Public Living Rooms project launches with Pembury pop-up
New shared spaces called Public Living Rooms are opening in communities across England, creating welcoming places where people can connect with neighbours, spend time together and feel less isolated.
Published: 11/05/2026
Public Living Rooms are informal spaces where everyone is welcome. There’s no need to book, sign up or attend organised activities. You can simply drop in, have a conversation or just spend time around others.
The project launched last week with three pop-up Public Living Rooms - in Hackney, Bow and Dalston - including one at our community centre on the Pembury estate.
Neighbours stopped by for a chat and a cup of tea with their neighbours, relaxed on comfy outdoor seating and enjoyed live music.
One resident said: "Just having someone to speak to helps because you carry so much. You just want to speak to someone and know that they listened”.
Looking ahead
The Pembury event was a temporary pop-up to introduce the idea, with more Public Living Rooms planned as the project grows over the next two years. If you’re interested in setting one up in your neighbourhood, we’d love to hear from you.
The project aims to create simple opportunities for connection, conversation and informal support between neighbours, while helping to reduce loneliness.
It’s being delivered by social movement Camerados, working with us, SNG (Sovereign Network Group) and Clarion Housing Group, with funding from the Fusion21 Foundation and support from more of their member housing associations as the project expands.
Up to 100 Public Living Rooms will open in neighbourhoods across the country. They could be based in community centres, cafés, shared lounges, offices and other places where people naturally come together. Some include sofas, music, hot drinks and board games, providing a friendly space to sit and relax for a while.
Find out more about setting up a Public Living Room in your neighbourhood
