Community projects

We work with the youth movement CALM with Connected Stars to support youth-led approaches that meet the needs of young people in the community.

Join the Connect Stars youth nights

If you’re aged 11-18 and want to join the Connect Stars youth nights at the Unity Centre, please contact us.

Connect Stars is a Brent-based charity helping young people access safe spaces to be creative, active and responsive in their communities.

One Flow One Brent is delivered in partnership with the Young Brent Foundation, Hyde and Metropolitan Thames Valley housing associations, with funding from the Mayor of London's Violence Reduction Unity. 

The Pembury Children’s Community programme in Hackney is marking 10 years of supporting children and families on the Pembury Estate. 

We’ve commissioned an independent evaluation from Renaisi to review progress since 2015 and guide the next stage of the programme. 

About the programme 

The Pembury Children’s Community is a long-term partnership between us, residents and Hackney Council. 

It was inspired by the Harlem Children’s Zone and is one of three Children’s Communities supported by Save the Children. 

The programme began after the 2011 riots to challenge unfair stigma and create lasting, positive change for local families. 

What we set out to do 

Our vision for Pembury was to build a place where: 

• People are proud to live
• Children are safe, healthy and ready to learn
• Families have the support they need for long-term wellbeing 

To achieve this, the programme focused on four key areas: 

• Early years and primary school – improving childcare access, school readiness and family learning
• Secondary school and beyond – offering youth programmes, mentoring and one-to-one support for young people
• Support for parents – tackling poverty, building financial resilience and linking families to local networks
• Community development – helping residents lead projects and strengthen community connections 

What the evaluation shows 

The independent evaluation marks an important milestone in the Pembury Children’s Community journey. 

It highlights achievements, lessons learned, challenges faced and opportunities for the future. 

Through partnerships with local communities, this programme has supported children at home, in school, and in their neighbourhoods. 

This place-based approach shows how working together over time can improve outcomes and build stronger, more connected communities. 

Next steps 

The findings will shape the next phase of the programme and inform wider work across Hackney and beyond. 

You can explore the results in more detail below: 

Read the Executive Summary 

Read the full Evaluation Report 

We work with Young People's Foundations in Brent and Ealing to respond to challenges and help make positive changes for young people.

We've teamed up with Backyard Nature and other housing associations across the UK to help our communities connect with and protect nature.

Our Wellbeing Way project in Southall involves improving five focal points along the Grand Union Canal in partnership with Ealing Council and Canal and River Trust.

A programme of physical wellbeing, sports and social activities for customers in our older people's services and a new initiative to increase opportunities for cycling in Houghton Regis.

A five-year community-led volunteer programme, enabling and empowering local people to help shape and improve health and wellbeing in their community.

Are you interested in becoming a Community Champion?

Please get in touch with Wasim Abd-El Aziz, Community Champions Coordinator, at wasim@venturecentre.org.uk or on 020 8960 3234 to learn more about the programme. Alternatively, please pop into the Venture Centre and chat with the team.

In partnership with Canal Rivers Trust and Ealing Council, the project encourages local GP practices to prescribe this 1km health walk along the Grand Union Canal to their patients.

Many factors affect our health and well-being, whether physical, socio-economic, or environmental. Live Well Greenwich offers a range of support services to help you live a healthier life and improve your well-being.

Live Well can help with a number of common concern areas including:

• Social isolation
• Weight loss
• Debt
• Employment
• Housing
• Stopping smoking
• Getting active

Contact Live Well Greenwich free on 0800 470 4831 to arrange sessions from the New Leaf Centre weekly. Lines are open Monday to Saturday, 8.30am to 6pm (a message can be left outside of these hours).

Alternatively, you can fill out the online referral form for yourself or on behalf of someone else. The Live Well coach will get in touch and then refer you to a number of services that can help you on your journey to a healthier life.