Translate this page

Community living rooms

Find out more about welcoming community spaces available to local residents.

Last updated: 12 November 2024

Next review: 12 November 2025

The Community Living Rooms Network is a collection of free to access, friendly community spaces across the borough where residents can relax, encounter familiar faces and make new acquaintances.  

Some Community Living Rooms host regular social and creative activities plus many spaces can offer food support or a hot meal. 

You will also find opportunities to access information and advice around topics such as health and wellbeing, debt management, welfare benefits, and energy advice.

E10: Leyton area

Leyton Lighthouse 

  • Type of Space: Social activities, practical support and food pantry 
  • Address: Leyton Lighthouse, St Mary's Church, Church Road, E10 5JP
  • Website: Lighthouse
  • Email lighthouse@saint.church
  • Opening hours: Thursdays from 12pm to 2pm  

Lighthouse is the avenue through which SAINT serves people in need in our community. We provide practical and relational support. Lighthouse meets for a community meal in St Mary's Church, we are so looking forward to welcoming you.

We run hygiene and clothing pop-ups, food pantries, money matters advice, digital inclusion workshops and CV support amongst our wider signposting services.

Free period and hygiene products are available to those who need them. 

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, wide doorways.

Leyton Orient Community Hub

Leyton Orient Trust's Community Living Room is based within the iconic football club. The space is perfect for adults and children alike, offering age-appropriate games (both traditional and electronic) and activities. Hot drinks and healthy snacks are provided.

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, step-free toilet, baby changing area, and wide doorways. 

The Cornerstone Leyton  

  • Type of Space: Community Hub, offering a family after school drop in and parent and baby morning  
  • Address: The Cornerstone, 149 Canterbury Road, E10 6EH   
  • Phone: 02085582121  
  • Email: lindsey.donoghue@thecornerstone.org.uk  
  • Website: The Cornerstone church 
  • Opening hours: After school drop in Tuesdays 3.15pm to 4.30pm; Parent and baby drop in mornings Thursdays 10.30am to 12pm (both sessions are term time only)  

Cornerstone Community Hub is based in Leyton with multiple activities for families running across the week. 

Our Tuesday After School drop in is aimed at anyone with primary aged children (older siblings are also welcome). Sessions feature toast, drinks and healthy snacks and the opportunity to play different card games, board games, craft activities and group games.  

Our Parent and Baby drop in is a welcoming space for parents with babies age one year and under. This offers parents a space to connect with other parents and to have a cup of tea or coffee whilst their baby plays. This runs alongside breastfeeding support from Henry and advice and signposting to other relevant local services.

Free period and hygiene products are available to those who need them. 

Accessibility: The site is fully accessible, step free, and wheelchair accessible with a disabled toilet, baby changing area and wide doorways.

MTC Community Social at Tawhid Mosque 

  • Type of space: Community Café and Social Activities 
  • Address: 80 High Road, Leyton, London E15 2BP
  • Email:  waheed.farooq@masjidtawhid.com 
  • Phone: 0788323860 
  • www.masjidtawhid.org 
  • Opening hours: Mondays 7pm to 8.30pm. Sessions for men and women on alternating weeks.  

Male only sessions: every second and fourth Monday from Monday 14 October.

Women only Sessions: every first and third Monday of the month from Monday 21 October. 

We offer a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment for older community members during the autumn/winter period. Our community living room is a space for tea, coffee, and friendly chit-chat, where everyone can come to relax and enjoy each other's company. We provide a comfortable place to connect, share stories, and feel part of the community. 

We also offer easy activities to enjoy together like quizzes, word searches and light exercise. Digital support is available for those who need help with phones or computers, and we have free period and hygiene products available. 

Our goal is to inspire, educate, and serve the community, creating an inviting space to learn more about our Mosque and Islam. 

E11: Leytonstone area

Leytonstone and Wanstead Synagogue

Our Community Space offers a friendly and relaxed environment for visitors to enjoy free tea or coffee, snacks, hot food, and a chance to chat. Visitors can remain within the communal space or enjoy the gardens. A large range of books, magazines, and newspapers are available to read and there is a play area for children. Volunteers are available to help visitors and learning about Jewish culture and practices is encouraged. We also have a gardening group which visitors are welcome to join. 

