Grassroots community leaders to gather at House of MOBO for landmark London event, 23rd April 2026
Grassroots leaders from across London will gather next month at House of MOBO in Gipsy Hill, South London, for a new community event aimed at recognising the often unseen work …
Black News 
Grassroots leaders from across London will gather next month at House of MOBO in Gipsy Hill, South London, for a new community event aimed at recognising the often unseen work of local changemakers.
The gathering, titled “In This Together”, will take place on 23 April 2026 and will bring together grassroots organisations, youth mentors, community organisers and activists working to meet unmet needs in their communities.
Across London, grassroots organisations are often the first to respond to challenges within their communities, yet their work frequently operates with limited visibility or support.
The event aims to create space for those leaders to connect, share experiences and build stronger networks across the capital.
The event will bring together leaders from underrepresented communities, alongside allies committed to strengthening grassroots initiatives and supporting community-led solutions.
The event is hosted by Rachael Reign, founder of Surviving Universal UK, a national advocacy organisation supporting survivors of cultic and spiritual abuse while campaigning for stronger safeguarding protections across the UK.
Reign, who is also a finalist in this year’s Lambeth Civic Awards in the Safer Lambeth category, said the event is about recognising the vital work happening quietly in communities across the capital.
“Across London there are extraordinary grassroots leaders doing life-changing work in their communities, often with very little recognition or support.
This event is about bringing those people together in the same room to celebrate their impact and strengthen connections across our communities.”
The event will be attended by Councillor Christine Banton, Deputy Mayor of Lambeth. MP Helen Hayes is also expected to visit the gathering during the day.
Guests will also hear a special video address from a high-profile Member of Parliament, which will be revealed to attendees during the event.
Representatives from organisations supporting grassroots initiatives, including London Community Foundation, are also expected to attend.
The gathering will take place at House of MOBO, the cultural hub founded by Kenya King, the founder of the MOBO Awards, which has become an important space for creativity, community leadership and cultural exchange in South London.
The pilot gathering aims to spark stronger collaboration between grassroots organisations working across London’s communities.
Surviving Universal UK, based in South London, works nationally to support survivors of cultic and spiritual abuse while raising awareness of safeguarding gaps affecting vulnerable communities. Its work has been featured in The Guardian, BBC Panorama and Sky News.
Grassroots organisations, community leaders and allies interested in attending the pilot event are invited to register their interest via the Surviving Universal UK website.
Spaces are limited as the gathering is designed to remain a curated environment for meaningful conversation and connection.
More information: www.survivinguniversaluk.com
[Top photo: Rachael Reign, founder of Surviving Universal UK (c) Surviving Universal UK]
