Royal Docks Learning & Activity Centre (RDLAC)

Royal Docks Learning and Activity Centre (RDLAC) is a well-established, multi-purpose, voluntary sector organisation, which is firmly rooted in the local community. Our Centre is home to many intercultural and inter-generational groups. RDLAC promotes diversity by bringing together people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. RDLAC also supports those who endeavour to make the Royal Docks area a stronger, healthier and happier place to live for all with a focus on the environment and improving biodiversity.

RDLAC’s well-being hub offers a number of front line services to improve well-being, prevent against loneliness and isolation and encourage meaningful engagement. RDLAC front line services including a foodbank, friendships groups and mental health support, including self care and crisis plan development to help reduce suicidal ideation. RDLAC also works in partnership with NHS ELFT Newham Recovery College, offering courses to improve mental health for those in Newham.

How does your organisation contribute to preventing suicide and supporting those affected by it?

RDLAC offers front line services in response to the cost-of-living-crisis to help reduce stress for community members, offer support and empower the community. RDLAC offers a Foodbank and a community cafe 4 days a week to help reduce stress around finances and food. We have wrap around services including the chatty cafe and a therapist from Newham Talking therapies at the Foodbank supporting people with their mental health and suicidal ideation.

RDLAC runs a weekly men’s mental health support group and a suicide prevention event for men during suicide prevention week. All staff and volunteers are trained to use RDLAC’s self-care/crisis plan booklet for those experiencing suicidal ideation.

RDLAC has courses around mental health taught in partnership with NHS ELFT Newham Recovery College including, Crisis planning, Growth through our mental health journey and befriending and supporting someone with suicidal ideation.

What are your current priorities?

Supporting families during the cost-of-living crisis.

Supporting men’s mental health

Supporting the well-being of Muslim Women

Supporting those from the BAME community
Supporting LGBT+ Seniors

What challenges are you currently facing?

We are currently facing funding challenges and the community is being heavily impacted with the cost-of-living crisis, which is impacting their well-being and mental health.

RDLAC provides a number of wrap-around services, supporting over 150 families each week including an After School Club, Holiday Schemes, Youth Group and Youth Leadership Programme, Warm-Haven, Community Cafe, Employment and Benefit support,  Wellness Checks and bringing families together regularly at community events.