OUR IMPACT AT DERONDA HALL

Change you can see. Stories you can explore.

Explore the building improvements, community activities, partnerships and practical support that have shaped Lavender Hope since 2019.

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£10,000National Lottery Community Fund renovation grant
Kids Servicessupplied the tables
Victoria and Albert Museumsupplied the chairs
2019 to 2026building and community evidence

TRANSFORMATION OF DERONDA HALL, 2019 TO 2026

Each improvement, told as a complete story.

Before, contribution, after and the benefit to the community, with all related media kept together.

2019 to 2021

Entrance and hallway

Creating a cleaner, brighter welcome and a more cared for first impression.

The entrance and hallway at Deronda Hall before Lavender Hope began the improvements
Before · 2019The original entrance and hallway before cleaning, decoration and practical improvements began.

HOW IT STARTED

The entrance before the improvements

When Lavender Hope took responsibility for Deronda Hall in 2019, the building was largely unused and did not feel welcoming.

The floors had several layers of grease, soiled nappies had been left inside and there was a strong unpleasant odour.

Potential hirers often decided not to proceed because of the hall’s condition, appearance and lack of essential facilities.

BeforeThe original presentation video begins at the entrance and walks through the hallway before cleaning, decoration and improvement.Open video in a new window
AfterThe original presentation video shows the brighter, more welcoming entrance and hallway after the work.Open video in a new window
Cleaning and practical repairs
A brighter, renewed finish
A more welcoming arrival
2019 to 2021

Main hall, furniture and flooring

Turning an underused room into a flexible place for activity, celebration and connection.

A dark, sparsely equipped hall that was difficult to hire or use.

Cleaning, decoration, the £10,000 National Lottery Community Fund renovation grant, tables supplied by Kids Services, chairs supplied by the Victoria and Albert Museum, and volunteer support.

BeforeThe original presentation video shows the main hall before Lavender Hope’s improvements.Open video in a new window
The main hall ready for community activities and hire
AfterThe completed hall is brighter, flexible and ready for activities and hire.
Renovation funding secured
Furniture and flooring improved
Flexible community use created
Project evidence & history6 original presentation records

The original slides remain available as optional background evidence. They no longer form the public design or replace the photographs and videos above.

2019 to 2026

Serving hatch and counter

Making hospitality, refreshments and informal conversation part of everyday hall life.

The serving hatch was a plain, underused part of the hall.

Decoration, furnishings and a focus on food, refreshments and welcoming conversation improved the social use of this area.

The plain serving hatch before improvement
BeforeThe original serving hatch before it was developed as a community social point.
The completed serving hatch in use
AfterThe completed serving area supports refreshments, events and informal conversation.
Serving hatch refreshed
Hospitality made practical
A social point for the hall
Project evidence & history1 original presentation record

The original slides remain available as optional background evidence. They no longer form the public design or replace the photographs and videos above.

2019 to 2021

Kitchen transformation

Building a practical base for food provision, refreshments and community cooking activity.

Limited equipment and storage made regular food activity difficult.

Lavender Hope applied for grants to obtain kitchen goods and equipment, alongside practical improvements.

The kitchen serving side before equipment was added
BeforeThe kitchen had worktops but limited equipment for regular community food activity.
The refurbished kitchen looking towards the hallway
AfterThe refurbished kitchen supports food preparation, refreshments and community activity.
Equipment and storage added
Food provision supported
Cooking activity made possible
Project evidence & history2 original presentation records

The original slides remain available as optional background evidence. They no longer form the public design or replace the photographs and videos above.

2019 to 2026

Office and community corners

Creating quieter corners for conversation, practical support and community administration.

Smaller areas around the hall had limited community use.

Furnishings and daily care created usable corners for conversation, support and administration. A flexible digital workspace remains a future proposal.

Computer access and family support equipment in the office before the improvements
BeforeThe office before the improvements, when computer access and family support equipment shared the room.
The office in its current arrangement
In use todayThe office in its current arrangement for administration and community support.
Space for quieter conversations
A base for administration
Future digital use explored

FUTURE MATCH MY PROJECT OPPORTUNITY

Shared office workspace and podcast room

Match My Project connects businesses with community organisations and residents to deliver social impact in local communities. Lavender Hope would like to use the platform to seek a suitable partner for this future office project.

