Nexus Tribe: Building Connections, One Wednesday at a Time
On Wednesday evenings from 7:00-9:30pm at Bethwin Road Adventure Playground, something truly special happens: Nexus Tribe comes alive. But the magic of Nexus Tribe starts well before the official meeting time. Behind the scenes, a series of thoughtful preparations ensure that the session is not just an event but a meaningful experience for everyone involved.
A Shared Meal, A Shared Mission
The evening begins with Marine and Karl, the dedicated organisers, holding a quick online meeting to finalize the session’s plans. Then it’s off to Borough Market, where Marine carefully selects food from Plan Zheroes (the zero food waste heroes) to feed the group. Plan Zheroes gives us access to leftover food from Borough Market from traders who generously donate. This partnership ensures that every member of the group can share a delicious meal. Fried chicken for D, pulled pork for K, and fruits and cucumbers for A’s beloved cucumber salad, followed by doughnuts for everyone! And these are just a few of the hand-picked items that make it to the table.
If the market food isn’t enough, a cooking session before the meeting ensures that dinner is ready for everyone. This meal is a time to sit together, share food and stories, laugh, and relax like a family. The table becomes a place of connection, the music in the background adding to the warm atmosphere.
Building Skills, Building Relationships
Each session kicks off with a light-hearted icebreaker to set the tone and build cameraderie. Games range from blowing a table tennis ball around glasses to team-based Jenga challenges.
After the warm-up, the tribe dive in to a 20-minute skills-building activity. Currently, we are working on "Our Pathway," a program focused on setting personal goals and holding each other accountable. It’s a time for self-reflection, planning, and growth; a chance for everyone to envision and work toward a brighter future.
Once the structured part is over, we move on to fun games like Telestrations or Charades, ensuring every session is infused with joy. The evening often includes a well-being moment, like the “Positive Gossip” exercise, where members write compliments or share kind words about each other. It’s a powerful reminder of the value of kindness and the unique bonds formed in the group.
Closing with Gratitude and Connection
The evening always concludes with a Circle of Trust, where members express gratitude, share thoughts on improvements, and set goals for the week ahead. It’s a grounding ritual that leaves everyone feeling a little more connected, a little more fulfilled, and ready to face the week with a renewed sense of purpose.
Join the Tribe: Be Part of Something Special
Nexus Tribe is not just a vibrant, inclusive youth group; it’s a space where young people can connect, grow, and thrive. It’s about building relationships, learning new skills, and creating a community where everyone belongs.
We invite you to join us or support our efforts to make a difference in young people’s lives. Whether you’re looking to participate, volunteer, or help us expand our reach, there’s a place for you in the Nexus Tribe. Together, we can make Wednesday evenings something to look forward to for even more young people.
Nexus Tribe meet on Wednesday evenings at Bethwin Road Adventure Playground, 4 Bethwin Rd, London SE5 0YF. Nexus Tribe is funded by Southwark Council under the Positive Future for Young People Fund.