ARC Collective is an example of what happens when community space is put in the hands of the community.

We believe vacant community space should be offered back to local people as a default practice when space is unused, rather than seeing these buildings remain empty and unused for years.

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WHAT WE DO

WHO WE ARE

 We believe everyone should have what they need to live a healthy and dignified life, devoid of shame or stigma, right on their doorstep. Creativity, movement and community are all intrinsic to mental and physical health and, as a team, we’re committed to ensure you have what you need to live more healthy, supported and balanced lives.

 

Meet the Team

  • Damien Brown

    Damien, founder of The ARC Collective, has deep roots in North London and a passion for transforming vacant spaces into vibrant community hubs. With a background in property and community development, he also runs a yoga studio and a photography/videography studio. Outside of work, Damien enjoys the outdoors and training his two dogs.

  • Susan Smith

    Susan is our Managing Director, overseeing Health and Safety, finance, and managing hires and corporate guests. Raised in the local community, Susan has always been an advocate for local people. With a background in domestic violence support, she is passionate about the safety of vulnerable individuals. Susan also hosts our weekly coffee mornings, creating vital connections for elderly residents.

  • Asha Sumroy

    Asha Sumroy

    Asha is our Food Bank Co-ordinator and Designated Safeguarding Lead, having first volunteered at the food bank over three years ago. With experience in youth work, social research, and as a chef, Asha brings a decade of expertise to the role. Asha also works as a freelance filmmaker, writer, and editor. Passionate about the interdependence of projects at The ARC, Asha is excited to see how they continue to grow and support each other.

  • Maria Sousa

    Maria, originally from Portugal, is our Assistant Studio Manager. With a background in dance and yoga, she shares her passion for movement as a ballet and yoga teacher. Maria fosters connections between teachers and students and manages the smooth running of classes. She also oversees our social media and enjoys capturing moments at The ARC through photography.

  • Mariana Martins

    Mariana is our Gardens Co-ordinator, with a diverse background in translation, care work, business management, and permaculture studies. After travelling through Europe and Latin America studying permaculture, she now focuses on people, animals, and plant care. Mariana coordinates gardening sessions, cultural events, and sustainable partnerships, promoting inclusivity and bridging cultural divides.

  • Clêr Lewis-Holder

    Clêr is our Creative Director, devising the schedule of classes and events. She created and leads our yoga studio, wellbeing programme, and creative arts offering. With a background in theatre and directing, Clêr turned to yoga during cancer treatment, which led to her remission. She’s passionate about making yoga and creative practices accessible to all. Clêr also enjoys writing, designing knitwear, gardening, and sea swimming.

INSIDE ARC COLLECTIVE

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INSIDE ARC COLLECTIVE |

  • Cafe

    Our cafe sits at the heart of our venue, boasting some of the best coffee in town and selection of breakfasts, lunches, and sweet and savoury snacks. It’s also our place to connect and chat with your neighbours or take a rest between classes or events.

    THE CAFE

  • Yoga

    Our classes aim to be truly accessible to everybody. Our programme includes yoga, Pilates, meditation, breathwork and strength and conditioning as well as specialist classes in pre and postnatal yoga and classes for children and families. Alongside these we offer workshops and courses to dive more deeply into many aspects of your practice.

    Yoga Studio

  • Gardens

    Working in partnership with Islington Parks Service, we are the proud custodians of 5 diverse local green spaces, growing and maintaining seasonal food, flowerbeds, trees, and encouraging insects and wildlife to re-enter the urban ecosystem.

    Gardens

  • Food Bank

    Our Food Bank provides food and essentials to those in our neighbourhood who can’t afford to buy food, giving people simple and nutritious meals when they need it most.

    Food Bank

  • Hires

    Hire our spaces or our team or collaborate with us on your own events and projects. We have 2 bright and airy studios, a cafe, a commercial grade kitchen, a garden terrace plus a team of the best yoga teachers in London. 

    HIRE OUR SPACE

  • Events

    We curate an exciting programme of events including workshops, talks, courses, live music gigs and supper clubs and run art exhibitions from our cafe gallery space. We also offer a range of socials from coffee mornings for connection to our community open days and seasonal parties.

    Explore Events

  • “ A wonderful community space. My favourite yoga studio in London. After yoga I love to sit outside in the sun, enjoying their delicious coffee and pastries.They also have a food bank and do venue hire. Amazing place."

    Matt

  • “ Such a wonderful community spot! ARC offers the best range of yoga classes in North London with great teachers and also a wide offer of workshops. Plus, you have a great cafe with cakes for your after yoga relaxation."

    Sofia

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Donate

Donations are essential to achieving our community driven mission. Regular or recurring donations really help us plan for the future and understand how we can expand our services to better help local people. If you have the means to support us through a donation (whether this is a one-time thing or a regular contribution) we truly appreciate your help.

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Volunteer

Our dedicated team of volunteers are our most important resource. These individuals truly represent the essence of neighbour helping neighbour, by giving their time and energy to others. If you have a few hours a week spare, would enjoy connecting with your neighbours and would like to help local people in need, we are always looking for extra hands in our gardens, our foodbank or helping around our yoga studio. 

Join us and our mission to create a refuge of positive change in our community

The ARC, 98b St Paul Road, Islington, N17DF

We’re at the bottom of Packington Street, just around the corner from the local Co-op.