Match My Project
Lavender Hope proposal poster showing the current office and a possible flexible workspace and podcast room
Office workspace and podcast room proposalThe original project poster from Lavender Hope's community presentation. Select it to view the full-size design.
Shared workspace

Hot desking, digital access and a quieter place for residents to work, study or complete online tasks.

Podcast and media room

A practical space for podcasting, recording, communication skills and community storytelling.

Skills and opportunity

Learning, employment pathways, small group support and access to community resources or training.

This is a future proposal. It is not yet a service that can be booked. Any development would depend on a suitable partner, funding, accessibility, safeguarding, practical assessment and community feedback.

Share your view in the community survey
Project evidence & history3 original presentation records

The original slides remain available as optional background evidence. They no longer form the public design or replace the photographs and videos above.

2023 to 2026

Accessible wet rooms

Improving accessibility, hygiene and everyday use at Deronda Community Hall.

The former toilet facilities were dated and had significant limitations. Hot water was not readily available in the men’s toilets, and the existing arrangement was inconvenient for everyday use, including simple handwashing.

From 2023, Lavender Hope worked with Lambeth Council to develop more practical, accessible facilities. The project has transformed the former toilets into accessible wet room and shower facilities, improved hot water provision and supported the ongoing care of Deronda Community Hall.

The former toilet facilities before the accessible wet room project
BeforeDated facilities with practical limitations.
Accessible wet rooms installed
Hot water provision improved
Long standing urinal fault repairedThe urinal had reportedly been out of use for several years and was repaired by EffectAble.

COMPLETED PROJECT

Watch the transformation

A short walkthrough of the completed accessible wet room facilities at Deronda Community Hall.

Open video in a new window
Lavender Hope, Lambeth Council and EffectAble representatives inside the completed wet room area
Completed with Lavender Hope, Lambeth Council and EffectAble.

With thanks to Barry Bugden, Social Value and Innovation Manager at Lambeth Council, for stepping in and helping Lavender Hope progress improvements that were greatly needed at Deronda Community Hall for the community.

Project partnersLambeth CouncilEffectAble
Project evidence & historyFour carefully selected public records

The before overview, approved design history, architectural plan and completed project photograph are available here without interrupting the visual story above.

2019 to 2023

Garden and outdoor areas

Turning an underused outdoor space into a more welcoming place for connection, creativity and community.

The garden was once an underused part of Deronda Hall, with overgrown areas and limited space for people to sit, meet or take part.

Garden activity and volunteer support gradually brought the area back into use. In 2023, NBC and Dentsu volunteers worked with Art4Space to create a permanent community mosaic, adding colour, care and a lasting shared artwork.

The underused garden before the improvements
BeforeAn overgrown outdoor area with limited space to gather.
The garden with seating and completed mosaic artwork
AfterA more welcoming setting with seating and permanent community artwork.
Garden brought back into use
Community mosaic created
Space for connection and activity
Community members and partners gathered beside the completed garden mosaic
A lasting community artwork

The completed mosaic brought neighbours and partners together and created a permanent reminder of what shared effort can achieve.

CREATED TOGETHER

Community effort with a lasting result

With thanks to NBC and Dentsu volunteers, guided by Art4Space, for helping create the permanent garden mosaic in 2023.

NBCDentsuArt4Space
Garden evidence & historyFive carefully selected photographs

The original condition, preparation, volunteer activity and completed garden are available here without interrupting the visual story above.

2020 to 2026

Other building improvements

The essential repairs, safety work and everyday maintenance that help keep Deronda Community Hall usable and welcoming.

Caring for an older community building involves much more than one renovation. It means noticing problems early, documenting them clearly and continuing to follow them up.

Since 2020, Lavender Hope has worked through a wide range of practical issues affecting safety, comfort and reliability. Some work has been completed, while longer term repairs and improvements continue to be monitored.

Roof maintenance at Deronda Community Hall
Roofing and weather protection
Fire alarm control panel at Deronda Community Hall
Fire safety checks
Ceiling lighting at Deronda Community Hall
Lighting improvements

ORIGINAL VIDEO RECORD

When rain entered the hall

These presentation clips remain as playable videos so the movement and original record are not reduced to still photographs.

