W4 Youth News keeps you up to date on what’s happening across our organisation and communities. From upcoming and past events, new programmes and youth achievements and community initiatives, we share the moments that matter and how our work continues to support and empower young people.
A Day At St James’ Palace For Youth Opportunities Summit 2025
From Pain To Purpose…
Tuesday, 15th July 2025, marked an unforgettable moment; we had the absolute honour of being invited to the Youth Opportunities Summit at St James’s Palace, hosted by His Majesty the King.
Alongside the King, the Prime Minister, Idris Elba, government officials, charities, and organisations from across the UK gathered with a shared commitment: to drive real, lasting change for young people.
The message was clear and powerful: every child deserves a safe place to belong, to learn, to grow, and to thrive. And being in a room filled with people who are equally passionate about making this vision a reality was deeply inspiring.
Our work is rooted in lived experience. We know the challenges, because we’ve lived them. And that’s exactly why we show up, speak up, and act every single day.
The path from pain to purpose isn’t always easy, but moments like this, where voices are heard, partnerships are formed, and real action is promised, remind us why we do what we do.
We’re not just talking about change… We’re part of it.
Sally And W4 Youth Team
Preventing School Exclusions
Network event!
Thank you to all who attended our first Preventing School Exclusions Network event last week, in partnership with Young Ealing Foundation and Parents Action and Resource Centre on Thursday 12th June at 9:30am at Greenford Library. 🙌
Here are a few photos from a truly inspiring day! 📸
Sally And W4 Youth Team
W4 Youth In The Community
We had a fantastic time connecting with our community at two brilliant local events. On Saturday 10th May 2025, W4 Youth attended the St Peter’s Church Jazz Festival, a wonderful celebration of jazz talent and togetherness.
On Sunday, 8th June 2025, we joined the vibrant Green Days fete, as part of the Bedford Park Festival, alongside St Michael & All Angels Church. It was an amazing day of fun, connection, and celebration in Chiswick!
Thank you to everyone who stopped by to learn more about our work with young people.
We’re looking forward to joining more community events at the Flower Market in November and the St Peter’s Church Christmas Fare on Saturday 29th November 2025.
Sally And W4 Youth Team
Train The Trainer 2025
First Cohort Smashes It! Our first-ever Train the Trainer programme has officially wrapped and it’s been a huge success!
We’re proud to announce that all 10 participants will now volunteer as coaches with W4 Youth until they are 16, after which they’ll have the chance to step into paid roles with W4 Youth or our partners. One participant of the programme, who is just 16, will be joining us as a Trainee Coach in the Summer.
With funding support, we will launch two cohorts each year starting in September 2025, creating meaningful, long-term opportunities for young people in our community.
Sally And W4 Youth Team
Dear Support,
On Saturday 5th July 2025, we held a Community feedback day for people to share their feedback and ideas on the proposed Community Hub in Southfield Recreation Ground. We’re excited to share draft plans for a new Community Hub designed to bring people together and meet community needs.
The hub will be made up of three spaces:
• A welcoming Café, with its own entrance, run by a local café owner – the perfect spot to relax, connect, or grab a coffee whilst visiting the park.
• A Nursery, also with a separate entrance and a small outdoor garden, operated by a trusted local provider – offering a safe and inspiring space for our youngest community members.
• A flexible community space featuring a large, multi-purpose studio for events, classes, and activities; two spacious meeting rooms that double as changing rooms; and modern shower and toilet facilities for everyone using the hub and enjoying the park’s sports areas.
This vision is for the Hub to be a heart of community life – a place to learn, play, grow, and connect.
We had some great ideas, with everyone supportive of the proposed Hub. However, we’d like to give everyone the opportunity to share their views with us, as they really matter to us!
Please complete the survey, having taken a look at the two proposed concept diagrams and plan.
The survey should only take around 3 to 5 minutes to complete: https://digitallibdems.typeform.com/to/NTtetW8G
Thank you,
Sally And W4 Youth Team
W4 Youth becomes an accredited
Living Wage Employer!
Big News from W4 Youth!
We’re incredibly proud to share that W4 Youth is now an accredited Living Wage Employer, a Commitment to Fair Pay and Stronger Communities.
