The Old Kent Road Family Zone (OKRFZ) is a community led initiative, facilitated by Surrey Square (SSQ), to strengthen and celebrate our local area. Primarily led by the voices of the community it serves, we listen to the families, neighbours and organisations to identify and deliver projects that address its needs. We are informed by and firmly believe that the answers to the root causes of our issues lie within the community itself.
The Marketplace at SSQ, our crown jewel, is where we are able to address multiple issues recognised by the community. These include but are not limited to isolation, financial and food insecurity, lack of safe green spaces, health concerns and more. Opening on the last Saturday of the month, over 300 of our neighbours and friends come together and share food, fun and festivities.
From the listening, we developed a weekly youth club in partnership with QC Sports that takes place on Friday evenings for children in years 5 to nine. This age group is particularly vulnerable due to the lack of community services currently available to them. Many parents voiced that they felt ‘abandoned’ and that the Youth club, which provides a hot meal, has been ‘lifesaving’. The last one hosted over 50 children!
In addition to these offerings, we began working with Glimpse, a creative agency that collaborates exclusively with community organisations, to create a very special project to further engage with our community in a positive light. Aptly named “Come Dine With Us”, we brought together community professionals and home cooks who shine in their own right to prepare a special three course meal for their families, neighbours and friends in a 5 star setting, truly making it a special evening for everyone.
Visit the OKRFZ website to find out more!
