Wanstead House Community Centre: Classes, clubs and activities for older people in Wanstead
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Overlooking The Green at 21 The Green, Wanstead House is a welcoming place to try something new, revisit an old hobby or simply enjoy an afternoon in good company. Run by the Wanstead House Community Association, a local charity, the centre offers a varied programme of clubs, classes and courses for adults and children, with plenty for older people to enjoy.
At GoodOaks Homecare Woodford Green, we support older people and their families across Wanstead, South Woodford and Woodford Green. We know how important it is to stay connected, keep doing the things you enjoy and maintain a sense of independence. Community spaces like Wanstead House offer a wonderful opportunity to do just that.
Joining Wanstead house is simple
Membership costs £5 a year, or £3 for concessions. Members can enjoy the Coffee Lounge during class hours and use the licensed bar on weekday evenings. There are also gardens to enjoy, with limited parking available for members attending classes or clubs.
The office is open Monday to Friday. For membership enquiries or more information, call 020 8989 3693 or email office@wansteadhouse.co.uk.
A Friday social club for retired people in Wanstead
Looking to meet new people and enjoy a relaxed evening out? Wanstead House’s Social Club meets on Fridays from 8pm to 10pm, excluding bank holidays.
The group is aimed mainly at retired people who want to make friends and enjoy good company. Evenings include quizzes, games and talks, offering an easy way to get to know others in a friendly setting.
The cost is £3 per week, plus a £3 annual membership fee. Contact details for the organisers are available on the centre’s noticeboard page.
Daytime art classes in Wanstead
Art is a particular highlight at Wanstead House, with several daytime classes offering the chance to learn new techniques, develop creative skills and enjoy time with like-minded people.
- Tuesday Art with Anna Bisset: 10.30am–12.30pm, exploring pencil, charcoal, pastels, acrylics, oils and watercolours.
- Wednesday Art with Jamie Fraser: 1.30pm–3.30pm. This ten-week course covers pencil, charcoal, acrylics and mixed media, with subjects including still life, landscapes and seascapes.
- Thursday Portrait Art with Anna: 1.15pm–3.45pm, with participants drawing from a live model at their own pace.
- Thursday Watercolour Painting: Classes led by Brenda Coyle.
There is also a four-week paper clay sculpture workshop on Thursday evenings, led by Richard and open to all abilities. The course costs £60.
For those interested in life drawing, sessions take place on Wednesday evenings at 7pm and Sunday mornings at 10.30am. Terms cost £165 for ten Wednesday sessions or £150 for nine Sunday sessions. Advance booking is required by emailing lifedrawing@wansteadhouse.co.uk.
Keep learning, keep moving and make new friends
There is much more to explore beyond art. Wanstead House lists a wide range of activities, including French and Spanish lessons, adult acting, dancing, yoga, chess, photography, patchwork, floristry, fashion and creative writing.
Trying something new can be a great way to keep your mind active, build confidence and meet people who share your interests. Even a single weekly class can provide something enjoyable to look forward to and help bring structure to your routine.
You can find the full 2026/27 timetable on the Wanstead House website. As classes and availability can change, it is worth contacting the relevant organiser before attending.
Wellbeing services at Wanstead House
Wanstead House also hosts independent practitioners offering confidential counselling through Counselling Issues Direct, clinical reflexology and visits from an osteopath.
Having access to different services in a familiar community setting can make it easier to explore ways to support your physical and emotional wellbeing.
Tips for your first visit
If you are thinking about visiting Wanstead House for the first time, a little planning can help you feel more comfortable.
- Call ahead: Contact the office on 020 8989 3693 to check class availability, timings and membership requirements.
- Take someone along: Visiting with a friend or family member can make the first visit feel less daunting.
- Start with one activity: Choose a class or club that interests you and see how you enjoy it before committing to more.
- Check accessibility: Ask about access and parking in advance if you have mobility concerns.
There is no need to try everything at once. Finding one activity you enjoy and people you look forward to seeing can be a great starting point.
A warm welcome on The Green
We have enjoyed getting to know the team at Wanstead House and are grateful for their warm welcome. Community spaces like this play an important role in helping older people stay socially connected, active and involved in local life.
If an older relative or loved one would like to attend a class or club at Wanstead House, or needs support getting out and about in Wanstead, GoodOaks Homecare Woodford Green is here to help.
Get in touch with GoodOaks Homecare Woodford Green to find out how we can support your loved one to stay connected, enjoy their interests and maintain their independence.
