which are available in the community. We’ve included a list of the community aid happening in Earls Court:
If we’ve missed any please...
The Earls Court Business Forum aims to give a voice to businesses in the Earls Court area.
They are new group of businesses working in conjunction with the Council to support business in Earls Court and develop projects for the benefit of our community. Information about projects will be posted on their website as they develop. All businesses in Earls Court are welcome to join the Forum.
The Business Forum has been awarded match funding from the Council’s NCIL funding to deliver a number of projects in Earl’s Court as we look forward to easing restrictions. These include:
- Additional deep cleaning of the streets to make Earls Court feel safe and clean
- Branding and marketing for the area
- A new planter on Hogarth Road
Sign up here to receive their newsletter.
The AY Group are delivering food and other essentials to those in need across Earls Court.
In addition to helping low-income families and the elderly, The AY Group have been hard at work during the pandemic supporting NHS staff, specifically those in hospitals and care homes. Over the past few months, they have delivered everything from food packages to flowers to our busy frontline heroes.
For those in need of essentials, The AY Group’s innovative online delivery service ‘Shop And Donate’ allows you to purchase a selection of hampers without needing to leave your home. By purchasing a hamper, you’ll also be helping to support the group’s amazing community work as 10% of all proceeds are invested back into their food bank.
For more information about The AY Group and how to support them further, please visit their website.
We’re proud to support The Smile Brigade who have been working tirelessly during the pandemic to provide free meals and care packages to vulnerable residents. Over the festive period, they will also be cooking and delivering Christmas meals to almost 1,000 residents in the local area. As 2020 is set to be an especially difficult Christmas for some, the Smile Brigade will also be giving out Christmas hampers containing a small gift, toiletries, Christmas cards and other treats to spread some festive cheer to those in need.
The Smile Brigade’s brilliant work is no mean feat, and they rely heavily on donations from members of the public. That is why all of us at the Earls Court Development Company are encouraging everyone to support them, either through donating food or volunteering your time. In particular, donations of any of the following would be gratefully received:
- Turkeys
- Gammon joints
- Seasonal veg
- Mince pies, Christmas puddings and custard
- Small gifts, chocolates, toiletries, Christmas cards and biscuits for hampers
To find out more about how you can help, visit their website or donate to this amazing cause via the Smile Brigade’s fundraising page.
The Fulham Boys School has launched its Christmas Social Enterprise Package, outlining the different support available to the local community during the festive period. Sixth form students will operate a community service, running errands for families, litter picking and running a soup kitchen. The school will be distributing activity packs for children and are preparing 25 Christmas hampers for those in need. The school will also run a Christmas shoe box campaign to give to young children in the local area, as well as a meals on wheels service and write Christmas cards to vulnerable residents.
Covid rules permitting, they are also hoping to organise a socially distanced Christmas meal for the local community, and carol singing outside local hospitals & care homes.
If you, or someone you know would benefit from this service, or if you would like to help, please contact Emily Fryer on e.fryer@fulhamboysschool.org.uk for more details.
Supported by The Earls Court Development Company, The Lyric Theatre Hammersmith has launched a crowdfunding appeal as part of Theatre Trust’s #SaveOurTheatres campaign.
This fundraising initiative aims to prevent the permanent closure of many theatres across the UK that have been affected by the pandemic. This year the Theatre should have celebrated their 125th anniversary but instead has closed due to COVID-19.
For over a century The Lyric Theatre Hammersmith have supported the community, ensuring that every young person has access to arts, education and equal opportunities to thrive. They have supported many young lives across West London and are committed to continuing this essential work to ensure no young person misses out because of the pandemic.
The campaign is running until 3 November and their fundraising target is £50,000. For more details or to find out how to donate click here and here.
