New Daytime Community Development programme at SET Social: free Friday workshops this Spring

Credit: Life Drawing Workshop at SET Social with Drawing People Together. Image courtesy of the facilitator.

SET is launching a new six-week programme of free daytime workshops for local residents this Spring, made possible with support from Southwark Council’s Neighbourhood Fund. 

Running from 6 March to 10 April 2026, the programme will take place every Friday afternoon at SET Social, our arts and social club in Peckham.

You are welcome to come to one session or join us across all six weeks.

Key details

Sessions run:
Every Friday, 2-4.30pm 
6 March to 10 April 2026 
SET Social, 55a Nigel Road, Peckham, SE15 4NP 

Places are limited to around 15 people per session, so we recommend booking ahead by email. We will also keep a few drop-in spaces available on the day where possible. 

If you’re interested in participating, please see read our ‘how to join’ section below for more information. 

What to expect

Each session combines a relaxed, artist-led workshop, with free refreshments and space to socialise and chat. The programme is designed to be low-pressure and open to all, whether you come once or join us each week. 

Workshops will include movement, zine-making, clay, gardening, and portrait drawing sessions, led by local artists and community facilitators.

No experience is needed, and all materials are provided. Everything is free. 

Credit: Drawing produced during one of Arts for Dementia’s workshop at SET Social. Image courtesy of the charity.

A relaxed Friday afternoon at SET Social

Each session follows the same rhythm: 

  • 2pm: Arrive, settle in, free tea and coffee 
  • 2.15pm: Welcome and short introduction 
  • 2.30-4pm: Workshop activity 
  • 4-4.30pm: More tea, relaxed chat, time to share or reflect 

Tabitha, our Community Engagement Coordinator, will be there each week to welcome you when you arrive and help you feel settled.  

Who these workshops are for

These sessions are for anyone in Southwark, especially neighbours around Peckham Rye, who would enjoy a free, friendly place to spend a Friday afternoon. 

You might be particularly keen to join: 

  • Curious to try something creative in a relaxed setting 
  • Looking to meet people locally or spend time with others 
  • New to the area, or simply wanting to feel more connected nearby 
  • Free during the day and interested in getting involved in something creative that you might not be able to do in the evening 
  • Hoping for a warm space to get out of the house for a couple of hours 

There is no expectation to be “good at art,” and no pressure to speak or share. You can join in as much as you like, take breaks, or simply enjoy being around others. 

You do not need to be a SET Social member to attend.

Credit: Drawings produced during one of Arts for Dementia’s workshop at SET Social. Image courtesy of the charity.

Weekly workshops dates (overview)

Week 1 (6 March): Movement Class with Mya and Flo

A joyful and relaxed movement workshop with music from the 80s, 90s and beyond. Open to all ages and abilities.

Week 2 (13 March): Zine Workshop with London Zine Club

Make your own small DIY magazine using collage, writing, and conversation. A friendly introduction to zine-making. 

Week 3 (20 March): Gardening/Clay Workshop

A hands-on making session in SET Social’s Community Garden. 

Week 4 (27 March): Collage Social with Nunhead Arts

Create collage cards using a wide mix of materials provided on the day.

Week 5 (3 April): SET Lunch: An Edible Still Life with Drawing People Together

Draw a still life together, then stay for a shared lunch if you would like. All abilities welcome.

Week 6 (10 April): 10-Minute Portraits with Rachel Sale

Playful portrait drawing with simple techniques and special materials. No drawing experience needed.

Full workshop pages will be shared soon as details are confirmed. 

About SET Social and why we are running this programme 

SET Social is part of SET, an arts organisation and registered charity supporting affordable, artist- and community-led cultural spaces across London. 

Based just off Rye Lane, SET Social is SET’s arts and social club in Peckham, a place where people come together for events, workshops, and friendly meet ups. 

Alongside our evening and night-time programme of exhibitions, performances, and film, SET Social also hosts local community groups and charities, including organisations like KeyRing and Arts for Dementia, as well as free clubs, reading groups, fundraisers, community markets, and a long-standing community garden.  

Credit: KeyRing charity at SET Social, 2024. Image courtesy of the charity.

Over the past year, through conversations with local groups and a survey shared with more than 200 neighbours, we heard a clear need for more warm, welcoming daytime spaces in the area. Places where people can drop in, take part in something creative, and spend time with others without pressure or cost. 

We have recently partnered with Camerados to open our café as a Public Living Room, and this Friday programme is another step in growing our daytime community offer. While some local services provide excellent support, many are limited to specific groups or small capacities. Our aim is to create an open space where different neighbours can come together, build relationships, and feel part of local life. 

Referrals and community support

We warmly welcome referrals from local organisations and groups supporting residents who may benefit from a relaxed creative space. 

If you are a support worker, community organiser, faith leader, or part of a local network, we would love to hear from you. We can also share resources to help spread the word. 

How to join

Places are limited to around 15 people per session, so we recommend booking ahead by email. We will also keep a few drop-in spaces available on the day where possible. If you’d like to join any of the workshops, there are a few simple ways to do so: 

  • Email our Community Engagement Coordinator, Tabitha, to sign up or ask questions: tabitha@setspace.uk 
  • Visit SET Social in person to register interest and find out more 

Our facilitators are experienced and there to support you throughout. Everyone is welcome.

Accessibility and support

With an inclusive ethos always, SET Social remains open and welcoming to all, prioritising affordability, accessibility, self-expression, and a community-focused approach. Seating is always available, refreshments are provided, and there is no pressure to take part in any activity fully.  

If you have access needs or questions ahead of attending, please contact our Community Engagement Coordinator, Tabitha at the same email above, who will be happy to support. 

You can also find out more about access to the building, facilities, transport, and how our team can support your visit via our ‘Accessibility at SET Social’ webpage here. 

Accessibility at SET Social

Looking ahead

This six-week programme is the first of its kind at SET. Our wider aim is to develop more regular daytime activity at SET Social, shaped by local residents, community partners, and the people who take part. We will be checking in throughout the programme, using simple feedback and conversation to understand what is most useful and welcoming. 

With thanks to Southwark Council for supporting this programme through the Neighbourhood Fund.