Community Service London

Introvert friendly volunteering walk through LDN listening, helping homeless

AWS User Group UK Meetup #78

Welcome to our July event. We're delighted to welcome [Guilherme Dalla Rosa](https://www.linkedin.com/in/guidr/), CTO, MerCloud and [Matt Johnson](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjohnsonuk/), Principal Technologist, MongoDB Here's what they're bringing: Serverless makes scaling easy. Multi-tenancy makes it dangerous. **Guilherme** has built and operates a live B2B SaaS platform on exactly this architecture, where one misconfigured IAM policy can put one tenant's data in front of another. He has wired Amazon Cognito, Amazon DynamoDB, and AWS Lambda together to keep millions of tenant-partitioned records isolated under real production load. Tonight **Guilherme** is walking us through the IAM policy-based isolation patterns that actually hold up, and the deployment-model trade-offs behind them. MongoDB Atlas isn't a database running on EC2. It's a hyperscale platform that MongoDB engineered on top of AWS. **Matt** works at the intersection of data, security, and cloud architecture, and he's here to open up how Atlas is actually provisioned and operated under the hood. Tonight **Matt** is giving us the engineering story: how MongoDB's own teams run Atlas on AWS, and how PrivateLink, KMS, IAM, and Marketplace are wired in to handle networking, security, and procurement. A big thank you to our sponsors [Cloudscaler](https://rebrand.ly/cloudscaler), [Rayo](https://rebrand.ly/rayo-cloud) & [The Scale Factory](https://rebrand.ly/scalefactory) for making this event possible. **Programme:** 18:00: Arrival, registration 18:15: Talks start 20:00: Networking with food and a drink provided by the generosity of our sponsors. **Talk 1:** ***Building Secure and Efficient SaaS Platforms on AWS Serverless*** with Guilherme Dalla Rosa Let's go on a journey through the world of multi-tenant architectures on AWS using serverless technologies. In this talk, we will uncover the key aspects of multi-tenancy, including security, tenant isolation, and performance. We will learn how to utilise Cognito for authentication, DynamoDB to store millions of tenant-partitioned records and lambda for compute. We will also explore different deployment models and their tradeoffs, and, finally, we will learn how to implement policy-based isolation with IAM to keep our execution context tied to one specific tenant and avoid data leakage. By the end of this talk, you will feel more confident building SaaS applications on AWS with serverless technologies and you will have learned some of the many insights that come from the AWS Well-Architected SaaS Lens. **Learning Takeaways** * Implement IAM policy-based isolation to scope each Lambda execution context to a single tenant and prevent data leakage * Evaluate pool, silo, and bridge deployment models - the cost, complexity, and isolation trade-offs of each * Use Amazon Cognito and DynamoDB together for tenant-partitioned authentication and millions of tenant-scoped records at scale * Apply AWS Well-Architected SaaS Lens patterns to make defensible, production-ready architectural decisions * Automate tenant provisioning from the start - the patterns that work at five tenants break at fifty **Guilherme Dalla Rosa** Guilherme is a seasoned software engineer with extensive industry experience, having contributed to projects across Brazil, Ireland, and the UK. He currently serves as the CTO of MerCloud, a B2B e-commerce platform that streamlines the sales process for companies. In addition to his leadership role at MerCloud, Guilherme is also an AWS Community Builder, where he actively shares his expertise and passion for leveraging technology to help businesses enhance their processes and achieve their goals. **Talk 2:** ***MongoDB Atlas on AWS - A Deep Dive with Matt Johnson*** MongoDB Atlas is more than a managed database service running on EC2. It is a cloud-native data platform engineered to take advantage of AWS infrastructure, automation, and security services so teams can build resilient, scalable applications without stitching the operational pieces together themselves. In this deep dive for the AWS user group, we'll unpack how Atlas is deployed and operated on AWS: How our internal teams provision and manage Atlas and how AWS-native integrations such as PrivateLink, KMS, IAM, and Marketplace simplify networking, security, and procurement. **Learning Takeaways** * Understand how MongoDB's own teams provision and operate Atlas on AWS, not just how the service looks from a customer's seat. * See how Atlas is engineered as a cloud-native platform, using AWS infrastructure and automation for resilience and scale that customers would otherwise build themselves. * Learn how AWS-native integrations - PrivateLink, KMS, IAM and Marketplace - are wired in to handle networking, security and procurement under the hood. **Matt Johnson** Matt is a Principal Technologist at MongoDB with over 15 years of experience across cloud architecture, security, data platforms, and developer ecosystems. He specializes in helping organizations build secure, compliant, and scalable data and AI systems, with a focus on cloud resilience, AI governance, and data automation. Matt regularly speaks on the intersection of data, security, and AI, helping teams turn emerging technologies into trusted, production-ready solutions. Do you have a story to share? If you are interested in speaking at one of our events, please check out our [call for papers](https://awsuguk.org/call-for-papers/). We are advocates for greater inclusion & diversity in UK Tech and are especially keen to receive talk submissions from people in underrepresented groups. If you are interested in speaking at a future meetup but would like to discuss what to expect or need assistance, please contact our Inclusion & Diversity Lead Natalie Gray - [graynataliej@gmail.com](mailto:graynataliej@gmail.com) or DM her @natjgray *** Check out our [website](https://awsuguk.org/) for more information about our community and our code of conduct. Remember to follow us @AWSUserGroupUK and on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/aws-ug-uk) for the latest updates, and you can find videos of our past meetups [here](https://awsuguk.org/our-videos/).

