Pollards Hill community celebrates one year of the Wellbeing Studio!

Can you believe it’s been a whole year since the Wellbeing Studio opened in Pollards Hill? Time has flown, and last month we celebrated in style! On 23 July the Moat Foundation team hosted a celebration event for the local community.

The Mayor of Merton, Cllr Martin Whelton, opened the event and welcomed over 150 guests - families, friends, neighbours - who had all come together to celebrate everything the studio has become. It was the perfect opportunity to reflect on just how much the community has grown over the past year – with residents trying new things, stepping out of their comfort zones, and taking real steps to look after their wellbeing.

One of our residents, Delroy, has come such a long way since joining the Ready, Steady, Cook sessions at the Studio – a free course all about cooking and connection. He and others cooked up a storm for the event, with his strawberry cheesecake stealing the show!

Delroy said: “The Studio has given me trust. The people here are now my friends. To mingle with the community again, to socialise – that’s what I’d lost out on.”

There were loads of fun activities too – from yoga to NHS health checks and entertainment for the kids. Our interim repairs partner, Mears, also joined us to share some great DIY tips and repairs advice. 

Michelle, Moat Foundation Officer, summed it up beautifully:

“When we first opened, some residents were shy or unsure about joining in. Now, we’ve seen people grow in confidence, make new friends, and take on things they never thought they’d do. It’s been incredible to watch.”

So, here’s to a year of growth, friendship and wellbeing – and to another year of doing even more, together!