New Year, Same You (but Happier!)
Happy new year! Check out our round up of creative activities you can find right on your doorstep – all designed to reduce your stress-levels, meet new friends, stimulate your creative juices, and get you moving in 2024. There’s opportunities for all ages and all abilities here – so find your new thing and feel better than ever!
Find out more about Wandsworth Council’s Arts for Health and Wellbeing programme here.
Activities for children and young people
Mondays
Mondays at The R.O.S.E
All ages
Pop into the R.O.S.E. community space on a Monday for free social activities, after school club and a free meal – no need to book, just come along.
Open to all from 9am to 6.30pm.
• Arts and crafts club from 10am to 12noon
• Board games from 12noon to 3pm
• After school club from 3pm to 7pm
Plus! Hot drinks and snacks all day and free hot meal available to everyone from 5pm.
Mondays, 9am – 6.30pm, R.O.S.E. Clubroom, Free
Putney School of Art & Design: Pottery for Young People
An enjoyable and creative pottery course for young people aged 13-17. You will have the opportunity to learn and enjoy the magic of throwing on the wheel and handbuilding techniques, with professional instruction on how to make a range of pottery shapes. Experienced students will be able to work on your own initiated projects with the support from a very experienced tutor.
Mondays, 5pm – 7pm, 3D Campus: Bentley House, 4a Disraeli Road, SW15 2DS, from £26 for a single 3 hour session or from £221 for a 12 week course.
MovementWorks: Build A Bridge & Action For Autism
Action For Autism is a weekly Autism Movement Therapy® session for young people aged 11- 16 with autism/related differences Dance sequences, interactive games encourage creative and social collaboration with a cool-down based on mindfulness and self-regulation techniques.
Every Monday and Wednesday (Also online), 4.30pm, Tooting Leisure Centre, Greaves Place, SW17 0NE, Free
Build A Bridge is a weekly dance movement session to support the development of children aged 2-7 years. Activities are simple fun and interactive supported by Makaton signing and inclusive to children with additional social, communication needs.
Every Monday and Wednesday (Also online), 9.30am – 10.15am, Tooting Leisure Centre, Greaves Place, SW17 0NE, Free
Wednesdays
STORM Family Centre Youth Club
S.T.O.R.M stands for Support, Trust, Opportunity, Rebuilding and Motivation.
Young people aged 10 -17 can try out music production, play indoor games, outdoor football and share hot food. There are also regular trips and events, a photography studio and creative workshops/arts & crafts.
Wednesdays, 5pm – 9pm, STORM Family Centre, Free.
Bounce Theatre: Tooting Youth Theatre
Join in and be part of ‘The Playlist’. A brand new play for 2024 where playlists collide in a story about joy, hope, and sometimes just getting by. For ages 12-16
Wednesdays, 4.30pm – 6pm, Tooting United Reform Church, Rookstone Rd SW17 9NQ, Free.
Please email [email protected] for more information about joining the youth theatre.
Thursdays
Bounce Theatre: Story Club
Every Thursday, Bounce Theatre brings StoryClub to an empty cottage in Earlsfield. Our StoryClub members doodle, play, build and make sounds out of everyday objects. Together we build a story that reflects the unique and individual communication styles of our club members.
Thursdays
9:30 – 11:00 Sensory Storytelling in collaboration with Communicate With Me
12:30 – 14:00 Using stories to talk about big feelings in collaboration with The Daesy Dialogue
15:30 – 17:00 After School Club (SEN children 5-11)
BAC Beatbox Academy
BAC Beatbox Academy is back for a new term of weekly workshops for young artists interested in improving their beatboxing and vocal skills. If you’re aged 11–25 and want to create music across multiple genres such as hip hop, grime, R&B, and dubstep with the academy’s collective of beatboxers, singers, rappers, and poets, register your interest!
Every Thursday, 6pm – 8pm, Battersea Arts Centre, Free.
Saturdays
Putney School of Art & Design Kids Art Club
Saturday term time classes for young students aged 8 – 12 wanting to enjoy art in a fun, relaxed group. Different projects will explore themes or artists using different techniques. February half term classes also available.
Saturdays, 10am & 2pm, 3D Campus: Bentley House, 4a Disraeli Road, SW15 2DS, from £26 for a single 3 hour session or from £221 for a 12 week course.
Putney School of Art & Design Kids Pottery Club
An enjoyable and creative pottery club for children aged 8 -13 to express themselves through the medium of clay. There will be a themed project and materials are supplied. Your work will be fired once, if collected later. February half term classes also available.
Saturdays, 10am & 2pm, 3D Campus: Bentley House, 4a Disraeli Road, SW15 2DS, from £26 for a single 3 hour session or from £221 for a 12 week course.
