Community Services

Merton Centre for Independent Living

Merton CIL is a user-led Deaf and Disabled people’s organisation based in Vestry Hall. Merton CIL believes that society disables people with impairments and works hard to create a more inclusive and equitable community. Merton CIL provides a range of free and supportive services to Disabled people living in Merton:

1. Information and Advice Service – A free, AQS accredited, information and advice casework service supporting in the following areas:

Welfare Benefits
Social Care
Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) and Aids & Adaptions
Concessionary Travel
Grant applications for goods, such as white goods, furniture, school clothing etc
Housing

2. Speaking Up Service – A free service navigating barriers to health care and services to get the support we need to feel included, listened to, and able to live well.  

3. Policy and Campaigns Work – Work with other local Disabled people and partners to challenge discrimination and influence decisions that impact our lives.

4. Craftivism & Chat – A space for local Disabled people and supporters to connect and create. As well as build skills and confidence.

5. Volunteering – Join a passionate group of local Disabled people and supporters who aim to make Merton more accessible for all.

Merton CIL uses the term ‘Disabled people’ to mean all people living with an impairment. This includes:

• People with physical impairments
• People who experience mental distress/mental health issues
• Deaf People
• Visually impaired people
• Hearing impaired people
• People with learning disabilities
• People with long term health conditions
• Neurodivergent people
• People who have invisible impairments

Merton CIL recognises and respects that some of the people mentioned above do not think of themselves as Disabled, but we believe the groups above can face disabling barriers in society.

Find out more about Merton CIL here.

Or watch a short film about our work here.

Follow Merton CIL on social media – @MertonCIL

Wandle Industrial Museum

In 1805 the River Wandle, which flows from Carshalton and Croydon to the Thames at Wandsworth, was described as the hardest working for its size in the world. With 13 mills listed in the Domesday Survey of 1086 by the early 1800’s 100 mills were said to have been recorded along the banks of the river.

The Wandle Industrial Museum based in Mitcham, Surrey is a small independent museum run by a group of volunteers who work to keep alive the history and heritage of the industries and people of the Wandle Valley. Founded in 1983 the museum has on display exhibitions on the industries and the people. These include a relief map of the Wandle Valley showing the location of the mills along with a model of the works used by William Morris for Morris & Co until 1940. Our current exhibition of the leather industries of the Wandle includes a leather skin displayed by J. S. Deeds & Sons at the Great Exhibition of 1851.

The museum offers a wide range of talks with diverse subjects such as Sport along the Wandle, Art and Literature of the Wandle, and the brewing and lavender industries along with talks on the mills, textile (calico) people and more. It also offers walks along the Wandle taking in the heritage and viewing what remains from a bygone age. A workshop on the textile industry is also available focused on Morris and Liberty. As well as offering these too organisations they also work with schools and welcome around 400 children to the museum every year.

The museum is open to the public twice a week. Wednesday 1-4pm and Sunday 2-5pm (not Bank Holiday Sundays).

www.wandle.org – also on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and Flickr.

Learn English At Home

Inner Strength Network

Avanti Mental Wellbeing CIC: Improving Mental Health in the Community

At Avanti, our mission is simple but powerful: Improving mental health in the community.

Based in Merton since 2018, we support adults  affected by diagnosed or  undiagnosed mental health challenges, as well as  unpaid carers who dedicate so much of their lives to looking after others. In recognition of our impact, Avanti was proud to be named the 2023 Winner of the Big South London Innovation Award in the category Community Innovation of the Year.

Many of the people we work with face isolation, low confidence, or difficulties accessing the right help at the right time. Avanti exists to change that — by creating a safe, welcoming space where everyone feels valued, understood, and connected.

What We Do

Our activities and support are delivered through the Lottery-funded “Avanti Connect” project, which offers:

• Weekly groups and wellbeing activities
• One-to-one support available flexibly when needed
• Opportunities for creativity, peer connection, and confidence building
• Information and signposting to local partner organisations

Regular sessions include:

• Art Group – Led by a qualified art therapist, offering creative expression through painting, sculpture, and mixed media.
• Music Group – A joyful space for singing and playing instruments, with opportunities to perform as part of the Avanti Choir.
• Wellbeing Activities – Mindfulness, gentle movement, and Zumba to support both body and mind.

Alongside this, our dedicated Carers’ Peer Support Group provides carers with a safe place to share experiences and support one another.

We also run seasonal events and exhibitions that celebrate members’ creativity and resilience — including theArt of Hope exhibition, the comedy play Falling Out (performed entirely by members), and performances by the Avanti Choir at community events such as the Merton Volunteer Awards.

Additional Services

In addition to funded programmes, Avanti provides paid-for services including bespoke mental health training, clinical supervision, coaching, and psychotherapy, all offered at affordable sliding-scale rates.

At Avanti, we believe that creativity, connection, and community can transform lives.

📌 Weekly Activities (All led by qualified therapists and instructors)

• Activity Group (Art, Mindfulness, Zumba …) – Mondays, 18:00–20:00
• Carers’ Peer Support Group – Tuesdays, 14:00–16:00
• Music Group – Thursdays, 17:00–19:00

👉 Register on our website: www.avanticic.co.uk or book an appointment with us directly.