St Paul's West Hackney
We believe passionately that we are here to serve all who live in our parish, especially the vulnerable and those on the edges of society. To that end, our church hall hosts a variety of projects committed to working alongside the homeless, those involved in the sex trade, those with addictions, the unemployed and the young.
The Posh Club
The Posh Club is an event for swanky senior citizens, elegant elders and glamorous golden girls and boys. Cabaret sideshows include tap dancers, opera singers, comedians, acrobats, Chinese Elvis and a foul-mouthed Vicar. The Posh Club meets on Wednesdays from 12-3pm. Contact Tracey on 07938 985644
North London Action for the Homeless
NLAH runs a twice-weekly drop-in centre for homeless people and for those in needy circumstances. On Monday lunch 12-1.30pm, and Wednesday supper 7-8.30pm, they provide a three-course vegetarian meal and support and advice for clients, free of charge.
West Hackney Recreation Ground
This 2-acre former burial ground was regenerated by a £600,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and generous grants from West Hackney Parochial Charity, St Paul's Church and the London Marathon Trust. It's an award-winning space for people to relax, meet friends, walk their dogs, exercise or garden.
West Hackney Parochial Charity
A charity covering the Parish of West Hackney as of 1823. Trustees consider grant applications for purposes that come under the charity's objects and current funding priorities which are: education and training opportunities for young people; to relieve individual or general need, hardship or distress.
Over 50s Dance Group
The Over 50's Dance Group presents reggae and soca dancing nights in the church hall on 2–3 Friday evenings per month. Come along and dance the night away, exercising to rhythm and music – bring your own rum and fishcakes! To find out more, contact Barbara on 0777 868 0069.
Narcotics Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. Recovering addicts meet to help each other stay clean. Stoke Newington NA meets at St Paul’s on Thursday 8pm and Sunday – women only – from 5.30pm.
Growing Communities
Growing Communities runs the UK's only 100% organic farmers' market from 10-2.30pm at St Paul's every Saturday. All farmers are either organic or bio-dynamic and stallholders making processed foods source most of their ingredients from those farmers. Find out more about the market here.
Hackney Children's Choir
Hackney Children's Choir is a joint project between St Paul's Cathedral's internationally renowned Music Department and St Paul's Church West Hackney. We offer musically gifted children aged between 8 and 11 years a unique opportunity to learn to read music and the enriching experience of making music to a high level, in a supportive and nurturing environment.
Evering Road Kitchen Garden
Evering Road Kitchen Garden is run by NLAH and open to anyone interested in gardening. The project is located at the back of St Paul’s and gardeners are there Mondays 12–2pm and Wednesdays 7–9pm.
Gardening sessions are on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month from 12–2pm. Contact the project for info.
Bags of Taste
Offers hands-on cooking classes that are also great fun, teaching people who are struggling with food costs to eat better for less. Delicious recipes are sourced from around the world and are all cost less than £1 per head. You can buy bags of ingredients for £3 each, with enough for four meals, so you easily cook at home.
Hackney Rainbows, Brownies & Guides
The 13th Hackney Rainbows aged 5–7 and Brownies aged 7–10 meet together every Thursday from 6–7.30pm. The girls regularly engage in community work, for example helping set up for the Hackney Winter Night Shelter every week at the end of their meeting. The 13th Hackney Guides – aged 10–15 – meet on Tuesday evenings from 6–7.30pm.
Open Doors Sexual Health Clinic
Open Doors is a free and confidential advice service in East London for people working in the sex industry, offering a listening ear, a safe space, together with medical and practical advice.