Various
Group 64 Youth Theatre
Group 64 is committed to empowering young people and ensuring their voices are valued and heard through a safe, nurturing and creative environment. They offer a varied performing arts programme, helping young people to develop skills and confidence that will have a positive impact. Supporting the mental wellbeing of young people is at the core of what they do; they offer assisted and one-to-one support for those who feel this would be of benefit to them. Various sessions for ages 4-18
Various sessions for ages 4-18, Putney Arts Theatre
Free drop-in activities for adults
Mondays
Mondays at The R.O.S.E
Pop into the R.O.S.E. community space on a Monday for free social activities and a free meal – no need to book, just come along.
Open to all from 9am to 6.30pm.
• Arts and crafts club from 10am to 12noon
• Board games from 12noon to 3pm
• After school club from 3pm to 7pm
Hot drinks and snacks all day and free hot meal available to everyone from 5pm.
Mondays, 9am – 6.30pm, R.O.S.E. Clubroom, Free.
Sound Minds Community Choir
The choir is open to everyone and no experience is necessary. The choir meets weekly and the repertoire includes popular songs that we all love to sing.
There is no audition and no need to book, just turn up and sing!
Mondays, 4pm – 6pm, Dimson Lodge, 141 Battersea Church Rd, London SW11 3NQ, Free.
Roehampton Community Health Cafe
Enjoy arts and crafts, listen to music, be signposted to services and eat together! Plus, donations of food given to support with the cost of living.
Mondays 10am-1pm and Wednesdays 4pm-7pm, Manresa Clubroom, Fontley Way, SW15 4LY, Free.
Move Dance Feel: Online Dance classes
Move Dance Feel offers dance activity to adult women, with any type of cancer, at any stage in their cancer experience. We also welcome women who are supporting someone with cancer (including health professionals), or bereaved by cancer.
No prior dance experience is necessary, and there are no requirements in terms of physical ability or energy levels to take part. It really is for all women affected by cancer, whatever your situation. Dancing together provides an effective and alternative means of group support, where women find renewed freedom in the body and confidence in their abilities.
Mondays, 6pm – 7.15pm & Fridays, 10am – 11.15am, Online. Sessions are free of charge though we ask for a £10 administration fee upon registration.
Tuesdays
Dance Movement Therapy
Dance Movement Psychotherapy (DMP) is a therapeutic approach that utilizes dance and movement to promote emotional, social and physical integration of an individual. This form of psychotherapy recognizes the mind-body connection and uses movement as a medium for expression and communication. DMP is based on the belief that movement and dance can be powerful tools for self-expression and healing and draws on the idea that the body and mind are interconnected, and changes in one can influence the other.
Every Tuesday, 13.30am – 11.30am, Tooting Hub (7 Beechcroft Road, SW17 7BU), Free.
Beginners and Improvers Salsa Class
Beginners and Improvers Salsa classes – get moving, have fun, make new friends and learn a new skill! We run a social and friendly class that welcomes everyone!
To support your learning we also run regular social dance nights out and even have a performance routine for those that fancy a bigger challenge!
Every Tuesday, 7pm – 8pm, Yvonne Carr Centre, Free
Creative Soul Dance (Battersea)
We are a fun, friendly singing group with no previous musical experience who meet fortnightly, enjoying the well-being benefits of singing as therapy for our hearts and lungs.
We are led by a musically trained teacher who advises, supports & encourages us through song.
Dance away the January blues with our popular FREE adult wellbeing dance session. We have a few spaces left in this friendly group. Led by professional dancer/teachers these gentle sessions for adults of all abilities will help you relax, de-stress and get your body moving. Stretching and loosening the body, gentle fun-routines and a chance to express yourself through movement. This half-term we are inspired by songs from the shows. We end with a relaxing meditative cool-down. Followed by refreshments and a chance to chat with others.
Every Tuesday in term-time, 11am-12.15pm, R.O.S.E Community Club Room
Wednesdays
Sound Minds: Breathe Music
Breathe Music is an afternoon of music activity at Sound Minds for young people (18 – 24) with lived experience of mental health problems. Are you interested in music production, professional instrument tuition, singing, rapping, song writing and/or playing in bands? Breathe Music is free for young adults living in Wandsworth and the surrounding boroughs.
Every Wednesday, 2pm – 5pm, Sound Minds, Free.
Common Threads
Join us for ‘Common Threads’, a community arts project inspired by the beautiful textiles at 575 Wandsworth Road. This winter, we’ll be hosting weekly workshops with local artists to explore the cultural significance of textiles in the collection and our lives today.
