Free school equipment and careers advice for young people in Lewisham Shopping Centre from Monday

A hub where young people in struggling families are given essential supplies will be launched on Monday February 7 – also staffed by young volunteers.

The Bank of Things in Lewisham Shopping Centre will offer school equipment, stationary, art equipment and other goods such as toiletries which would be too expensive for them to buy – donated by local firms.

Modelled on a food bank, it will have take-home items from a menu provided, to help young people to “take a full and active role in their education and in society”.

To celebrate the launch, the Mayor and Young Mayor of Lewisham will be speaking at 4:30pm along with young advisers demonstrating how the Bank of Things will work.

There will also be a ‘suggestions wall’, where young people can make comments and suggestions on the services offered.

The space at Lewisham Shopping Centre has been provided free of charge and will be staffed by Lewisham local staff and volunteers, with local businesses donating items.

Young people across the borough will also be volunteering at the Bank of Things to support their peers and encourage others to access the resource.

The Bank of Things will also be an opportunity for young people to access advice and information about education, training, employment and careers, with advisors from youth service Baseline and Youth Hub available in the same space.

Paul Redden, Centre Manager for Lewisham Shopping Centre, said: “We are looking forward to launching the Bank of Things here at Lewisham Shopping Centre.

We are proud to be supporting young people in our community and we encourage local businesses to take part and donate items to such a great cause.”

Cllr Chris Barnham, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and School Performance, said: “Food banks have proven to be a vital resource for families that need it, but there are certain items a young person needs in order to succeed in school and life that may not be available.

The Bank of Things will allow young people to access essential items and services that will help them to become independent citizens and support them on their journey to adulthood. I am proud of the way the Young Mayor and Young Advisors have driven this community project forward.”

Rosanna Campbell, Young Mayor of Lewisham, said: “I’m excited to be taking forward the Bank of Things with the Young Advisors, I know lots of people
have been working on developing the unit in the shopping centre.

It will be able to support young people in so many ways as well as providing opportunities for them to try new things and get involved.”

For more information on these activities, visit https://lewishamshopping.co.uk/.