A derelict phone box outside Deptford station has been transformed into a 24/7 community hub.
We Care Food Bank, run by Raymond Woolford and Barbara Raymond, bought the out-of-use red telephone box which sits under Deptford High Street’s rainbow bridge.
On Tuesday, it unveiled the revamped space.
Users of the space, called Under The Rainbow, have access to everything from a “free stuff” shelf and a book swap library to mental health advice and solicitor information.
The initiative hopes to put the heart and soul back into Deptford highstreet and will partner with local community shops including Deptford Quirk, Deptford Gaf and Kath's Place.
The venues will offer free tea or coffee to takeaway for anyone struggling under the cost of living crisis.
A spokesperson for the new community hub said: “We Care Food Bank has just bought a trashed phone box under the rainbow bridge next to Deptford station, a space that has been anything but welcoming to those getting on and off the train at Deptford.
“We Care intends to create the world's first 24/7 Community hub, with a book swap library, a free stuff shelf, and listings and directions on how to access everything locally - from who to call if you’re fleeing domestic violence, lonely or have mental health issues.
“No one plans to have a crisis and when you do, how and where do you start to get help?
“Under The Rainbow will put the heart and soul back into the centre of Deptford, it will also partner with local community coffee shops like Deptford Quirk, Deptford Gaff, and Kath's Place to offer a free tea or coffee takeaway to anyone who finds even those have become a luxury amid the cost of living crisis.
“Under The Rainbow will be opened by Deptford legend Barbara Raymond and we hope that all residents, visitors, and workers in the area will come to love this project and that it brings people back to the highstreet whilst boosting greater community cohesion in a way communities around the world can copy and, like us, create a space from fresh air and the kindness of strangers.”
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