Community Engagement

Love Wimbledon collaborates with many community organisations and individuals in the Wimbledon and wider Merton area. We are non-political and our aim is always to engage with local community groups and representative voices to help make Wimbledon a better place. Here are some of those we work with who help contribute to the town:

Community Support & Social Services

  • Dons Local Action Group Provides food parcels, household goods, and furniture to those in need. Find them collecting donations outside Morrisons and Wimbledon Piazza most days. Their efforts help fight poverty and support vulnerable people in the community.

  • Merton Faith in Action Supports homeless individuals with meals, showers, laundry, and internet access. They offer advice on accommodation, job searching, and access to addiction recovery and medical services. Working with the Met Police and Love Wimbledon, they provide essential support for those in need.

  • Merton Street Pastors A group of church volunteers patrolling the streets late on Friday nights, offering care, support, and a listening ear to those in need. They attend monthly Pubwatch meetings to help promote safety in Wimbledon’s night-time economy alongside Love Wimbledon, the Met Police, and late-night venues.

  • Churches Town centre churches offer a variety of support groups and activities, from food banks to social events. They provide a sense of belonging and practical assistance to those in need. Key churches include Everyday Church, Hillside, Holy Trinity, St Mark’s, and Trinity.

  • YMCA Wimbledon Part of YMCA St Paul’s Group, providing housing, a gym, a dedicated Pilates studio, and community counselling services. Their local presence supports physical and mental wellbeing while also offering modern accommodation for those in need. They play a key role in strengthening the community.

  • Wimbledon Guild A community charity helping Merton residents through practical support, mental health services, and social activities. They work to ensure no one faces life’s challenges alone and organise fundraising events like Merton Live! at New Wimbledon Theatre to support their vital services.

Civic Engagement & Local Partnerships

  • Local Councillors, MP, & Merton Council Cabinet Members Regularly engage with us on town centre developments across Hillside, Wimbledon Town & Dundonald, and Abbey wards. These discussions help shape local policy and ensure business and community needs are met.

  • Residential Groups & Wimbledon Community Forum Key voices in shaping Wimbledon’s future, these groups discuss town centre developments and community concerns. We attend their meetings to provide updates and collaborate on initiatives that improve the area.

  • Wimblecomm An online platform supporting local charities and community groups by promoting event spaces and networking opportunities. We attend their AGM and work together to strengthen community connections across Merton.

  • Wimbledon Foundation The official charity of the All-England Lawn Tennis Club, supporting local projects such as extra planting, bike racks, and community initiatives. Their work enhances the local environment and fosters community engagement.

  • Wimbledon Society Founded in 1903, the society works to protect local amenities, heritage buildings, and green spaces. They frequently comment on planning applications and public realm improvements, ensuring Wimbledon retains its historic charm while evolving sustainably.

  • Wimbledon Village Business Association Works closely with us to ensure Wimbledon Town Centre and the Village complement each other as thriving destinations. We regularly exchange insights and collaborate on projects that enhance the area.

Arts, Culture, Education & Sustainability

  • Polka Theatre A pioneering children’s theatre based in Wimbledon since 1979, offering world-class performances, workshops, and creative experiences. Their productions inspire young audiences while providing accessible arts education.

  • Schools We support local schools through careers advice, participation in school fairs, and collaboration on educational initiatives. Many schools also perform at our events, strengthening ties between students and the wider Wimbledon community while providing creative opportunities.

  • Sustainable Merton An environmental charity empowering the local community to take action on climate change. They organise pop-up sustainable markets in the town centre and play a key role in Love Wimbledon’s Sustainable September initiative.

  • Shine A photography club based in Mitcham, inspiring children through visual storytelling. Their annual exhibition, held at Elys during The Championships, provides young photographers with a platform to showcase their creativity and build confidence.

  • Wimbledon BookFest London’s leading literary festival, hosted in Wimbledon Library and Wimbledon High School each October. Bookfest promotes literacy and creativity, inspiring a love of reading in Merton schools while also featuring renowned authors and engaging workshops.

  • Wimbledon Concert Hall A proposed Frank Gehry-designed concert hall aiming to create a world-class cultural venue. The project aspires to be a centre for both visual and performing arts, enriching the creative landscape of Merton and Southwest London.