Get in touch with the Leytonstone and Wanstead Synagogue team by filling out their contact form.

Free period and hygiene products are available to those who need them. 

Accessibility: Outdoor Space, Wheelchair accessible, quiet room, wide doorways, and baby changing area.

Holy Trinity and St Augustine of Hippo, Community Food Share and Living Room  

We run a welcoming community space with free refreshments, a free community library, access to Wi-Fi and creche facilities. There are also opportunities to access creative courses with the adult learning centre and opportunities for one-to-one meetings with housing representatives and health professionals. 

Residents can also access our non-referral Community Food Share which offers both non-perishable long life essentials and perishable rescued food every Tuesday between 11am and 1pm. 

Free period and hygiene products are available to those who need them.

Art Social with Idea Space and Cann Hall Baptist Church  

Art Social is a weekly event for adults with a tea and toast breakfast, and workshops in drawing, painting, inks, print-making, and more. It's a relaxed way to socialise and take part in a new activity in a warm setting. 

Accessibility: Outdoor space, wheelchair access, step-free toilet, disabled toilet, quiet room, wide doorways and baby changing area. 

E17: Walthamstow area

Walthamstow Welcomes: Paperwork Support and Community Café

We are open to all, offering the whole community help with all of life’s paperwork. Whilst not benefits or debt advisors, we provide support and a listening ear to all, and our trained volunteers help our visitors to complete a variety of benefit and other application forms, such as Personal Independence Payments (PIP), Disabled Badges, and Housing Benefit. We are also able to signpost and refer visitors with more complex needs to appropriate community support services, such as WF Community Hub, WF Migrant Action, Citizens Advice, and WF Housing, food support and debt and benefits advice. 

So, whether you are looking for help with a piece of confusing paperwork, or simply looking to chat and socialise with others over a few biscuits and a warm drink, all are welcome.

The Mill at Coppermill

  • Type of Space: Social Activities 
  • Address: 7-11 Coppermill Lane, Walthamstow, E17 7HA 
  • Phone: 020 8521 3211 
  • Email: info@themille17.org 
  • The Mill website
  • Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday from 9.30am to 5.30pm. Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 2pm. 

The Mill's Living Room is open to anyone in the local community.  
 
Various activities are available to join, such as sociable knitting and sewing groups, drawing classes, scrabble and craft groups (free or low cost). For more information visit the mill at coppermill events page.
 
The Mill runs an honesty library with a wide variety of books and local newspapers. 
 
A children's playroom for under 5s is available. 
 
Volunteer-led sessions are available, such as CV writing and using digital devices. We also host information sessions from adult education and ESOL providers, health and wellbeing advice and council services. 

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, step-free toilet, disabled toilet, baby changing area. 

The Gleaners at Hornbeam Centre

We offer free hot meals and drinks from our welcoming, warm and friendly café space, where people are welcome to sit and socialise.  All our food is filling, nutritious and vegan. We also offer a calendar of creative events and support services that people can choose to participate in if they choose to. 

We also provide support for families with children, signposting to support services, energy and heat advice, and support for those facing homelessness . 

Accessibility: Wheelchair access, step-free toilet, disabled toilet and quiet room, wide doorways, baby changing area. Support is also available in Turkish and French.  

The Lloyd Park Centre Community Living Room

  • Type of Space: Community Kitchen and Social Activities 
  • Address: The Lloyd Park Centre, Winns Avenue, Walthamstow, E17 5JW 
  • phone: 020 8527 1737 
  • Email: lpc@tlpcc.org.uk 
  • The Lloyd Park Centre website
  • Opening hours: every Friday (during school term) from 10am to 2pm 

The Lloyd Park Children's Charity runs a range of activities, advice and support events for children and their families. Within each session, families will also have free access to a wide range of educational games, puzzles and free art materials to allow parents/carers and their children to get creative and have fun together with their peers. The living space will also be providing healthy and affordable lunchtime meals for families, with hot meals served at 12 noon. 