Blocked gutteringThe original video documenting the guttering and rain damage.Open video in a new window
Rain inside Deronda HallThe original moving record of rain entering the building before follow up work.Open video in a new window
Safety and compliance

Asbestos related door work, fire alarm inspections, lighting and electrical issues.

Water, warmth and weather protection

Roofing, damp and leaks, drainage, boiler controls and hot water issues.

Everyday reliability

Doors, flooring, decoration, sockets, smaller repairs and pest removal.

WORK RECORDED

Completed and continuing
Recent work

Recorded work includes door replacement linked to asbestos related concerns, roof works, lighter fittings and the removal of a wasp nest.

Continuing care

Monitoring and follow up continue for boiler controls, flooring, decoration, water and drainage issues, and other repairs as they arise.

Building care evidence & historySeven carefully selected photographs

The public evidence gallery keeps a clear visual record of the issues, repair access and safety work without reproducing the old presentation slides.

EVENT FLYERS ARCHIVE

The invitations that brought people together.

These original public flyers document trips, classes, celebrations, food activity and community events held through Lavender Hope. They are kept as historic evidence, so dates, contact details and booking information shown on them may no longer be current.

COMMUNITY IMPACT BY YEAR

Activities, partnerships and support in date order.

Each year opens its own chronological gallery, including any published photographs, flyers and videos you add through Administration.

2019

Taking responsibility for Deronda Hall

The year an underused building began becoming a practical, welcoming community space.

2019 marked the beginning of Lavender Hope’s care for Deronda Community Hall. The early priority was straightforward: make the building cleaner, brighter and usable enough for residents and community activity.

Cleaning, decoration, flooring, furniture and equipment began to change what the hall could offer. This was the foundation for the activities, partnerships and support that followed.

The main hall before the first improvements
BeforeAn underused room that was difficult to hire or use.
The main hall after the first improvements
The beginning of changeA brighter, furnished and more flexible community room.

BACKING THE FIRST IMPROVEMENTS

£10,000National Lottery Community Fund renovation grant

The grant supported renovation of the building. Practical contributions also helped stretch the work further and establish the hall for community use.

  • Kids Servicessupplied the tables
  • Victoria and Albert Museumsupplied the chairs

PEOPLE AND PRACTICAL SUPPORT

Progress made together

Alongside funding and donated furniture, volunteers and GoodGym contributed time and practical support. Lavender Hope also secured kitchen goods and equipment through grant applications.

2019 evidence & history6 carefully selected public records

The evidence gallery keeps the original before and after photographs together without reproducing presentation layouts or placing later events in the wrong year.

2020

Stewardship and preparation

A quieter year focused on care, readiness and the practical work behind future community use.

Not every important year is defined by a large event or a finished project. In 2020, Lavender Hope continued caring for Deronda Community Hall and attending to the less visible work needed to protect its future.

Decoration and maintenance continued, repair concerns were followed up and the hall was kept in mind as a welcoming place for wider community use.

WORK THAT CONTINUED QUIETLY

Care behind the scenes

Caring for the building

Decoration continued and practical repair issues were recorded and followed up.

Roof and weather concerns

Roofing concerns were pursued from December 2020 as part of the hall’s continuing maintenance.

Planning for shared use

This groundwork supported the later development of safer hire arrangements and a thoughtful response to nearby residents.

WHY THIS YEAR MATTERS

Quiet work that supported what came next

The work of 2020 helped maintain the hall and prepare for the community programme that followed. It was a year of responsibility, persistence and practical planning.

2021

Families, creativity and shared experiences

Deronda Hall began to find a fuller rhythm through activity, learning, celebration and practical care.

In 2021, Lavender Hope created more opportunities for people to spend time together. The programme reached children, families and adults through play, movement, creativity, food and shared experiences.

The year also showed what a community hall can make possible: affordable days out, seasonal events, practical support and welcoming activities close to home.

Deronda Hall prepared for Stay and Play
A welcoming place to begin

The hall was prepared for play, stories, movement and time together.

