Words by Rishan Walker, Youth Club Manager.
Can you give us an overview of your organisation?
Highbury Roundhouse Youth Club has been delivering youth services in Highbury and Islington since 1974.
Our aims are to provide a safe space for young people (10-19) from any walks of life, where they can develop social and emotional skills, build friendships, learn new skills, and develop their talents.
Our team consists of two full-time staff, one part-time staff member, and two volunteers.
What does your provision look like?
We run two open-access sessions for young people aged 10-19 (up to 25 with SEND) every Wednesday from 4:30-7:30 pm and Friday from 4:30-8:30 pm.
In our open-access sessions, young people engage with activities such as VR gaming, badminton, table tennis, arts and crafts, etc.
We are also part of the Islington-wide girls’ group consortium, delivering a programme called SIS (She Is Supported), offering young girls aged 10-19 group sessions, 1-2-1 mentoring with a youth worker, and psychotherapy.
Our group sessions take place at our centre on Tuesdays from 4:30-6:30 pm.
Additionally, we offer a tailored SIS programme within COLAI and the London Screen Academy.
Can you share a story of how a young person has been positively impacted by the work you do?
KA began attending the Youth Club in early 2022 as a Year 10 student, seeking a place to unwind after school. Introduced by a regular attendee, KA quickly became a dedicated member, showing a strong interest in art, music, and business. He even started his own clothing brand with a friend.
In Summer 2024, KA was deeply interested in the Highbury Roundhouse Youth Employment scheme and worked with youth workers to develop his CV. After completing an application and interview, KA was hired as a Youth Employment Worker, tasked with promoting the Islington HAF programme.
Despite initial reservations about approaching people, KA quickly gained confidence after training. He met his KPI of 25 sign-ups per day with enthusiasm and even provided feedback to improve the service, requesting a uniform and staff ID card to enhance professionalism.
His involvement in the youth club has significantly helped him develop his CV, as well as his professional and interpersonal skills, through the diverse range of sessions and programs offered.
How do you, or how would you like to, collaborate with other organisations or stakeholders in the youth sector?
Partners in the youth sector regularly refer young people into the open-access session, as well as girls who would benefit from the support of mentoring and group work sessions.
We are always open to collaborating on projects to ensure young people receive quality youth work and have access to a range of support.
What are your organisation’s goals or hopes for next year?
For the next year, we will continue supporting young people and increase our membership, giving more young people opportunities.
We aim to expand our girls’ group by offering our ‘Stepping Up with SIS’ Year 6 to Year 7 transition initiative to more local primary schools, as well as starting to reach secondary schools.
As requested by our young men who attend regularly, in the next year, we would like to establish a boys’ group to support their wellbeing and address the issues they face.
How can people get involved or support your organisation?
Our work is not possible without our local, committed volunteers who enhance our youth offer with their wealth of knowledge and passion.
We are always looking for volunteers who would like to offer a few hours a week to give back to their community.