Free period and hygiene products are available to those who need them. 

Accessibility: Outdoor space, wheelchair access, step-free toilet, disabled toilet and quiet room. Wide doorways, baby changing areas and support are also available in Romanian and Urdu.

Walthamstow Salvation Army

'The Meeting Place' is a warm and inviting space where anyone is welcome. This space offers a relaxed room in a café style with access to newspapers, crafts, board games, internet access, a play space, and the use of a couple of computers. Some light snacks are also provided.  

Free period and hygiene products are available to those who need them. 

Accessibility: Wheelchair access, step-free toilet, disabled toilet and quiet room. wide doorways and baby changing areas.

Waltham Forest Community Hub 

We offer a community coffee morning to help reduce social isolation. We offer health and well-being activities as well as a chance to meet new people.

Priory Court Community Living Room 

  • Type of Space: Community Living Room and Social Activities  
  • Address: Priory Court Community Centre, 11 Priory Court, E17 5NB 
  • Phone: 07947766251 
  • Email: gabriel@wmbiglocal.org 
  • Opening hours: Mondays 12.00 to 5.00pm and Thursdays 12.00 to 5.00pm 

A friendly space that offers arts and crafts, board games, a toddler zone, knitting and crochet, table tennis and pool table as well as free WiFi and refreshments. Visitors can come and go as they please with no need to pre-book. 

The Rock Community Hub

  • Type of Space: A new Community Sanctuary operated in partnership with The Skills Within
  • Address: 140 Boundary Rd, London E17 8LA
  • Phone: 07985 122654
  • Email: information@theskillswithin.com  
  • The Skills Within Website
  • Opening Hours: Wednesdays from 12pm to 7pm

Various activities are available to join, from weekly discussions to prize bingo, dominoes, dancing and much more (free or low cost). A Kids' Corner is available for playing and learning.

Nutritious food and drinks are available from 1pm until 6pm (pay what you can afford).

Free Wi-Fi and access to digital support.

Take or Donate Clothing Rail will be available for attendees to exchange gently used clothes - you can take something or donate to help others!

There will be volunteer-led sessions on topics including: CV writing, crafting, signposting to services, adult education, health and wellbeing advice, and Council services.

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

E4: Chingford and Highams Park area

All Saints Church Highams Park

  • Type of Space: Community Kitchen and Social Activities 
  • Address: Church Avenue, Highams Park, E4 9QZ 
  • phone: 07759 573667 
  • Email: peter.rogers@allsaintshp.org.uk 
  • Highams Park Hub website
  • Opening hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays: 11am to 2pm and every second Wednesday: 11.30 am to 2.30pm 

We are open on Tuesdays and Thursdays as a community café with hot meals and drinks available. We also offer an afternoon with social and creative activities every second Wednesday, along with the café service.  

Citizens Advice drops in every first and third Thursday of the month and every second and fourth Wednesday of the month.  

Accessibility: Outdoor space, wheelchair access, step-free toilet, quiet room and baby changing area. 

OrganicLea

  • Type of Space: Community Kitchen and Social Activities 
  • Address: Hawkwood Nursery, 115 Hawkwood Crescent, E4 7UH 
  • phone: 07920 816 297 
  • Email: nick@organiclea.org.uk 
  • OrganicLea website
  • Opening hours: Every Friday 12pm to 2pm from 15 November 2024 until 14 March 2025

OrganicLea is a community food project based in the Lea Valley. We offer a regular weekly activity for Wellbeing in the Garden, providing a safe space for people to engage in meaningful physical and creative activity, increase social connections, enjoy nature, and build self-confidence. The sessions will integrate simple gardening activities (soil, seeds, weeding, preparation, planting, harvesting) with the nationally recognised Five Ways to Wellbeing (connect, be active, take notice, learn, give). The activity also includes a healthy lunch eaten together with other volunteers, learners, and staff. 
Confirm your attendance to Nick by email or phone to ensure enough meals are prepared.