Creative writing activity for adults at Deronda Hall
Creative expression
Adults preparing winter food parcels at Deronda Hall
Practical support

A PROGRAMME FOR DIFFERENT AGES

Many ways to take part

Children and families

Stay and Play, street and urban dance, baking, gardening, beach trips and seasonal celebrations created varied experiences for children and families.

Creativity and connection

Creative Writing, Knit and Natter and the Furaha wellbeing project offered adults space to make, learn, talk and connect.

Practical community care

Winter food parcels, digital and youth activity, access concerns and safer hire arrangements formed part of the wider work around the hall.

BEYOND THE HALL

Shared days out

Trips to Camber Sands and Brighton gave local children and families affordable opportunities to spend time together and make memories beyond the estate.

Deronda Estate in the evening during community stewardship work

LISTENING AS THE PROGRAMME GREW

Activity with responsibility

Growth also brought less visible responsibilities. Lavender Hope followed up road signage and access concerns, carried out early evening patrols and worked with Lambeth on safer weekday hire arrangements that took nearby residents into account.

2021 evidence & history16 carefully selected public records

The fuller archive keeps approved event flyers, adult activity photographs and child safe images together while leaving private correspondence and outdated wording out of the public story.

2022

A broader community programme

From early years play to later life connection, Deronda Hall welcomed more ages, interests and ways to take part.

In 2022, the programme grew beyond a single type of activity. Children, families, young people, adults, older residents and carers could find different reasons to come through the hall’s doors.

Trips, celebrations, play, music, movement and community learning showed the value of a flexible local space shaped around different needs.

Amusement rides during the Southend on Sea community trip
A day beyond the estate

The Southend trip created an affordable shared experience for local families.

Food prepared for the Lavender Hope Jubilee garden party
Celebrating together
Hands using DJ equipment during a Groove School workshop
Learning through music

ONE HALL, DIFFERENT GENERATIONS

A wider range of activity

Children and families

Early years play, a Southend community trip, the Jubilee garden party and Groove School created activity, celebration and new experiences.

Connection and wellbeing

Age Exchange brought its Living Well group to Deronda Hall, offering friendship and activity for people living with dementia and their carers. Pilates added another route into movement and wellbeing.

Learning and capacity

A funding applications workshop helped small community and voluntary groups understand bids, budgets and how to identify suitable funders.

MUSIC AND CONNECTION

A shared moment through song

During Age Exchange’s Living Well group at Deronda Hall, music created a warm point of connection for people living with dementia and their carers.

This participant gave permission for her performance to be shown.
Playing guitar and singing during the Living Well group at Deronda Hall.Original sound is available in the player.Open video in a new window

A FLEXIBLE COMMUNITY SPACE

Different reasons to belong

The strength of the 2022 programme was not one headline event. It was the range of reasons people could come to Deronda Hall and feel that something there was for them.

  • Early years play
  • Youth music and technology
  • Family trips and celebrations
  • Adult movement and wellbeing
  • Later life connection
  • Community learning
2022 evidence & history6 carefully selected public records

The evidence gallery keeps approved event records and privacy protected activity images together without repeating presentation layouts in the main story.

2023

Partnerships, sport and a lasting legacy

A year of shared culture, practical learning and new connections around Deronda Hall.

In 2023, the circle around Lavender Hope widened. Residents, artists, volunteers, community organisations and public partners brought different skills and experiences into the hall and outdoor spaces.

Food learning, family activity, Windrush heritage, sport and the garden mosaic created many ways to take part, while conversations about the future of Deronda Pitch invited people to help shape what came next.

Two adult community partners cutting the ribbon in front of the finished mosaic
A lasting community artwork

The garden mosaic turned shared ideas and volunteer effort into a permanent feature at Deronda Hall.

An adult DJ at the Windrush 75 celebration
Celebrating Windrush 75
Young people playing basketball with their faces out of view
Sport and conversation

PARTNERSHIP IN PRACTICE

Different ways to gather and grow

Culture and celebration

Windrush 75, summer shows and community gatherings made space for heritage, conversation, music and time together.

Sport and community voice

Basketball activity and consultation with Lambeth, Sport England and Basketball England helped connect use of Deronda Pitch with local ideas and needs.

