Every Thursday between 12pm and 2pm people get together for an afternoon of socialising. It is a free, fun afternoon where people from Canning Town come together at Ruscoe Road Sheltered Housing.

Prior to the pandemic, Julie Impey, Manager of the scheme used to run regular socials on a Thursday at Ruscoe Road.

Reverend Amy Stott from nearby St Luke’s Church and Julie decided to start the Thursday afternoon Social again. Building bridges with our community is St Luke’s slogan and one they live by.

Together on Thursday’s is not limited to the older members of the community and is a wonderful way to meet new people if you have not fully reintegrated

Tea, cake, biscuits, and fruit are provided, and people bring their own packed lunch. Jing Quah and Nana Bonsu, Community Pastors from St Luke’s ensure the event is warm, welcoming and challenging with a range of activities such as dominos, bingo, card games and board games. There is lots of laughter as a diverse group of people come together and enjoy each other’s company. One attendee says this is the only event she attends by herself each week.

Jing and Nana have a big vision for the Canning Town community. The pandemic and lockdown have had a major impact on people’s ability to socialise with each other. They are mindful of the impact on some people’s mental health because of the pandemic and lockdown. Hence Together on Thursdays to reduce social isolation, and an opportunity for people to forget their cares and concerns for a couple of hours each week.

Partnering with Ruscoe Road and The Pinnacle Group, managing agents for Ruscoe Road, is one of the ways to build bridges in the community. St Luke’s is also partnering with Morrisons Canning Town who are providing a £50 gift card for their community survey. Everyone who completes the survey is entered into a free prize draw. One lucky winner will win the Gift Card.

The purpose of the survey is to help St Luke’s to be more informed about how they can better serve the needs of the community. To complete the survey and enter the draw, go to www.stlukesE16.co.uk/survey

To find out more about Together on Thursday’s contact Julie on 07730 761 723 or you can just turn up at 55 Ruscoe Road, Canning Town, E16 1JA

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