Merton Connected

Season’s Greetings from All of Us! We want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible volunteers, partners, supportive local residents, and generous funders. Your contributions and support have made this year truly memorable. May your Christmas be filled with joy, peace, and the warmth of community. We look forward to continuing our work together in the new year! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy 2025!

Happy Christmas Eve-Eve! Please note our Christmas office hours: Closed: Christmas Day (25th Dec), Boxing Day (26th Dec), Friday 27th Dec, Saturday 28th Dec, Sunday 29th Dec, and New Year’s Day (1st Jan). Open: Monday 30th Dec and Tuesday 31st Dec. We ask that you call or email ahead before unplanned visits, as some staff may be on leave or working from home over the festive period. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas!

📢 Calling All Groups Supporting Employment & Skills in South London! Join the South London Skills and Employment Community of Practice 🗓️ Date: 25 February 2025 🕒 Time: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM 📍 Where: Online (Microsoft Teams) This event is a must-attend CPD and networking opportunity for organisations helping residents access employment and skills support in South London. Why attend? ✔️ Gain insights into the skills and employment ecosystem across South London. ✔️ Share best practices and strengthen collaboration through referral pathways. ✔️ Connect with over 400 practitioners and organizations identified in local mapping. ✔️ Discover funding opportunities and explore consortium applications. ✔️ Help shape the delivery of the South London Local Skills Improvement Plan. Who should attend? If you're involved in delivering skills, training, or employment support, or want to connect with others in the field, this event is for you! This includes: ✔️VCSE representatives ✔️Adult education providers ✔️Jobcentre Plus (JCP) staff ✔️Social prescribers ✔️Borough employment practitioners ✔️Training providers 📧 Register your interest by emailing: kirsty.hogg@southlondonpartnership.co.uk Hosted by South London Integration Hub, delivered by the South London Partnership. Spread the word and invite your colleagues!

Are you an organisation based in South West London? Have you demonstrated a commitment to tackling health inequalities? The Kingston Race and Equalities Council small grants programme is now open.  There are online information sessions on both the 11th December at 11am and the 18th December at 6pm.  Find out more by emailing race.equality@kingstonrec.org, or following the QR code on this post. 

The Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales is offering grants of up to £75,000 to small charities in England and Wales providing specialist services. This funding supports charities that understand the issues people face and are best placed to drive meaningful change. Eligible Themes Include: ✔️ Addiction ✔️ Asylum Seekers and Refugees ✔️ Care Leavers ✔️ Domestic Abuse ✔️ Homelessness ✔️ Offending ✔️ Sexual Abuse and Exploitation ✔️ Trafficking and Modern Slavery Deadline: 5 PM, 25th January 2025 Learn more and apply today: tinyurl.com/LBFDN Not a match? No worries! Visit tinyurl.com/fundmerton for our list of other opportunities.

"It’s so nice to speak with someone who understands, people don’t get it unless they have a disability. Sometimes I feel so embarrassed explaining all the problems I have doing simple things because I’m still young but you understand and I feel comfortable telling you" This powerful feedback highlights the value of diversity in our team and how it strengthens the bond with those we serve. Having team members with lived experiences fosters trust, empathy, and meaningful connections, helping patients feel truly seen and understood. When patients feel comfortable sharing their challenges, we can provide better support and empower them in their journey. Diversity is more than representation; it’s the foundation of rapport and compassionate care.

This International Volunteer Day, Let’s Celebrate YOU! Volunteers in Merton are the heart of our community. From helping combat loneliness, to creating safe spaces for young people with learning disabilities and addressing food insecurity; your kindness and commitment change lives every single day. To the volunteers who show up, week after week, with passion and care, you are our inspiration. THANK YOU for everything you do to make Merton stronger, kinder, and more inclusive. 🙌 “When I volunteered, I thought I’d be giving, but I gained so much more: friendships, purpose, and pride in my community.” Are you ready to be part of something bigger? Commit to volunteering in 2025 by signing up to our volunteering platform: tinyurl.com/i-commit #internationalvolunteerday #mertonconnected

@MertonCouncil, in collaboration with Access Sport, is excited to offer Disability Inclusion Training as part of their goal to make Merton a Borough of Sport! This FREE in-person workshop is perfect for anyone passionate about creating inclusive and fun sports environments for all abilities. 🗓 Date: Thursday, 30th January 2025 ⏰ Time: 5:45 PM – 8:45 PM 📍 Venue: Merton Civic Office (SM4 5DX) 💰 Cost: Free What’s in it for you? Boost your confidence, competence, and knowledge in disability inclusion. Learn practical tools to adapt and deliver inclusive sport sessions. Discover how to break down barriers and create opportunities for all. Who should attend? Coaches, community sport volunteers, centre managers, and anyone using sport to engage children and young people. 🔗 Register now: https://lnkd.in/efNxvBcs or email training@AccessSport.org.uk Let’s level the playing field and make Merton a place where everyone can thrive through sport!

This #thankfulthursday reminds us of the critical role our Social Prescribing team plays as a compassionate, judgment-free support system. For many, it’s a safe space to share what they can’t elsewhere, helping to lighten their load. Huge thanks to our team for being there.

Great to hear about the Merton voluntary sector groups that received a small grants from @nhsswl to promote conversations about childhood vaccinations including @jigsaw4u @SMCA @fiveasidetheatre @innerstregthnetwork and more! Read more here: https://lnkd.in/echFWmFj