How I came to One Place East

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By Michael Fieldman

I first discovered One Place East (OPE) when it was based on Ilford Lane, before the organisation later moved to Ilford Chambers near Chapel Road. It was there that I met Margaret Summers for the first time and joined a writing group focused on improving grammar and writing skills. When an upstairs room became available, it became our regular space – and before long, I found myself volunteering to help run the sessions and suggest topics.

During the 18 months I spent with the writing group, I found the confidence and structure I needed to put the finishing touches on my own publication, My Life with Autism. A brief summary of my experiences growing up with autism appeared in the November 2025 newsletter – on Page 2. At the same time, I was also taking part in an art class, creating different pieces, even though I didn’t know many people yet. By late November 2023, I decided to join One Place East properly at their Chapel Road offices – and I can honestly say I’ve never looked back. Since joining, I’ve become far more involved with the organisation. I continue to enjoy the activities, meet new people and take part in opportunities that I haven’t found anywhere else. OPE offers so much, and being part of it has made a real difference to my confidence, morale and mental health.

Some of the Activities I’ve Enjoyed:

  • Reminiscence Group (Mondays 2–4pm), where we talk about different topics each week and check in on how everyone is doing.
  • OPE Meetings & Events – including the Annual General Meeting before Christmas.
  • Drop‑in One‑to‑One Advice sessions – covering benefits, anti‑poverty support and more.
  • Weekly One Place Game Inn sessions – Always relaxed and enjoyable.
  • Training & Courses – such as comedy workshops, First Aid and assertiveness training
  • Outings – mostly around London, but sometimes further afield too. I thoroughly enjoyed visits to the Natural History Museum and the Barbican last year, where a graduation ceremony was being held. Even the bad weather couldn’t dampen the experience. I was also keen to join the Pinewood Studios outing, but unfortunately, it clashed with my holiday in Scotland.

Being part of OPE has been good for me in so many ways. I even encouraged one of my closest friends to join, and he now regularly contributes to the reminiscence group and enjoys taking part just as much as I do.

Thinking of Joining? If you have a disability of any kind and are considering joining One Place East, I would strongly encourage you to get in touch. It’s made a real difference to my life, and it might do the same for you. Contact: 0208 925 2435 | info@oneplaceeast.org

You’ll just need to complete a simple form – and after that, you can enjoy all the activities, support and community OPE has to offer.