Learning and creativity

The LEAP Food Ambassadors course, children’s arts and crafts and the mosaic project combined practical learning with creativity.

THE YEAR IN MOTION

Celebrating Windrush 75

This original video remains a moving record. The public excerpt protects children’s identities while keeping the atmosphere and original sound of the event.

Windrush 75 celebrationA moving view of the setting and family activities, selected so children’s faces are not shown.Open video in a new window
Adults gathered beside the completed community mosaic

A SHARED LEGACY

Making something that would remain

NBC and Dentsu volunteers worked with residents under the guidance of Art4Space. The finished mosaic gave the garden a permanent artwork shaped through many hands and unveiled with the wider community.

2023 evidence & history17 carefully selected public records

The fuller archive keeps approved event records, privacy protected photographs and original video evidence together without crowding the main story.

2024

Welcome, food and a summer of music

Practical outreach opened the door to friendship, shared activity and a memorable celebration in the garden.

In 2024, Lavender Hope worked with local community centres, councillors and residents to help more people feel able to take part. The work combined personal invitations with practical help rather than expecting people to find their own way in.

Cooking sessions, family entertainment and the summer garden party created welcoming reasons to meet. Food and live music became simple but powerful ways for people from different backgrounds to spend time together.

THE GARDEN PARTY IN MOTION

Watch the community celebration

The original moving footage now leads this part of the story, with standard controls for playback and full screen viewing.

Brixton Chamber Orchestra at Deronda HallOriginal sound is available in the player.Open video in a new window

A WIDER WELCOME

Removing practical barriers

Outreach and invitations

Personal contact and invitations helped families seeking asylum understand what was happening and feel genuinely welcomed.

Transport and translation

Minibus transport, translated conversations and multilingual information made participation more practical.

Food and friendship

Cooking sessions offered a relaxed social space where people could prepare meals, share culture and make new connections.

Two adult community partners at Lavender Hope

PARTNERSHIP THAT LED TO ACTION

Making participation possible

Following a request from Councillor Olga, Lavender Hope sought funding and worked directly with families living in temporary hotel accommodation. A translator, door to door invitations, transport and information in different languages helped turn an invitation into something people could realistically accept.

  • Personal invitations
  • Minibus transport
  • Translated conversations
  • Information in different languages

LET’S COOK TOGETHER

Food as a way to connect

The cooking group created time to socialise, try different ingredients and prepare healthy meals together. The emphasis was on friendship, confidence and sharing knowledge across cultures.

Food collected for the community cooking sessions.The original clip does not contain an audio track.Open video in a new window
A shared meal prepared during the community cooking group
Preparing food together and sharing it around the table.

FAMILY ACTIVITY

Laughter, movement and play

The Flying Seagull Project returned with circus, magic, music and playful activity. The original moving excerpt is framed around the adult performers so children’s faces remain out of view.

Adult Flying Seagull performers entertaining families at Deronda Hall.Original sound is available in the player.Open video in a new window

THE SUMMER GARDEN PARTY

A garden filled with live music

Free food, activities and a performance by Brixton Chamber Orchestra brought residents together for a long summer afternoon. The source footage is preserved as video, with children shown only from behind or at a non identifying distance.

Brixton Chamber OrchestraA wide moving view with the original sound.Open video in a new window
Garden party dancingAdults dancing as the event continued, with the original sound.Open video in a new window
2024 evidence & history7 carefully selected public records

The original videos are kept in the story above. This optional archive holds the selected presentation records that add context without repeating the same moving footage.

2025

Food, welcome and a weekly rhythm

Deronda Hall became a dependable place for practical help, familiar faces and activities that brought people together.

The Friday Food Bank and Community Space grew into more than a place to collect food. People could sit down, have something to eat, enjoy tea or coffee and spend time with neighbours in a friendly setting.

Alongside food support, the hall hosted reading, art, movement, faith and wellbeing groups. This regular pattern helped different generations use the same community space in ways that suited them.

VISIBLE THROUGHOUT 2025

The groups and partnerships that continued

Important work continued at Deronda Hall throughout the year. These activities are part of the public story, not only the evidence archive.

