London SE1 community website

Story 140


This event is in the past. This is an archive page for reference.

The struggles and triumphs of London's families over more than a century will be the subject of a free exhibition, story-telling and live music event.

The event, part of the Mayor's Story of London festival, is also a celebration of the charity Family Action's 140 years of supporting the capital's families to overcome disadvantage and poverty.

Family Action was founded as the Charities Organisation Society in 1869 by the social reformer Octavia Hill, who was also responsible for the creation of Red Cross Garden.

Family Action runs 44 projects supporting families across London in a variety of settings. In the last ten years its work has also expanded across England.

Story 140 has been compiled both from Family Action's valuable archives dating back to the 19th century, and from the stories of family life in London by those it works with today.

Among the families past and present who will feature in the storytelling are a Polish refugee family who were helped by the charity to make a life in North London after the trauma of World War Two. The records state that:

"They had the opportunity of a share in a friend's house and, with our help to buy furniture, a sewing machine and some watch repairing tools, they are going to become an established unit in this country.

"These people have had no home for nine years – their little girls have never known what it means.

"Some might think that three rooms in North London are a poor exchange for a vast estate in Poland, but to this family the opportunities of a home, of being together and being self-supporting mean everything."

Related website: www.family-action.org.uk
When
  • 5pm-7pm
  • FREE
Where

Red Cross Garden
Redcross Way, London, SE1 1EX
infowhat's on @map

map

This event is in the past. This is an archive page for reference.
 
We are part of
Independent Community News Network
Email newsletter

For the latest local news and events direct to your inbox every Monday, you need our weekly email newsletter SE1 Direct.