Common Threads is part of ‘575 Ways to Create and Connect’, a programme of everyday creativity workshops aimed at fostering social connections and inspiring creativity at every age.
Every Wednesday, 10am – 12pm, Battersea Arts Centre, Free.
Creative Soul Dance (Battersea)
We are a fun, friendly singing group with no previous musical experience who meet fortnightly, enjoying the well-being benefits of singing as therapy for our hearts and lungs.
We are led by a musically trained teacher who advises, supports & encourages us through song.
Dance away the January blues with our popular FREE adult wellbeing dance session. We have a few spaces left in this friendly group. Led by professional dancer/teachers these gentle sessions for adults of all abilities will help you relax, de-stress and get your body moving. Stretching and loosening the body, gentle fun-routines and a chance to express yourself through movement. This half-term we are inspired by songs from the shows. We end with a relaxing meditative cool-down. Followed by refreshments and a chance to chat with others.
Every Wednesday in term-time 7-8.30pm St Mary’s RC Primary, Battersea Exchange, Free.
Put a Lid on It
A RELAXED SIT AND SEW SESSION – JUST POP IN FOR A FEW MINUTES OR A FEW HOURS ON WEDNESDAYS.
Instead of tiles, glasses and broken china with gold, we have used colourful plastic bottle tops, threads and old shower curtains. We developed our own version of a community mosaic art project by inviting local residents to help us bring the pieces together.
No skill or prior knowledge. No need to ‘get it right’. No need for perfection. It’s like colouring in with things instead of pens! Look at the back of the Pavilion if you want to see what we’ve done so far!
Every Wednesday 11.30am – 3.30pm, Woodfield Pavilion, Free.
Roehampton Community Health Cafe
Enjoy arts and crafts, listen to music, be signposted to services and eat together! Plus, donations of food given to support with the cost of living.
Mondays 10am-1pm and Wednesdays 4pm-7pm, Manresa Clubroom, Fontley Way, SW15 4LY, Free.
Thursdays
Heart & Lungs Singing Group
We are a fun, friendly singing group with no previous musical experience who meet fortnightly, enjoying the well-being benefits of singing as therapy for our hearts and lungs. We are led by a musically trained teacher who advises, supports and encourages us through song.
Our sessions comprise of a warmup, tongue twisters and singing a variety of songs chosen by the members from our songbook. Come and try a session with us.
Every other week on Thursdays starting from 11th January, 2pm – 3.15pm, All Saints Church, Tooting, Free.
The Woodfield Craftivists
What are the Woodfield Craftivists?
Who are the Woodfield Craftivists?
Every Thursday evening at 6pm, this band of creative campaigning members meet in the Pavilion to work on their latest projects, chat, share skills, learn a new craft and generally build their crafty community.
New Members always welcome. Just join up and drop us an email.
Every Thursday 6pm – 8.30pm Woodfield Pavilion Free
Harvesting Creativity: Unveiling Culinary Artistry in Sustainable Food Practices
Embark on a journey of culinary creativity that extends to the very roots of our kitchens. Learn the art of microgreen cultivation, transforming your cooking space into a flourishing garden, the art of creating none toxic personal care items.
Discover the joy of saving money while also feeling healthier thought a creative process, while enjoying elevating flavours and nutritional content. This event goes beyond food waste prevention, guiding you to cultivate a sustainable lifestyle through diverse kitchen endeavours—from growing micro-greens to crafting eco-conscious personal care products, telling the story of rescued veg, all the way from Israel, Ethiopia, Tanzania, etc.
Embrace the holistic potential of our kitchens as a haven for artistic endeavours, innovation and sustainability.
Weekly from Thursday 4 – Thursday 25 April, 11am-3pm, contribute what you can.
Saturdays
Battersea Library Free Art Club
Unlock your artistic skills with an artist-led workshop at Battersea Library. The class is free, please bring along your own materials.
Saturday 10 Feb, 2pm-5pm, Battersea Library, Free.
Various
CathARTism
‘Art brushes from the soul the dust of everyday life’ CathARTism is a social and artistic workshop course for those experiencing low level mental health problems like stress, loneliness, anxiety, burnout and depression.
Find support in peers and combine art therapy style techniques with theory taken from varied psychological practices. Explore a different theme each session to improve mental health literacy and keep a journal to track your personal progress
- Express yourself and find catharsis through creative expressive arts
- Get to know yourself better and increase self awareness
- Build confidence and compassion
- Become mindful and relieve stress
- Discuss mental wellbeing in a safe and supportive environment
Mondays at Tooting Library (5pm – 7pm) will have fortnightly workshops on the following dates: 22 January, 5 & 19 February, 4 & 25 March.
