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Discovering Camden's Community

Posted on: 01/05/2024 in: Community

Discovering Camden's Community

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.

Since working at the Young Camden Foundation, I have discovered that there is a community in my home borough of Camden, one that exists and thrives through the common goal to support our young people. This community is formed of hardworking individuals, organisations and young people from Gospel Oak, to Somers Town, even in more corporate Holborn, there is this community.

We have witnessed youth engagement in strategic decisions through Camden Youth: Tell Them, formed of young people aged 16-21 and funded by Camden Council. In response to Camden Council’s 2023 public health report on adolescent health, ten young Camdeners created a graphic interpretation of the report findings, they then led an event launching the report. This is a great example of engaging young people in strategic decisions that have an impact on their lives, and the community as a whole, such as the air quality in our borough.

I feel grateful to my colleagues at YCF, and to the work of all our members, for opening my eyes to the community that exists in the place that I call home. We can’t ignore the fact that there is division in Camden, London and the UK as a whole, and with elections this year divisive narratives are often reiterated for political gain. But let's hope that those in power at both a local and national level remember the power of our young people, and the importance of encouraging community cohesion.

If you are interested in hearing about opportunities and events in Camden, sign up to YCF’s newsletter here: Young Camden Foundation (list-manage.com).

Grace Maric, Holiday Activities and Food Programme Administrator - April 2024

YouGov survey statistics: https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/london_assembly_-_yougov_.pdf

Camden Youth: Tell Them: https://news.camden.gov.uk/cam...

Photo taken at Calthorpe Community Gardens, Winter HAF 2023.