Low-income families in Queen’s Park, London face a lack of affordable childcare, increased holiday hunger, and limited access to safe, enriching activities for their children during the school holidays. The local wards of Westbourne and Harrow Road are in the top 6% most deprived wards for deprivation affecting children nationally. This is reflected in high levels of often overcrowded social housing, and limited access to safe, free spaces for young people, especially during the school holidays.

The Avenues catchment centres around the Mozart Estate, which has a history of gang rivalry. Metropolitan Police data shows relatively high rates of violent crime and anti-social behaviour in the area, with young people among the most likely age groups to experience crime.

Since its inception in 1979, The Avenues has been at the heart of our community, and in 2025, 1,200 young people were welcomed to the purpose-built centre which includes a sports hall, art room, training kitchen, and state-of-the-art media suite. Recreation activities and skills training help the young people fulfil their potential and boost their long-term outcomes. They would otherwise spend long periods isolated at home with little to do, increasing the risk of social isolation, antisocial behaviour, or involvement in crime, while placing additional pressure on families already struggling with the cost of living.

Through it’s Summer Programme, The Avenues provides free, safe, structured, and engaging activities for up to 120 children and young people a day aged 8–18. Every young person attending has access to our healthy breakfast bar and a hot nutritious meal at lunchtime. Every young person is welcomed into a safe and supportive environment where they can form positive relationships with trusted adults and peers.

This grant enabled 100 unique children and young people aged 8-18 years to attend Arts & Crafts and Podcasting sessions, supporting self-expression, creativity, communication skills, and positive social interactions, providing a valuable outlet to share ideas, explore identity,  and build confidence.