
Despite mental health awareness being encouraged and openly spoken about in recent years, in many cultures, backgrounds, and societies, there is still a stigma attached to it. It’s easy to talk about addressing your mental wellbeing on an individual level, but how do you address mental health on a communal level? What might that look like you ask?
Well at the Renewal Programme, we have been doing just that! We recently interviewed some of our project leads, to give us an insight into how their project promotes mental health awareness of individuals in our community.
Stay Warm in Newham

Our Stay Warm in Newham project was launched in early 2023, and works to provide Newham residents struggling with fuel poverty with access to free energy advice in partnership with the Cadent Foundation and Groundworks Green Doctors. Since the project’s inception, it has expanded to provide advice, support, volunteer workshops, cooking classes, and a warm space for community members to tackle fuel poverty and their holistic needs.
Following the pandemic, many community members have struggled with the cost-of-living crisis, with no idea where or who to go to for support. With the our free energy advice sessions being introduced during the bi-weekly food bank sessions, it ensured that community members were easily able to access the support available. Our Green Doctor Janet soon became a warm and familiar face for community members to confide in. However on top of our free energy advice sessions, we have also been holding a warm bank, allowing residents to simply sit in the company of others with a hot cuppa. These two things alone have enabled elderly residents struggling with loneliness, crippling debt, and soaring energy costs, to find a safe space and see a way out. Although it may seem small, this can help to relieve stress and remind others that they are not alone.
Different communities come through the door, and we want people to be able to engage with each other, learning about different cultures and religions. It’s a learning factor that has formed a lot of friendships and it’s nice to see this happen because of the space we’ve provided.
Kadiza, Stay Warm in Newham Project Coordinator
Another integral part of this project is our dedicated Energy Champion Volunteers. Our volunteers undergo training workshops held by Groundwork Green Doctors, and develop their confidence and energy skills by conducting community outreach. Many of our volunteers are community members who have accessed our support before, and know how it feels to need a helping hand.
Community Hot Meals and Energy Saving Cooking Classes

Every Wednesday, we hold free community hot meals from 12-1pm. Chef Luis is our Warm Welcome Host, and true to his role, he ensures that residents are feel welcomed, comfortable, and at ease! Luis works by a golden rule: “I treat my brother and my sister in the same way that I would like them to treat me“. He greets residents with a warm smile, and welcomes them into his community kitchen to enjoy a warm and hearty meal. “This is a place where they can talk, interact with someone, and also experience for example how a cauliflower or courgette can taste when cooked in another way.“
Last year we introduced Energy Saving cooking classes for the community, focusing on energy-saving tips in the kitchen to bring down the energy bill – but it is so much more than just that! These are a great sessions where attendees can keep busy, work together, and get creative with food! These sessions take the stress of planning away and allow attendees focus on enjoying their time. We are so excited to restart these sessions again this year, and see new and familiar faces join to cook some delicious food!
Refugee and Migrant Project

Our Refugee and Migrant Project (RAMP) exists to support Refugees, Migrants, and persons seeking Asylum living in Newham. Individuals and families come from extremely distressing conditions, and migrate to the UK through difficult and traumatic routes to seek refuge from danger. Our team of highly skilled, knowledgeable, and compassionate staff and volunteers, support those in need to integrate and empower service users to thrive and recover. Over the past year, we have recorded 103 cases where casework directly addressed mental wellbeing, and 86 cases focused on supporting attendees to gain confidence to do things independently or together with a professional. These recorded outcomes don’t take into account the indirect or more long-term positive impacts on our attendees and the holistic benefits of connecting them with our community and resources.
The biggest measurement of how our support impacts attendee’s mental health is their journey. Community members come to the Renewal Programme through our Refugee and Migrant project when they are in crisis, and after receiving initial support, they attend other sessions or services at the Renewal Programme throughout the week. Many of our community members have gone on to volunteer, which illustrates how the support we provide can enable people improve their lives by giving them the tools to be independent. Individuals come to us in some of the most difficult times of their lives, and after finding the tools and connections they need, they return to give back to the community. Our dedicated RAMP Support Worker Humera, shares how incredible and beautiful it is to meet individuals and see their journey from beginning to end. “When you see these individuals, you really feel empowered yourself.“
When supporting individuals in crisis who are distressed and often have trauma, it is vital to check in on your mental health too. Humera shared that faith plays a large role in taking care of her own mental health, and gratitude for everything keeps her grounded. Firm boundaries and years of experience has helped Humera to not carry her work home with her, ensuring that when she is working, she can provide the help and support they need. Ensuring that her boundaries are not crossed allows her to take time and be there to love and support her and her family. Of course, taking care of our mental health is not easy and we should always make time to prioritise ourselves so that we have the energy to give back to others.
I do really miss my walks in the park which I don’t do at the moment, so I think that is also really important, that can also affect your mental wellbeing if you don’t give yourself the time to do the things that you love doing most
Humera, RAMP Support Worker
The Men in Mind Project

Earlier this year, we launched a free six-week project called Men in Mind to address the lack of support men in the community have. This programme was held by our CEO Peter Laing, along with Dave Mann and Michael from NHS, and its purpose was to create a safe space for men in the community to make genuine connections, have meaningful discussions, and to just simple be.
It’s not easy to be vulnerable in a society that demands men to be tough. Like many others I opted to suffer with my difficulties in silence. We believe that by showing no sign of weakness we are stronger.
Jordan, 2021 Why men need to talk – Mind
“I think sitting down, eyeball-to-eyeball, and having a conversation with another man – particularly if it’s not your friend – is quite difficult for men. So having an activity like football, table tennis, and pool, breaks the ice and helped men to feel more comfortable in that group environment“, Peter shared. The organisers were open and vulnerable with attendees, encouraging meaningful conversations, and of course, sharing food helped to build a strong bond. Attendees found the honest chats, meaningful discussions, and fun activities to be successful in making them feel welcome and to open up. With the success of the initial Men in Mind project and the helpful feedback from participants, there are plans to run more sessions soon!
Manor Park Oasis

In June 2023, we announced the launch of our meanwhile community space named ‘Manor Park Oasis’, right next-door to our HQ at 395 High Street North. Since then, the site has transformed into a vibrant community space, surrounded by plants, murals, and outdoor activities. With ideas from the community, and contributions from volunteers and artists alike, this place has now become an Oasis within Manor Park.
Many projects that we run are centred around supporting individuals in crisis through advice, support, and training. However, Manor Park Oasis exists as a space for the community to collaborate, grow, and celebrate together. Since the launch of Manor Park Oasis, we have held many community events – ranging from Diwali celebrations, to Christmas Carol Singing, and community open days. We also hold a weekly chess club, crochet classes, carpentry workshops, gardening sessions, and more recently a book club named ‘Manor Park Book Corner’!
Our activities are free and accessible for all, welcoming a mix of people no matter their age, gender, or background. Our beautiful oasis has blossomed into a vibrant community space that is frequented by many residents now, all eager to contribute, benefit, and create. It is a chance to be a part of something bigger than yourself.
This post is a small insight into the transformative work taking place at the Renewal Programme. We are determined to continue transforming lives, and providing a space for people from all walks of like to feel welcome and appreciated in their community.