We will be holding this event at The Signal Pub in Forest Hill from 7pm.
Get your ticket here FFast! https://billetto.co.uk/e/featured-15-tickets-321344
A self-professed rebel with a mission, Esther Kwaku is the Founder and CEO of The Nerve Network, a platform helping people living in remote places and on low incomes to start their own businesses. Having travelled to over 40 countries, her drive for social change has seen her working on global humanitarian issues across the world including in Sudan, DR Congo, Uganda and Myanmar.
Fast forward to today and Esther now leads the vibrant team that is Nerve – a network of talented do-gooders and kick-ass change-makers. She is passionate about telling inspiring human stories with dignity - no bullsh*t or flies-in-eyes adverts. This is #realtalk right here.
“I love finding the magic in people and helping them to leverage their strengths. For over 15 years I've worked with incredible communities who show the seeds of brilliant thinking. I've seen the amazing depths they go to in order to lift themselves out of poverty...and how creative and resourceful they can be with very little. They are just like us – working, hustling and grinding to make a living every day…and they are proud. I’m on a mission to tell the raw, authentic truth about the efforts they already make and life the way they actually live it - stories about the smart folks, hardworking and keen to pass on their skills to create a real ecosystem of change in their communities. It’s time to shift the power back.”
Brilliant people. Brilliant Minds. Brilliant Changes. Find out more about the brilliant work happening now at: www.wegotnerve.com
Emma Campbell author of 'All That Followed - a story of cancer, kids and the fear of leaving too soon' was published in August 2018. As well as being an author, Emma is a speaker, cancer patient and mum to nine year old triplets and a teenager. She’s written very honestly about her struggles with anxiety and life a single mum of four dealing with cancer. Following an initial diagnosis in 2010, her cancer returned in 2014 and she’s been on treatment ever since. She’s worked really hard to find joy and to move on from a place of permanent emotional fear induced paralysis (!) to where she is now.
Gratitude has played a huge part in her finding a new path and some kind of inner peace and acceptance. Emma knows how crucial it is that she focus’s on the good and to minimise the energy she gives to what isn't going so well.
“Magic happens when you look at life with a sense of joyous anticipation.”
She’s just launched 'Filter Free Writing Workshops' too - memoir and expressive focused writing groups for anyone who has a desire to put pen to paper, regardless of experience.
“We've all got a story to tell and writing/journalling can be so incredibly revealing, not too mention therapeutic.”
Find out more about Emma and her story here: http://meandmyfour.com/
Smoddy Sharp is a male grooming space situated on Dartmouth Road, Forest Hill. The founders of this very unique place Marie and Rohan, have most certainly created a nest with the right ingredients for men to unwind and recharge in.
If you think this is a local gentrified barbers then think again. The services provided here range from barbering, tailoring, massage, pedicures and manicures. From the moment you walk in you are met with warmth. The interior works cohesively together - the blend of colour, form and function creates an elegant, timeless, and relaxing feel throughout.
Rohan and Marie’s vision for this special place of sanctuary was driven by a strong purpose to create a safe place for men to feel they can ‘offload’ and let their daily burdens literally leave them behind. If all you need is a drink at the bar you’ll be sure to be met with a smile and a conversation. As Marie explained to us:
‘There are very few environments where men can unwind. For women, we talk more openly together and we share a lot of our daily stresses and struggles. Men tend to harbour theirs. So we wanted to create a space where men can come and unwind. We understand the importance of feeling good and better about yourself. Well-being is integral to everyone’s mental health and we want to help harness that.’
We are thrilled that Marie and Rohan will be sharing their story and journey with us and we are so pleased they chose Forest Hill to embrace their new exciting chapter in our community.
Find out more about Smoddy Sharp: http://www.smoddysharp.com/
Caryn Franklin MBE, former fashion editor and co-editor of i-D Magazine and prime-time BBC TV presenter, is a multi-platform broadcaster, fashion and identity commentator and activist.
In nearly four decades of practice Caryn has explored the politics of image and self-esteem through commercial, educational and activist positions.
Projects have involved international design names and everyday users of fashion as well as refugees in battle zones, workers in free-trade-zone slums, mental health and body image experts, MP’s and Government.
She has written for numerous magazines, newspapers and websites, produced 4 books, authored many TV shows and documentaries on fashion as well as co-created groundbreaking campaigns such Fashion Targets Breast Cancer and the multi award winning All Walks Beyond the Catwalk.
Caryn aims to encourage the fashion industry to adopt imagery that is more representative not only of all types of women, but of an evolved view of
femininity in general.
Caryn has an MSc in applied psychology, and is a visiting lecturer and research fellow as well as Professor of Diversity at Kingston School of Art.
“We need diversity in front of AND behind the lens. Diverse perspectives at casting level, team level, board level mean visibility and voice for all.We still have a lot to learn, but let’s stick together, make change happen and work towards a world that strengthens and supports us all.”
Find out more about Caryn’s work here: https://franklinonfashion.com/
Freelance photographer, John Yabrifa has always had a strong affinity for the local area; growing up on the North Peckham estate through the 1980s, he has seen the area change dramatically in the past 30 years.
As a freelance photographer, John has worked on a range of projects for a number of clients including Transport for London, International makeup houses and Southwark council.
John has experienced first hand the tensions that surround a rapidly changing community; it’s identity within it and the complexities this presents. This has encouraged his work to take on a deeper, more meaningful role. He currently curates photographic walks with small groups through Peckham to experience the changing landscape surrounding the many boundaries
of the area.
Within John’s work there is a clear strive to take control over how this neighbourhood is understood and represented. To break down the social and political boundaries that create displacement, uncertainty and division amongst it’s multi-cultural foundations. In this process of visual inclusion John invites everyone to observe, debate, understand and create new meaning from the old and define the new belonging this very
special place has.
“Things change, but right now I think the pace of change is disconcerting.
How change happens is important, and making sure it’s managed properly
is important too.”
Find out more here: johnyabrifa.com