Crowdfunding drive raises £14k for Loughborough Junction community in Lambeth

By Greg Roxburgh

A crowdfunder to provide emergency Covid-19 support for one of the poorest areas in Lambeth has already raised more than £14,000.

The collection, run by The Platform Cafe, has rallied 170 supporters to donate the cash in seven days.

It set out with the aim of raising £10,000 to support the Loughborough Junction community.

The Platform Café, based in Wyck Gardens, hopes to offer advice, friendship and free meals to those in need.

One of the organisers, Jo Gilmour, said that Loughborough Junction was one of the poorest corners of Lambeth and is in urgent need.

He said, “Many people are losing their jobs, families are stuck at home with their children in overcrowded conditions, the elderly are lonely and isolated, and the vulnerable are going hungry.

“The Government may have lifted some of its restrictions, but we know this crisis is not going away any time soon and the knock-on effects will have a devastating effect on incomes and mental health.”

The crowdfunder will allow the café to continue to deliver free meals, as well as connecting those who are struggling with other vital services in the area.

A supporter of the initiative, Maria Bojanowska, said: “Brilliant project. It’s so important to reach out and support those in need of help. I love this community and hate the thought of anyone feeling alone.”

The Platform Café was opened three years ago by Charlotte O’Connor and Jo Gilmour with support from a social action charity called Loughborough Junction Action Group.

The cafe has been serving healthy vegetarian meals from its base, a former toilet block, ever since.

They also ran a volunteer programme which helped people back into work and a guest chef project which gave budding local chefs the chance to cook in a commercial environment.

Lockdown has paused these programmes but the café has remained open for takeaway lunches on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays with social distancing measures in place.

Chef Sophie Lawrence, currently in charge of the kitchen, has been making extra free meals which are delivered to locals in need as well as NHS mortuary workers at King’s College Hospital.

The cafe also used to offer local families free workshops on healthy-eating, bread making, fermentation and waste-free cooking.

To support the project, click here.

Pictured top: From left, Charlotte O’Connor and son Euan, Johanna Gilmour & chef Sophie Lawrence.