Balancers Community Volunteering - Archway

Hi Balancers, We believe community is about more than meeting new people. It's also about showing up for those who need support. As part of our ongoing partnership with Refugee Community Kitchen, we're inviting you to join us for a special evening helping distribute summer care kits to people experiencing homelessness in London. We'll be working alongside the Refugee Community Kitchen team during their evening meal service in Archway, helping hand out essential care kits to those who need them most. **💛 What to Expect** \* A meaningful evening giving back to the local community. \* Work alongside the Refugee Community Kitchen team during their meal distribution. \* Help distribute summer care kits to people experiencing homelessness. \* Meet other Balancers who want to make a positive impact. **📍 Meeting Point** 17.30 PM Outside \*\*Archway Underground Station\*\* We'll begin with a short briefing from the Refugee Community Kitchen team, who will explain how the distribution works and answer any questions. The process is simple. Camden Council requires a short form to be completed for each care kit distributed, and you'll be shown exactly how to do this during the briefing. No previous volunteering experience is needed. 🔹 Stay connected: Join our WhatsApp group [here] for last-minute updates. 🌱 **About Refugee Community Kitchen** Refugee Community Kitchen is a grassroots, volunteer-led organisation that has served over 3.5 million meals to displaced people and those experiencing food insecurity in the UK and northern France. Their mission: to serve warm, nourishing meals with dignity and build community through food. 👉 Learn more: [refugeecommunitykitchen.org](https://refugeecommunitykitchen.org) *** 💡 **Can’t Make It This Time?** You can still contribute: * **Donate directly (100% goes to RCK):** [https://www.justgiving.com/charity/refugeecommunitykitchen](https://www.justgiving.com/charity/refugeecommunitykitchen) * **Volunteer with RCK:** [Sign up here](https://rck.my.salesforce-sites.com/outreachvolunteer/) * **Spread the word** to others who’d love to join in Let’s keep showing what our community can do when we act with heart. See you there 💛17