Accessibility: Outdoor space, wheelchair access, step-free toilet, quiet room, and baby changing area. 

Age UK Waltham Forest

A meet-up space for isolated older adults aged 60 and over living in Waltham Forest. To maximise the opportunities for friendships and peer networks to develop, the group meets regularly for 3 hours on a weekly basis at the Age UK Hub in Chingford. We also hold talks about what benefits are available to older people and offer support on maximising income.

Accessibility: Wheelchair access and disabled toilet.

The Parish of Chingford, St Peter and Paul with All Saints  

  • Type of Space: Community café    
  • Address: All Saints Church, 184 Old Church Road, Chingford, E4 8BU  
  • Email: office@theparishofchingford.org.uk  
  • Phone: 0208 529 0323 
  • The Parish of Chingford website 
  • Opening hours: 'Wednesday Welcome': Wednesday mornings in term time from 9am to 12pm. Weekly 'Family Café': Wednesdays (term time only) 3.30pm to 5pm.

A welcoming space for all, offering a children's play area and teas, coffees, hot chocolate, squash, toast, and often cakes, during morning and afternoon sessions.

Accessibility: Outdoor space, wheelchair access, step-free toilet, and wide doorways.  

Waltham Forest Libraries

Our libraries are always open and available throughout the year, for all residents and non-residents.

All libraries have free Wi-Fi and PC computer use for any residents and non-residents, with plenty of space to study. Here you can also access online courses including language lessons, driving theory test preparation and computer skills lessons.

Each library has daily events for children and adults alike, for more information please see the website, email or visit.

Lea Bridge Library

  • Address: Lea Bridge Road, Leyton E10 7HU
  • Phone: 020 8496 3000
  • Email: libraries.support@walthamforest.gov.uk
  • Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm, Saturday 9am to 6pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm.

Leyton Library

  • Address: High Rd, London E10 5QH
  • Phone: 020 8496 3000
  • Email: libraries.support@walthamforest.gov.uk
  • Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10am to 6pm 
  • Citizens Advice drop-ins every Monday from 10am to 1pm, and appointments from 2pm to 4pm. To book an appointment, contact Citizens Advice Waltham Forest at 0808 278 7838.

Leytonstone Library

  • Address: Church Lane, E11 1HG
  • Phone: 020 8496 3000
  • Email: libraries.support@walthamforest.gov.uk
  • Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm, Saturday 9am to 6pm and Sunday 12pm to 4pm.
  • Citizens Advice drop-ins every Friday from 2pm to 4pm, appointments from 10am to 1pm. To book an appointment, contact Citizens Advice Waltham Forest at 0808 278 7838.

Wood Street Library

  • Address: 1 Troubridge Square, Wood Street, E17 3HB
  • Phone: 020 8496 3000
  • Email: libraries.support@walthamforest.gov.uk
  • Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 9am to 7pm, Saturday: 9am to 6pm and Sunday: 12pm to 4pm.
  • Citizens Advice drop-ins every Tuesday from 2pm to 4pm, appointments from 10am to 1pm, and every Thursday, drop-ins from 10am to 1pm, appointments from 2pm to 4pm. To book an appointment, contact Citizens Advice Waltham Forest at 0808 278 7838.

Walthamstow Library

  • Address: High Street, Walthamstow, E17 7JN
  • Phone: 020 8496 3000
  • Email: libraries.support@walthamforest.gov.uk
  • Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 9am to 7pm, Saturday: 9am to 6pm and Sunday: 10am to 4pm.

Higham Hill Library

Chingford Library

  • Address: The Green, Chingford, E4 7EN
  • Phone: 020 8496 3000
  • Email: libraries.support@walthamforest.gov.uk
  • Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm, Saturday 9am to 6pm and Sunday 12pm to 4pm.

Hale End Library

  • Address: Castle Avenue, Highams Park, E4 9QD
  • Phone: 020 8496 3000
  • Email: libraries.support@walthamforest.gov.uk
  • Opening hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 10am to 6pm. Saturday 10am to 4pm.