Welcome!

Most of you will be aware that we are linking up with the Copleston Centre this season.

Tonight we are pleased to have members of their community here when we host Hendon in a Bostik League Premier Division match as our guests.

We hope they all enjoy the game and become regular fans.

A number of people have asked me about some of the work the Copleston Centre does.

Well wonder no more...for the Copleston Centre is a multi-purpose community centre on the border of Peckham and East Dulwich. They serve the local community, striving to identify the needs of the whole community and helping to meet them. So much goes on at the Centre - it is busy every day of the week - but their main strands of activity are around mental health, activities for young people, and activities for older people. They also host the Southwark Day Centre for Asylum Seekers every Tuesday. And welcome any support of our programme of community activities and events, and help maintain our ageing building!

The Centre also has space available for private hire and we sometimes have regular slots available for community groups and activities, if you want to use their facilities in this way just call them at 020 7732 3435 or send an email to: administrator@coplestoncentre.org.uk

Edward Collier, who is the Chair of Trustees, enthused:

“I am so delighted that Dulwich Hamlet Football Club are supporting Copleston Centre-it underlines our shared values of promoting health and well-being and supporting the vulnerable in our community “

And don't just take his word for it. One the Centre users said how the Copleston Centre has helped her:

“I was very sad and I had low self esteem when I first was introduced to Copleston. It was lovely to meet friendly staff and I was given a choice of services to attend. I feel much better now and intend to keep it up”

That's just one quote from one person, but the amount of excellent work that the Centre does is exactly why The Hamlet have linked up with them.

Football Committee member Mishi Morath, who leads on community initiatives, concluded:

"Places like the Copleston Centre are unsung heroes of our local community. They share the same ethos that we try to promote as a community-aware Football Club, with fans who care. It's not just about raising money, but promoting and supporting the work they do in our area and I am sure, once our supporters realise how much good they do, will want to get involved in some of their projects, which we will publicise here on the official Dulwich Hamlet website."

Also at the game tonight are a group from the 'School of Hard Knocks' charity, that was established in 2007, and became a charity in 2012.
They use sport to tackle the issues surrounding unemployment, crime and health and work with individuals to help them take responsibility and take positive steps forward in their lives.
School of Hard Knocks offers a number of different programmes, each tailored to its audience and principal aims. The constant factor is our methodology – controlled confrontation, challenging activities and a constant affirmation of self-worth and motivation.
They help people: Grow in confidence; Take personal responsibility for their lives and actions; Experience the value of team work and diversity; Learn the value of respect: both of others and of themselves; Realise their own potential & Re-engage with employment or education.

We hope they all-both the Copleston Centre & School of Hard Knocks, enjoy their evening here at Champion Hill.

Updated 20:35 - 1 Sep 2019 by Mishi Morath