Beyond the Code: Designing Services That Stand The Test of Time

We have a very special meetup for our July edition! We are delighted to welcome Paul Grenyer, Software Engineer, Leader, Writer, Speaker and currently Senior Team Lead at Haven to discuss: **Beyond the Code: Designing Services That Stand the Test of Time** As software engineers, it’s easy to get lost in the excitement of implementing clever business logic: the algorithms, the workflows, the elegant domain models. But the success (or failure) of a service rarely hinges on its core logic alone. What really separates a fragile prototype from a resilient, scalable system is everything that happens around that logic: the invisible scaffolding that shapes how a service behaves, communicates, and recovers when things go wrong. In this session I’ll explore the often-overlooked aspects of building robust services. The decisions that make the difference between smooth operations and painful refactors months down the line. I’ll unpack how thoughtful design choices early on can pay dividends in maintainability, observability, and security later. Whether you’re building your first microservice or managing an ecosystem of services, you’ll leave with practical ideas for designing services. Key Takeaways: * Why the non-domain aspects of a service are often what determine its long-term success * How to think holistically about design, structure, and reliability * Strategies for evolving your services without introducing chaos **About Paul:** Husband, father, software engineer, metaller, I have been writing software for over 40 years and professionally for more than 25. In that time I have worked for, and in, all sorts of companies from two man startups to world famous investment banks and insurance companies. I have built and run three limited companies, none of which made me a millionaire and two of which threatened my sanity on more than one occasion. I was a founding member of both SyncNorwich and Norfolk Developers, two of the most successful tech and startup community groups in the East of England. I created and chaired the hugely successful Norfolk Developers Conference (nor(DEV):con) for seven years bringing in speakers and delegates in the sphere of software engineering from around the globe. I am currently a Software Engineering Team Lead at Bourne Leisure, the owners of Haven holiday parks. I loathe the word Entrepreneur, not least because I struggle to spell it and it reminds me of Del Boy from the 80s sitcom Only Fools and Horses. I see Entrepreneurship as a side effect of the creative process of problem solving, rather than a career path in its own right. Despite having dealt with the world of business from directors of the board down, I have kept both feet firmly on the ground, even when my head has been in the clouds, with healthy doses of Heavy Metal, Science Fiction and Formula One and long hair until it started falling out in 2013. Now I can add author to the mix, having written my first book, So You Think You Can Lead a Team?, based on 25 years of lessons, mistakes, and unexpected leadership journeys. Oh, and I love good tea too! https://www.linkedin.com/in/pgrenyer/ \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- This is a great opportunity to learn, share and discuss some of the most important topics related to software engineering we are facing, so come along with your thoughts, concerns, questions and ideas to make this talk as interactive as possible. All levels welcome - no need to bring your laptop as this is a non hands-on session. **Food and Drinks** Pizza and drinks will be provided upon arrival sponsored by [Codurance](https://www.codurance.com/), with vegetarian and vegan options available.

Volunteering walk through LDN listening, helping homeless 07877920245

Data as a Differentiator - Why Your AI Ambitions Start with Your Data

Dear Members, Join us for our first evening Meetup of 2026, where we'll explore why data foundations are the true differentiator for AI-ready insurers, and what practical steps firms are taking today to get there. Whether you're thinking of about portfolio intelligence, delegated authority oversight, or building towards agentic AI applications; this session will ground the conversation in what actually matters first: your data. **What's on the Agenda** ***Arrivals & drinks **\- settle in\, say hello ** *Hot Take Poll **\- "*What's the biggest blocker to your firm becoming AI-ready: data quality, data access or data culture?*" *** Fireside Chat **\- Building data foundations and what agentic AI means in practice ** *AWS Technical Spotlight **\- data foundations for insurance\, plus a live demo of InsuranceLake *** Programme Update **\- hackathon challenge tracks revealed and team sign\-ups open* *** Networking & light bites* This session is designed for professionals across the London Market who are interested in how data foundations unlock AI value. **Programme Reminder** This meetup is part of your build up towards our London Market Hackathon in October 2026. Each session explores real market challenges, shares practical approaches, and helps teams prepare for the hackathon. More details on the hackathon coming at this event! **Please remember to bring a government ID such as driving license or passport for registration.** Come ready to learn, share, and connect! We look forward to seeing you there!