London Sports Trust aims to inspire positive change for disadvantaged young Londoners through the power of sport, training & life skills to improve life outcomes as well as physical and mental health. They believe in young people’s capacity to aspire and achieve to maximise their potential despite the barriers they face. They aim to: inspire change in young Londoners & parents by educating and cultivating positive change through the power of sport, help disadvantaged children and their families to achieve their goals in life, sport and education, and improve life outcomes and employment opportunities through their programmes. For more information visit their website here. Find them on twitter & Instagram @ldnsportstrust
The Finborough Theatre, who we support, has launched a crowdfunding appeal as part of Theatre Trust’s #SaveOurTheatres campaign. This national fundraising initiative aims to prevent the permanent closure of many theatres across the UK that have been affected by the pandemic. This year should have been Finborough Theatre’s 40th anniversary, but the coronavirus pandemic led to the forced cancellation of their 2020 shows. With no public funding, the theatre urgently needs help to support the costs this extended closure has brought.
The Finborough Theatre supports new writing and emerging artists, having enabled dozens of young people to take their first steps in their careers. It is vital they receive funding so they can continue to do so in the future. The campaign will be running until 8 November and aims to raise £25,000. For more details about how you can help and the donor rewards available click here.
During these unprecedented times, they are continuing the #FinboroughForFree series of past productions, streaming for free on their YouTube channel. They have partnered with Scenesaver who are presenting subtitled versions of all online productions on their website.
DanceWest is a registered charity based in the London borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. DanceWest has pioneered high-quality programmes in West London since 2015 offering a creative response to local and social issues including poor health. DanceWest supports everyone aged 1-104 in 70 weekly classes across seven inner & outer west London boroughs. DanceWest is supported by the National Lottery, Arts Council England and a variety of trusts and foundations engaging 36,000 people each year. For more information visit their website. Find them on Twitter: @DanceWest1 and on Instagram: @dancewest_london.
Upstream. Are you a Science, Tech or Creative business based in Hammersmith & Fulham? Whether you are seeking opportunities to collaborate, innovate or solve challenges that affect your business, become a part of Upstream’s thriving network of entrepreneurs, startups, corporates and academics. Upstream is a partnership between Imperial College London and Hammersmith and Fulham. Their mission is to make H&F the leading destination for Science, Tech, and Creative Industries; and to transform White City into an innovation district. Register for an upcoming event to develop and connect, and be the first to hear about Upstream news and events by joining our mailing list. If you want to have a chat with one of our team, book an e-coffee with us.
RBKC libraries are supporting its residents and local businesses during the Coronavirus pandemic by providing regular Council Service updates and additional support. Although the libraries are still closed due to the pandemic, a restricted area has opened in North Kensington Library to provide computer access to residents. Library users are able to use a computer for 45-minutes per day, for essential tasks such as applying for jobs or virtual learning.
For more information click here.
H&F Circles aims to strengthen the resilience and cohesiveness of the Hammersmith & Fulham community during the Covid-19 crisis and beyond, by providing links to local businesses and support, as well as inspiring celebratory stories of our local heroes. To find out more click here.
The Response Community Projects. Response is a community based centre that serves the needs of the communities most vulnerable individuals while also offering a range of classes designed to increase educational attainment and general well being.
Check out their Twitter @Earls__Court which is updated daily to provide up-to-date information to the local community about free online courses, free theatre streaming entertainment, online yoga, tai chi, physical exercise classes, free online educational activities for adults, young people and older adults plus the latest community news.
For further information please visit their website.
Email: info@responseprojects.org.uk
Tel: 020 7370 4606
Dads House. Foodbank at West Brompton Crossing on Lillie Road is now up and running. They are delivering to dads, mums and families who need practical support in the local area. They are still looking for volunteers and donations to keep up with demand, so if you are interested in helping them please get in touch.
The Hammersmith and Fulham Food Bank is asking for long life food donations, in particular they are in need of UHT Milk, Tea, Pasta, Tinned Vegetables, Tinned Tomatoes and Tinned Rice Pudding. People can donate the foods via their collection basket in Sainsbury’s Fulham Wharf or at St Matthews Church on Wandsworth Bridge Road. Any donation, however small will be much appreciated.
For more information about the food bank please click here.
Samaritans Helpline. If you need someone to talk to, the Samaritans will listen. Call anytime, day or night.
Phone: 116 123 (free)
Email: jo@samaritans.org
The Smile Brigade. Free meal delivery service for vulnerable residents. You can contact the Smile Brigade by clicking here.
Richmond Fellowship. Telephone check in service for vulnerable people suffering from ill health. If you or someone you know needs help during this difficult time, please contact Richmond Fellowship for support here.
