Local Camden Children with SEND Benefit from Unique Collaboration Between Young Camden Foundation, Amazon Fresh and HOLD Self Storage

A unique partnership between local charity Young Camden Foundation, Amazon Fresh, and HOLD Self Storage is bringing vital support to children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) across the borough this summer.

At the heart of this collaboration is a shared belief: every child deserves the chance to thrive. Through the Department for Education and Camden Council-funded Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, Young Camden Foundation is delivering not just meals and play but dignity, inclusion, and joy.

This summer, the programme has taken an even more compassionate turn with the distribution of bespoke sensory packs for children with SEND. Designed to calm, comfort and stimulate, these packs include items like ear defenders, LED sensory lights, emotion flash cards and weighted toys—each one hand-packed with care by Amazon Fresh volunteers.

“Witnessing the gratitude on the faces of volunteers reminded us of the power of collective action,” said Diana Karamoutsa, Store Manager and Community Engagement Coordinator at Amazon Fresh. “Today was about embodying the values of compassion and empathy. Giving back to the community is not just a responsibility but a privilege we are grateful to fulfil.”

To make this programme happen, Young Camden Foundation faced a practical challenge: where could they securely receive and pack over 1,000 sensory items and toys for distribution?

Enter HOLD Self Storage, a local business with people at its heart and space to give. Offering secure, complimentary storage in their King’s Cross site, HOLD made room for what truly matters.

“As soon as we heard about this brilliant programme, we knew we had to help,” said Sonia Pirie from HOLD Self Storage. “At HOLD, we’re all about creating space, both physical and emotional, for people to thrive. Supporting this initiative allowed us to turn empty space into meaningful impact.”

This partnership between a charity, a tech-enabled retailer, and a modern wellbeing-led storage company shows what’s possible when community-minded organisations align their strengths for social good. It also speaks to a wider need: 39% of children in Camden live in poverty, and many families with SEND children face disproportionate challenges in accessing support during the summer.

“This is absolutely amazing and greatly appreciated. Thank you so much! The families are going to love it,” said Kadi, Children & Families Services Manager at Fitzrovia Community Centre.

From calming spaces in play and youth centres to safe zones in boxing gyms and community farms, these sensory packs are now enriching the lives of hundreds of local children thanks to a coalition that chose empathy over apathy.

Together, Young Camden Foundation, Amazon Fresh, and HOLD Self Storage are showing what can happen when businesses and charities unite around a simple, powerful idea: everyone deserves space to feel safe, seen, and supported.