Blog

World Social Justice Day is celebrated on the 20th of February every year to commemorate and remind us of the equality and justice around the world. This year’s theme was “Empowering Inclusion: Bridging Gaps For Social Justice”.

As we enter October, it brings with it a month packed with opportunities to embrace and spread awareness to all of the individual differences that make Camden the truly unique and diverse community that it is. For many young people, like myself, these differences are expressed through neurodivergence. These differences are not burdens or problems that need to be fixed, but instead unique perspectives that shape how neurodivergent individuals experience the world. Perspectives that shouldn’t be brushed away, but instead highlighted and praised. With ‘World Mental Health Day’ on October 10th, it’s the perfect time for us to reflect on how we can unite and create a nurturing community that welcomes and celebrates everyone across the borough.

“This partnership represents everything we believe in at Young Camden Foundation; collaboration, community and compassion,” said Sophie Kruger, Head of Partnerships & Grants. “When a global brand, a local business and a place-based charity come together, the impact is real and immediate. Support has enabled thirty-six local community groups, charities, and schools in our network to create calming and inclusive spaces, benefitting hundreds of young Camdeners.”

When the school bell rings, and the textbooks are closed for the day, there’s this incredible buzz that sweeps through Camden. As a Young Camden Ambassador, I’ve had the privilege of exploring and sharing the amazing opportunities this borough has to offer. It’s not just about the relief of being done with lessons; it’s the chance to step into the world beyond the classroom and really make the day your own. Camden, for me, has always been more than just home. It’s where I’ve found spaces to grow, laugh, and connect with people who feel like family. After school, it’s like the borough opens its arms to all kinds of adventures, big and small.

As an ambassador for the Young Camden Foundation, I recently had the privilege of attending the council’s most recent youth safety steering meeting. The meeting brought together representatives from different organisations and schools who work in the local area, dedicated to addressing the challenges our borough is facing in keeping its young people safe, proposing solutions to these challenges and giving general updates on how the progress that’s been made.

'Camden is incredibly lucky to have such a strong and diverse voluntary sector community. The range of organisations and individuals working tirelessly to support young people is nothing short of amazing. The creativity and resilience I’ve witnessed in this sector has reaffirmed my belief in the power of community. It’s been a privilege to work alongside you all and to support your invaluable efforts.'

Many of us who live in London feel that a sense of community is lacking, in fact more than half of all Londoners find the capital a lonely place to live, according to a YouGov survey. For young people, it is important that they grow up with a sense of belonging, as this encourages ownership and responsibility for their local areas. Engaging with them is essential, as they are the future of our communities.

Autumn 2023 saw the launch of our first Young Ambassador programme, funded by Land Securities, which has seen 12 Young People from across Camden come together to develop their skills, gain access to career-building opportunities and become local ambassadors of the youth sector in their local area.

Young Camden Foundation are thrilled to welcome our new Chair of Trustees, Martin Pratt. Please see Martin's message to members below:

The findings from this financial analysis provide valuable insights into the financial health of small voluntary organisations in Camden. They highlight the need for targeted support to help these organisations address their financial challenges, maintain job security, and build capacity for long-term sustainability. Funders and partners can play a crucial role in providing this support and fostering a thriving voluntary sector in Camden.

'This mosaic of cultures and languages not only defines Camden's unique identity but also underscores the educational challenges and opportunities. Particularly for diaspora groups, tailored support becomes paramount. Addressing this need, supplementary education has emerged as a vital resource for Camden's diverse young population.'

Last week, we were honoured to attend Camden's Mayor Making Ceremony at the Town Hall, where we witnessed an unforgettable moment: the swearing-in of Cllr Nazma Rahman as the new Mayor of Camden. We are delighted to share that Young Camden Foundation has been chosen as the Mayor's Charity of the Year for 2023-24.