Hammersmith and Fulham Law Centre. Legal advice by telephone or email. Instead of face to face enquiries, you can get in touch for support with legal advice by phone or email:
Phone: 0203 880 1727
Email: hflaw@hflaw.org.uk
Hammersmith & Fulham Citizens Advice. Help for food bank clients with advice You must live, work or study within the borough of Hammersmith & Fulham.
Please include your Full Name, Postcode and Phone Number.
Email: foodbankadvice@cahf.org.uk
Hammersmith & Fulham Local Support Payments Team. If you need help because of an emergency or a crisis you may be entitled to a Local Support Payment (LSP). The LSP team can also make food bank referrals. For more information please click here of phone 020 7745 6464.
Crosslight Advice. Struggling with debt? Call Crosslight to have a phone appointment with one of their debt advisers.
Phone: 020 702 0318
Website: www.crosslightadvice.org/help
The London Community Response Fund is a portal for charitable organisations in London to apply for emergency funding. We are working alongside London funders and other funds to make it simple for organisations to apply for funding through this one portal. Proceeds from the National Emergencies Trust and our London Communities Coronavirus Appeal will be distributed through this fund.
For more information about the London Community Response Fund please click here.
Kensington and Chelsea Mutual Aid have a network of volunteers who assist those who are in self isolation and vulnerable with food shopping and picking up medications. There are many self isolating and vulnerable individuals who are not qualified for support from registered charities / government bodies, the Kensington and Chelsea Mutual Aid’s aim is to fill this gap and assist them through this crisis. They are setting up a 5-day a week series of Trestle Lunches at St Cuthbert’s Church, Earls Court from Tuesday 6 October Thursday 31 December. These events will offer support to younger residents that find themselves unemployed at the end of the furlough scheme, that aim to provide access to services and advice to residents. If you would like to make a donation please click here.
The St Cuthberts Centre support vulnerable people all year round. Their impact is grounded in the power of a shared meal of outstanding quality made with 100% surplus food. They are one of the few homeless centres still open in Earls Court and they are providing food and vital services, seven days a week. If you can help them to help others please follow this link.
ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON & CHELSEA
RBKC have set up a microsite containing a host of information, advice and support on how Covid-19 will impact everything from your mental health, your child’s schooling and your business. Visit websiteThey have also produced a ‘Residents Booklet’ to help guide you through the pandemic. You can download the booklet here.
HAMMERSMITH & FULHAM COUNCIL
H&F CAN is the volunteer community aid network launched by Hammersmith & Fulham Council to support vulnerable residents during the coronavirus pandemic. Visit website
LOCAL PHARMACIES
Click here to find a list of the Earls Court pharmacies that are still open
LOCAL SUPERMARKETS
Click here to find out where the closest supermarkets are within the Earls Court area and which are still open.
Gascoigne is an artistic unisex brand that bridges the gap between sub-cultures such as streetwear and normcore with traditional English tailoring and heritage pieces. They have released three products for spring summer 2020 and will be donating 30% of all profits from the sales to the NHS. Visit website / Instagram
If we’ve missed any please...
How you can help
St Cuthberts volunteers at work
For those interested on how, when and where you can help vulnerable people in your local community, whether it be by donating tinned goods to a local food bank, offering to take your neighbours dog for a walk while they are stuck indoors, or just simply lending a listening ear to someone who would just like to chat.
If you have information that you would like us to share on how to further aid our local community or if you would like to offer your support in some way, please…
Sign up for updates from the Earls Court Business Forum
At the beginning of the year, businesses in Earls Court formed a network to discuss how to address challenges and opportunities facing the local area. Placemaking consultant ‘The Means’ were appointed by Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea to engage local businesses and facilitate the development of this local business forum. At the first meeting in January, they presented findings from more than 90 interviews with Earls Court businesses about local priorities and areas of interest.
At this unprecedented time the Earls Court Business Forum will be sending out a weekly newsletter with advice and information for businesses.
Get in touch
Please fill in the form below to contact us about any information or services on our website, whether you need help, or would like to offer help or information to list on our website to help others, we’d love to hear from you.