Take a look at our film showing how local teenagers have transformed the run down Blenheim Estate by planting a food garden (see below). If this inspires you then try one of these 10 other ways to get more out of living in Lambeth.
Get creative
Brixton’s 198 Gallery offers free courses to Lambeth residents aged 13-19 who want to learn more about digital media. Courses in fashion, photography, graphics and illustration run throughout the year.
Find it: Contemporary Arts and Learning, 198 Railton Road, SE24 OJT; 020 7978 8309
Free time
You can’t argue with getting something for nothing and Sport Action Zone offers free classes in everything from street dance to drumming, boxing and basketball at the Lilian Baylis Old School.
Find it: Lilian Baylis Old School, Lollard Street, SE11 6PY; 020 3268 0012
Read all about it
Join one of the teenage reading groups that run at Lambeth’s libraries and compare notes on your favourite books. Groups run on the second Thursday of every month at Brixton Library and on the second Monday of each month at Streatham Library from 5 to 6.30pm at both venues.
Find it: Brixton Library, Brixton Oval, SW2 1JQ; contact Pauline Hibbert on 020 7926 1056; Streatham Library, 63 Streatham High Road, SW16 1PL; contact Asmaa Ansari on 020 7926 6768
Skate
Check out the action at the free skate park where skaters and BMXers share the ramps. See the skaters in action on YouTube.
Find it: Stockwell Park Road, Brixton
Join in
Join Lambeth’s Youth Council and make sure your voice is heard when it comes to planning projects in your community. If you're aged between 11 and 19 you can apply for funds for youth projects, vote for your Youth Mayor and make sure your needs are met by your council.
Find it: B 17 Lambeth Town Hall, Brixton Hill, SW2 1RW; 020 7926 2169
Get in uniform
Joining a uniformed youth group like the Army Cadet Force or Scouts can be a fast track to expeditions, free sports activities and new friendships. It will also look great on your CV.
Find it: Email lambeth@youlondon.org.uk for more information
Have you got the time?
Give your time in return for something you want at a time bank. The idea is simple: you volunteer to help someone out and in return you get paid in time credits. You can then spend your time credits on what you want from getting help writing a CV to learning how to sing.
Find it: Learn more about what Lambeth's time banks have to offer.
Be dramatic
Get professional tuition in dance and drama at the Oval House Theatre Youth Arts workshops. They cost just £2 and are run by professional actors and dancers.
Find it: Oval House Theatre, 52-54 Kennington Oval, SE11 5SW; 020 7582 6279
Volunteer
Lambeth Voluntary Action Council offers you the chance to give something back to your community. In return you can learn new skills that can help you to improve your career chances.
Find it: 95 Acre Lane, Brixton, SW2 5TU; 020 7737 1419
Join the club
There’s a network of youth clubs across Lambeth offering everything from somewhere to meet up with your friends for food and a game of snooker to training in skills that will help you get a job.
Find it: Visit the Lambeth Council website to find a list of Lambeth youth clubs
