Holy Trinity Tulse Hill
Community Development
We want to train and involve local people in self-building a straw bale community centre.
About this cause
As a Parish Church, we serve the social, educational and spiritual needs of our neighbourhood. We support two local schools, we run a social club for people otherwise isolated; we are developing debt counselling; we run groups and clubs for all ages; plus church on Sunday! Our biggest project currently is the Community Self-Build of a eco-community hub, built using rammed tyre foundations and straw bales. This work brings together locals of all ages and backgrounds, including from the local girls' school, to do volunteer building work. It's inspirational for young and old, male and female, those highly qualified and those with learning difficulties, to be working together, building community cohesion, training, and a strong sense of purpose. The final building will last up to 200 years.
How this cause brings people in the community together
By bringing together teens to 80's, we build confidence, respect and community cohesion. By including women equally with men we overturn stereotypes of the construction industry. By training young people we build commitment, resilience and ambition for employment. By including those with learning difficulties or mental health issues we show how a respectful community provides a safe community.