Official Opening of The Riverside

In spite of the bitterly cold weather, staff and service users extended a very warm welcome to the many visitors who attended the official opening event of The Riverside. Informally known as Cherry Gardens since the two projects formerly based at The Grange and Community Project North moved in earlier this year, the new building in Bermondsey was officially opened last Friday, 10 December.

The Riverside is an important part of the Camden Society's work with people with disabilities to create modern and  personalised services in Southwark. Service users have been involved throughout the development of the building and the design reflects what they told us they would like.

Southwark MP, Simon Hughes, and Dora Dixon-Fyle, the Executive Member for Health and Social Care, joined the well-wishers. Service users, carers and family members were entertained by music provided by The Riverside's music group, followed by an atmospheric parade by art group members, showing off their willow animal lantern sculptures.

Thank you to the staff and service users who made this such a memorable event for all the visitors. And a big thank you, too, to the hard working staff - in their brand new kitchen - who rose to the challenge brilliantly of providing a delicious lunch for 94 people!