Royal Docks Learning & Activity Centre (RDLAC)

Royal Docks Learning and Activity Centre (RDLAC) is a vibrant community organisation promoting diversity and connection across cultures and generations. Focused on improving wellbeing, it offers services like a food bank, friendship groups, and mental health support to combat loneliness and foster self-care. Partnering with NHS ELFT Newham Recovery College, RDLAC also provides mental health courses, working to create a stronger, healthier, and more connected Royal Docks community.

Our work in suicide prevention

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.

Our current priorities

We are committed to supporting diverse communities by addressing key challenges, including assisting families during the cost-of-living crisis, promoting men’s mental health, and enhancing the well-being of Muslim women. We provide support to individuals from the BAME community and LGBT+ seniors, ensuring inclusivity and care for all.

Our current challenges

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.