The Carnivalistas was established in July 2001 with the aim of buying a space for a social centre in South London. The Carnivalistas plan to open a space in which a diverse range of community groups and individuals can come together, independent of local authority and governmental restraints, and deal with community issues the way they should be dealt with: by the community. The Social Centre will be a place in which all members of the community can feel at home; a space free from all forms of discrimination and oppression. This space will hopefully become a community ‘hub’ encouraging the principles of mutual aid and community-based direct action. The Carnivalistas is part of the London Social Centres Network, which links numerous social centres throughout London including Emmaz and the Radical Dairy (for more information on these please email the London Social Centres Network on  londonscn@riseup.net)

The Carnivalistas has now initiated the Southwark and Lambeth Community Action Network (SALCAN). SALCAN aims to be a non-hierarchical grassroots network linking a diverse range of community groups and individuals.

The first SALCAN meeting is planned for 18 January 2003 and we are now in the initial ‘consultative’ phase. For more information regarding SALCAN please visit the website at  http://www.salcan.org.uk, email us at  carnivalista@yahoo.co.uk or phone 07753217648. The website will be updated regularly in the lead up to the first Network Meeting.