2022 to 2025
Xyla NHS Diabetes programme

Diabetes prevention, health and wellbeing sessions continued through 2025, with activity documented across Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays.

2022 to 2025
Brownies and Girlguiding

Weekly Brownies gave girls a regular local place to learn new skills, play, make friends and take part in special activities.

2023 to 2025
Yoga and gentle movement

Yoga classes continued on Tuesdays and Saturdays, adding another regular route into movement, connection and wellbeing.

Part of the 2025 programme
Doorstep Library

Literacy support and the joy of reading remained visible in the hall’s programme for local children and families.

The original public flyers and source records remain available in 2025 evidence & history below.

Food prepared for the Friday Food Bank and Community Space
A weekly place to belongFood support was offered alongside conversation, company and a warm welcome.
A selection of food collected for the Friday Food Bank
Food collected, sorted and shared.

FRIDAY FOOD BANK AND COMMUNITY SPACE

Practical help with time to connect

The food bank was open to everyone. Visitors did not need to live on the Deronda Estate and could stay for a fried egg, a drink and a friendly conversation as well as receiving food.

Food collected and shared

Deliveries were joined by regular surplus food collections from local shops, then sorted and prepared for the Friday session.

Volunteers made it work

Volunteers helped with collections, setting up, sorting, welcoming visitors and delivering food to people who could not attend.

Careful food practice

Environmental Health registration, food hygiene knowledge and safe handling procedures supported the service.

A HALL USED THROUGHOUT THE WEEK

Different reasons to come together

The programme was shaped by practical need and by the simple value of having welcoming activities close to home.

Mind, Art and Soul

Creative sessions offered space to make, talk and spend time with others.

Doorstep Library and Brownies

Literacy and youth activity created regular opportunities for children and families.

Movement and wellbeing

Yoga, Stretch and Connect and wellbeing groups added gentle activity to the weekly rhythm.

Warm space and faith

Warm space provision and Sunday church use helped keep the hall active and welcoming.

2025 evidence & history18 carefully selected public records

The original food bank videos appear once in the main support section. This optional archive keeps approved programme records, public flyers and food partnership evidence without repeating those videos or publishing private correspondence and contact details.

2026

A trusted hall with plans for what comes next

Community activity continued while Lavender Hope strengthened safe delivery and invited residents and partners into the next chapter.

Deronda Hall is now used for regular groups, food support, children’s activities and civic purposes. This reflects years of practical care, relationship building and attention to how the space is managed.

The focus in 2026 is both present and future: keeping current activity safe and useful while developing thoughtful proposals for a more flexible, accessible and sustainable community hall.

A TRUSTED CIVIC SPACE

A polling station within the community

Lavender Hope worked with Lambeth Council to support the risk assessments needed for Deronda Hall to be approved as a polling station. Local residents could access an important civic service close to home, and the decision recognised the hall as a trusted and accessible local venue.

SUMMER ADVENTURES

An active, creative and safe summer

Camp Allstar brought play, creative activity, food and outdoor adventures to Deronda Hall for children aged five to eleven. Public images keep every child’s face blurred or out of view.

Play and movementOutdoor activity made use of the hall and the surrounding estate.
Outdoor adventures
Creative activity

SAFE AND ACCOUNTABLE DELIVERY

The systems behind community activity

Safeguarding, premises checks, food safety, evidence and review all support dependable community activity. The main accountability section explains this work without repeating every detail here.

How Lavender Hope works safely and accountably

SHARING THE NEXT CHAPTER

Speaking about the future of the hall

Lavender Hope has shared the needs of Deronda Hall with potential partners and supporters. The original presentation video remains available here in moving format with its original sound.

Presenting the hall’s needs and future possibilities.Original sound is available in the player.Open video in a new window

WHAT COMES NEXT

Proposals to explore with the community

Future ideas for the kitchen, workspace, heating and secure timed access are gathered in one clear place below. They remain proposals for consultation rather than services already in place.

Explore the community proposals
2026 evidence & history18 carefully selected public records

The presentation video appears above. This optional archive keeps selected public records, privacy protected activity images and plans together without repeating the video. Private emails and pages containing the founder’s surname have been excluded.