Wednesday evening sessions at Balham Library (6pm – 8pm) will be weekly on the following dates: 10m 17, 24 & 31 January, 7, 14, 21 & 28 February, and 6, 13, 29 & 27 March.
Balham’s Friday afternoon sessions (12.30pm – 2.30pm) will run weekly on the following dates: 12, 19, & 26 January, 2, 9 16 & 23 February, and 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 March.
Bookable events and activities for adults
All
Breathe Melodies for Mums
Sing the winter blues away, boost confidence, improve well-being, and connect with fellow mothers while mastering a new skill through the Breathe Melodies for Mums free 10-week group singing programme for new mums with babies aged 0-9 months.
Are you finding yourself swept away by the rollercoaster of emotions that motherhood often brings…Don’t worry, we are here to help! Our free weekly singing sessions create a safe, nurturing, and uplifting haven where you and your little one can come together with other mums and their babies and simply sing.
Breathe Melodies for Mums is all about empowering you. Instead of the same old usual nursery rhymes, we explore songs from around the globe, teaching harmonies and musical rounds at a pace that suits you. Plus, our friendly team is here to lend a helping hand whenever you need it.
Thursdays beginning 25 Jan, 10.30am – 11.30am, Eastwood Children’s Centre (Roehampton) & 1.30pm – 2.30pm, York Gardens Children’s Centre (Battersea), Free.
Make a Mark
Three creative workshops to explore the pleasures of mark making and design on paper. These activities are a refreshing addition to the purely verbal activities we engage in daily, exercising your imagination, motor and sensory skills. Led by an award winning local artist and coach. Materials will be provided.
Thu 1, 8 & 15 February, 12.15pm – 1.15pm, The Woodman Public House, Battersea High Street, £15 per session (to include art materials) or £40 for all 3.
The Big Reshape Live Karma Yoga Workshop
As part of The Big Reshape exhibition, this yoga, breath work and meditation workshop will incorporate gentle chair based yoga, focusing on a deeper connection to our bodies and the wisdom they possess, as well as guided breathing practices and meditation to help establish a greater connection between body and mind while encouraging a sense of calm and ease.
Throughout this workshop and the guided practices, you will be invited to celebrate who you are as an individual whilst welcoming in the beauty of those practicing alongside you.
Together we can incorporate the tools and resources of this workshop to create change in our communities while accepting ourselves and collaborating with others.
Saturday 3 Feb, 2pm – 5pm, Balham Library, Free
Look. Listen. Discover. with Sarah Stephenson & Amy Adams
Sarah & Amy invite you to join us on a Look.Listen.Discover wellbeing walk and step
into a journey of self-reflection, healing and connection with the natural world.
Rediscover the beauty that lies within and around you, whilst walking on Tooting Common.
We invite you to engage your senses, using Forest Bathing, Sound Healing and photography as therapy.
Friday 1, 8 & 15 Mar, 2-4pm, Tooting Common, £47 each or 3 for £127.
Art for Wellbeing
Join us for an inspiring and uplifting workshop at the Battersea Arts Centre. Immerse yourself in the world of creativity. This in-person event gives you the opportunity to explore, nurture your creativity and connect with like-minded people. Engage in this interactive workshop guided by a passionate artist and therapist, and unlock the therapeutic benefits of artistic expression. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beginner, this event is for everyone seeking a dose of artistic rejuvenation.
All materials are included, and you will take home your own personal canvas.
Don’t miss out on this incredible experience!
Saturday 9 March, 10am – 1pm, Battersea Arts Centre, £55
Art Therapy for Wellbeing
This course aims to help you to focus on an art-based activity and provide an alternative way to express your emotions and reflect on the challenges that you face. Content includes:
- Exploring different mediums
- Writing, drawing, creating, movement, designing.
- How to mind map and brainstorm
- Tools to make decisions.
- How to manage ‘change’ on paper
Wednesday 13 & 20 March, 5.30pm – 7.30pm, Gwynneth Morgan Centre, 52 East Hill, Wandsworth SW18 2HJ, Free.
Art & Design including Photography, Illustration, Printmaking and Pottery.
Originally founded in 1883, Putney School of Art and Design has been inspiring creativity in the community from our existing home on Oxford Road since 1895. We offer a wide range of art and design courses for first time students and experienced artists of all ages, including painting, drawing, pottery, photography, sculpture and printmaking as well as more specialised courses such as our Art and Design Diploma.
Monday to Saturday, 10am to 9.45pm, Putney School of Art & Design, from £26 for a single 3 hour session or from £221 for a 12 week course.