Three

The following text is narrated by Husseina Hamza, founder of Red Ribbon Living Well, in collaboration with Erick Obanda and Adetunji Omotosho. It refers to the organisation's history in relation to one of the locations on the “We are Here… We are on the Move” Route. In order to see the full list of places, as well as the texts and videos related to them, please access the Route page

October 2010 - August 2018, Empathy

After we were denied entry to Bilt Mansions, we went to one of our members house, who lived around the corner. We were back where we started, in a garden. Luckly the member was a volunteer at 170 Community Project, a space on New Cross Road used by CAB, a Citizens Advice service run by Lewisham Council. We were at 170 for 8 years and with this stability we achieved a lot.

Red Ribbon Living Well became a constitution voluntary organisation and an active member of North Lewisham Health Community. RRLW made a big impact throughout the community on health and related subjects that influence wellbeing, using a variety of methods (non-digital and digital) that are culturally relevant. We exchanged ideas on health and wellbeing events, forum meetings and weekly peer support group.

However, the building was sold in 2018 as it was too costly to maintain. The Advice [Bureau] moved not far from 170 and they offered the space to continue running our support group, but it was too small for us to meet in. The building was sold out and it is now a masjid (or mosque).

About Red Ribbon Living Well

Red Ribbon Living Well (RRLW) is a community-led voluntary organisation supporting individuals affected by and living with HIV, mental health and family survivors of domestic violence in Lewisham and surrounding areas. The group was founded in 2009 by members who recognised the need for peer support in the community, and it has grown from its grass-roots beginnings. More information can be found on: redribbonlivingwell.org