Balancers Community Volunteering - Goodge Street

Hi Balancers, We believe community is about more than meeting new people. It's also about showing up for those who need support. As part of our ongoing partnership with Refugee Community Kitchen, we're inviting you to join us for a special evening helping distribute summer care kits to people experiencing homelessness in London. We'll be working alongside the Refugee Community Kitchen team during their evening meal service in Archway, helping hand out essential care kits to those who need them most. **💛 What to Expect** \* A meaningful evening giving back to the local community. \* Work alongside the Refugee Community Kitchen team during their meal distribution. \* Help distribute summer care kits to people experiencing homelessness. \* Meet other Balancers who want to make a positive impact. **📍 Meeting Point** 6:00 PM Outside \*\*Goodge Street Underground Station\*\* We'll begin with a short briefing from the Refugee Community Kitchen team, who will explain how the distribution works and answer any questions. The process is simple. Camden Council requires a short form to be completed for each care kit distributed, and you'll be shown exactly how to do this during the briefing. No previous volunteering experience is needed. 🔹 Stay connected: Join our WhatsApp group [here] for last-minute updates. 🌱 **About Refugee Community Kitchen** Refugee Community Kitchen is a grassroots, volunteer-led organisation that has served over 3.5 million meals to displaced people and those experiencing food insecurity in the UK and northern France. Their mission: to serve warm, nourishing meals with dignity and build community through food. 👉 Learn more: [refugeecommunitykitchen.org](https://refugeecommunitykitchen.org) *** 💡 **Can’t Make It This Time?** You can still contribute: * **Donate directly (100% goes to RCK):** [https://www.justgiving.com/charity/refugeecommunitykitchen](https://www.justgiving.com/charity/refugeecommunitykitchen) * **Volunteer with RCK:** [Sign up here](https://rck.my.salesforce-sites.com/outreachvolunteer/) * **Spread the word** to others who’d love to join in Let’s keep showing what our community can do when we act with heart. See you there 💛

GoodGym Kingston // Group Session // Do Good & Get Fit

**PLEASE VISIT THE WEBSITE TO CONFIRM SESSION DETAILS AND LET US KNOW YOU PLAN TO ATTEND. THIS IS MANDATORY.** **Want to do something useful with your exercise? GoodGym is no ordinary gym. We're a group of people who get fit by doing good - helping out local charities and community groups with physical jobs like shifting compost and planting trees.** **📍 We meet at** **The Quaker Centre, Fairfield, Kingston Upon Thames, KT1 2PT** **at 6:30pm.** **🏃‍♂️ At 6:45pm we'll run, walk or cycle to do a 30-40 minute task.** **🏃‍♂️ Then we'll head back to where we started by 8:30pm, do some stretches and maybe grab a beverage?** It's FREE. It's fun. It's fulfilling. And we're a very friendly bunch. 🍇 — **BOOK ONTO THE SESSION** **To come to the session click here:** https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions **You will need to confirm your attendance on the GoodGym website** (this includes creating an account with us if you haven’t already - it only takes a few mins). The link above takes you to the session listings in your area - if this session doesn’t fit your schedule, you may find something that does so check it out. p.s. GoodGym is a charity and you will be asked whether you’d like to donate when first creating an account. The choice is yours and does not affect your ability to attend a session. — **FAQ** Not sure you'll keep up? GoodGym is for everyone (18+). Whether you've never run before, or are chasing a marathon PB, you are 100% welcome. We always have a back-marker so no one gets left behind. 70% of GoodGym members start as non-runners so if you're new to this kind of thing you will be supported by people who are all on the same journey. 👍 What do I need to wear? Most of us wear gym/running gear. Make sure you're prepared for the weather. Don't feel like you're fit enough? Our tasks are simple and fun. There are easy jobs as well as more challenging things for those who want a workout! The choice is always yours. Do I need to bring anything? Gardening gloves are really useful for a lot of GoodGym tasks. And a head torch too if it’s likely to get dark. Please bring some if you can but there’s no requirement 🧤💡🧤 What is GoodGym? We're a (really lovely) group of people who use our energy to make a difference in our local community (and in communities across the UK!). We often meet on a weeknight, at least once a week, for a session to do good and get fit. We'd love you to come and join us. Any questions, just pop a comment below or send me a message. Find out everything you need to know at goodgym.org

GoodGym Richmond // Group Session // Do Good & Get Fit

**PLEASE VISIT THE WEBSITE TO CONFIRM SESSION DETAILS AND LET US KNOW YOU PLAN TO ATTEND. THIS IS MANDATORY.** **Want to do something useful with your exercise? GoodGym is no ordinary gym. We're a group of people who get fit by doing good - helping out local charities and community groups with physical jobs like shifting compost and planting trees.** **📍 We meet at** **Tap Tavern, Princes Street, Richmond, TW9 1ED** **at 6:45pm.** **🏃‍♂️ At 7:00pm we'll run, walk or cycle to do a 30-40 minute task.** **🏃‍♂️ Then we'll head back to where we started by 8:45pm, do some stretches and maybe grab a beverage?** It's FREE. It's fun. It's fulfilling. And we're a very friendly bunch. 🍇 — **BOOK ONTO THE SESSION** **To come to the session click here:** https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions **You will need to confirm your attendance on the GoodGym website** (this includes creating an account with us if you haven’t already - it only takes a few mins). The link above takes you to the session listings in your area - if this session doesn’t fit your schedule, you may find something that does so check it out. p.s. GoodGym is a charity and you will be asked whether you’d like to donate when first creating an account. The choice is yours and does not affect your ability to attend a session. — **FAQ** Not sure you'll keep up? GoodGym is for everyone (18+). Whether you've never run before, or are chasing a marathon PB, you are 100% welcome. We always have a back-marker so no one gets left behind. 70% of GoodGym members start as non-runners so if you're new to this kind of thing you will be supported by people who are all on the same journey. 👍 What do I need to wear? Most of us wear gym/running gear. Make sure you're prepared for the weather. Don't feel like you're fit enough? Our tasks are simple and fun. There are easy jobs as well as more challenging things for those who want a workout! The choice is always yours. Do I need to bring anything? Gardening gloves are really useful for a lot of GoodGym tasks. And a head torch too if it’s likely to get dark. Please bring some if you can but there’s no requirement 🧤💡🧤 What is GoodGym? We're a (really lovely) group of people who use our energy to make a difference in our local community (and in communities across the UK!). We often meet on a weeknight, at least once a week, for a session to do good and get fit. We'd love you to come and join us. Any questions, just pop a comment below or send me a message. Find out everything you need to know at goodgym.org

GoodGym Merton // Group Session // Do Good & Get Fit

**PLEASE VISIT THE WEBSITE TO CONFIRM SESSION DETAILS AND LET US KNOW YOU PLAN TO ATTEND. THIS IS MANDATORY.** **Want to do something useful with your exercise? GoodGym is no ordinary gym. We're a group of people who get fit by doing good - helping out local charities and community groups with physical jobs like shifting compost and planting trees.** **📍 We meet at** **The Leather Bottle SW19 3NW** **at 6:30pm.** **🏃‍♂️ At 6:45pm we'll run, walk or cycle to do a 30-40 minute task.** **🏃‍♂️ Then we'll head back to where we started by 8:30pm, do some stretches and maybe grab a beverage?** It's FREE. It's fun. It's fulfilling. And we're a very friendly bunch. 🍇 — **BOOK ONTO THE SESSION** **To come to the session click here:** https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions **You will need to confirm your attendance on the GoodGym website** (this includes creating an account with us if you haven’t already - it only takes a few mins). The link above takes you to the session listings in your area - if this session doesn’t fit your schedule, you may find something that does so check it out. p.s. GoodGym is a charity and you will be asked whether you’d like to donate when first creating an account. The choice is yours and does not affect your ability to attend a session. — **FAQ** Not sure you'll keep up? GoodGym is for everyone (18+). Whether you've never run before, or are chasing a marathon PB, you are 100% welcome. We always have a back-marker so no one gets left behind. 70% of GoodGym members start as non-runners so if you're new to this kind of thing you will be supported by people who are all on the same journey. 👍 What do I need to wear? Most of us wear gym/running gear. Make sure you're prepared for the weather. Don't feel like you're fit enough? Our tasks are simple and fun. There are easy jobs as well as more challenging things for those who want a workout! The choice is always yours. Do I need to bring anything? Gardening gloves are really useful for a lot of GoodGym tasks. And a head torch too if it’s likely to get dark. Please bring some if you can but there’s no requirement 🧤💡🧤 What is GoodGym? We're a (really lovely) group of people who use our energy to make a difference in our local community (and in communities across the UK!). We often meet on a weeknight, at least once a week, for a session to do good and get fit. We'd love you to come and join us. Any questions, just pop a comment below or send me a message. Find out everything you need to know at goodgym.org

Charity Concert

The Metropolitan Police choir will be raising money for the "Sing For Joy London Choirs". Funds will be raised for people with conditions such as Parkinsons and Multiple Sclerosis. The Event is free to attend but is by way of booked seating. I have booked 10 free tickets. The concert will finish around 7.30 giving plenty of time for drinks afterwards if desired. Please join us

GoodGym Newham // Group Session // Do Good & Get Fit

**PLEASE VISIT THE WEBSITE TO CONFIRM SESSION DETAILS AND LET US KNOW YOU PLAN TO ATTEND. THIS IS MANDATORY.** **Want to do something useful with your exercise? GoodGym is no ordinary gym. We're a group of people who get fit by doing good - helping out local charities and community groups with physical jobs like shifting compost and planting trees.** **📍 We meet at** **PrintHouse Bar, 133 High Street, London, E15 2RB** **at 6:45pm.** **🏃‍♂️ At 7:00pm we'll run, walk or cycle to do a 30-40 minute task.** **🏃‍♂️ Then we'll head back to where we started by 8:45pm, do some stretches and maybe grab a beverage?** It's FREE. It's fun. It's fulfilling. And we're a very friendly bunch. 🍇 — **BOOK ONTO THE SESSION** **To come to the session click here:** https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions **You will need to confirm your attendance on the GoodGym website** (this includes creating an account with us if you haven’t already - it only takes a few mins). The link above takes you to the session listings in your area - if this session doesn’t fit your schedule, you may find something that does so check it out. p.s. GoodGym is a charity and you will be asked whether you’d like to donate when first creating an account. The choice is yours and does not affect your ability to attend a session. — **FAQ** Not sure you'll keep up? GoodGym is for everyone (18+). Whether you've never run before, or are chasing a marathon PB, you are 100% welcome. We always have a back-marker so no one gets left behind. 70% of GoodGym members start as non-runners so if you're new to this kind of thing you will be supported by people who are all on the same journey. 👍 What do I need to wear? Most of us wear gym/running gear. Make sure you're prepared for the weather. Don't feel like you're fit enough? Our tasks are simple and fun. There are easy jobs as well as more challenging things for those who want a workout! The choice is always yours. Do I need to bring anything? Gardening gloves are really useful for a lot of GoodGym tasks. And a head torch too if it’s likely to get dark. Please bring some if you can but there’s no requirement 🧤💡🧤 What is GoodGym? We're a (really lovely) group of people who use our energy to make a difference in our local community (and in communities across the UK!). We often meet on a weeknight, at least once a week, for a session to do good and get fit. We'd love you to come and join us. Any questions, just pop a comment below or send me a message. Find out everything you need to know at goodgym.org