This step represents more than just a new badge, it’s a bold affirmation of our values, our community commitments, and our belief in building a future where everyone is treated with dignity, respect and fairness.
What Is the Real Living Wage?
The Real Living Wage is an hourly rate calculated based on the true cost of living in the UK. Unlike the government minimum wage, which is a legal requirement, the Living Wage is voluntary and independently calculated by the Living Wage Foundation. It reflects what people need to earn to meet everyday essentials, from housing and energy bills to food and transport.
By paying the Real Living Wage, organisations like W4 Youth are helping to tackle in-work poverty and promote long-term, sustainable employment.
Why This Matters To W4 Youth
At W4 Youth, our mission has always been rooted in empowering young people through safe spaces, creative programmes, sports and opportunities for personal development. But just as we strive to nurture the next generation, we also believe it’s our responsibility to uplift the people who make our work possible: our staff, contractors and partners.
By becoming a Living Wage accredited employer, we’re committing to:
- Fair pay for all employees and contracted workers
- Transparent and ethical employment practices
- Supporting economic equality in our West London community
We know that when people are paid fairly, they’re more empowered, more stable, and better able to contribute meaningfully to their work and the lives of the young people we serve.
Strengthening Our Community Through Fairness
W4 Youth serves a diverse and vibrant community in West London, where the cost of living continues to rise. Many of the families and young people we support are directly impacted by economic inequality. Taking this step means we are aligning our operational values with our social mission—helping to build a stronger, more resilient local economy.
We’re joining a growing movement of over 14,000 UK employers—including charities, schools, local authorities, and businesses—who are championing social responsibility and ethical employment by paying the Real Living Wage.
Looking Ahead
Our Living Wage accreditation is part of a wider commitment to fostering a culture of equity, opportunity and wellbeing both within our team and across the communities we serve. We believe that change begins from within, and we’re proud to model the standards we advocate for in the world.
We’re excited to continue this journey, and we invite our supporters, funders, and fellow organisations to join us in championing fair pay, inclusive practices, and lasting social impact.
Thank You for Supporting W4 Youth!
To our donors, volunteers, partners, and community champions, thank you!
Your belief in what we do helps us grow stronger every day. Together, we’re building a brighter future for West London’s young people one where everyone has the chance to thrive.
For more information about the Living Wage Foundation:
visit http://www.livingwage.org.uk
Sally And W4 Youth Team
The Inspiring Journey
(History of W4 Youth)
W4 Youth is a powerful story of resilience, vision, and commitment to empowering young people. Since its launch in 2009, it has grown into a cornerstone of youth engagement in Southfield Recreation Ground and the local church hall. This blog highlights the key milestones that have shaped our journey and the exciting future ahead.
How It All Began: A Tragic Event Sparks Change (2009)
In January 2009, a devastating event changed everything, our founder’s son was shot in the face by a gang. Instead of giving in to despair, this tragedy ignited a mission. By April 2009, her son proposed the creation of a youth group to provide safe spaces and positive opportunities for young people.
By September 2009, 30 students from Chiswick School formed the Chiswick Youth Project, producing a video to raise awareness about the lack of youth spaces. By November, a dedicated team of parents and volunteers laid the foundation for what would become W4 Youth.
Building a Vision: Growth & Expansion (2010-2012)
In March 2010, the Chiswick Youth Project rebranded as W4 Youth. A merger with Osterley Royals led to the creation of CYFC, integrating football into the programme. By September, W4 Youth launched Friday night youth clubs at St Peter’s Church Hall.
The next two years marked significant growth:
March 2011 – W4 Youth became a registered Charitable Trust.
June 2011 – Engaged in community outreach at Green Days.
September 2011 – Expanded to three days a week, adding street dance and boxing fitness.
2012 – Raised major funds through events like the Estate Agents 7s and Royal Berkshire Polo Club Ball.
Scaling Up: Securing a Permanent Home (2018-2021)
After years of steady growth, W4 Youth focused on finding a long-term home:
July 2018 – Submitted a tender for a site at Southfield Rec.
November 2019 – Successfully advanced in the tender process, securing a Joint Venture Agreement.
2020 – Adapted to the pandemic with online dance and football coaching.
April 2021 – Moved indoor activities to Hogarth Community Centre while continuing outdoor football at Southfield Rec.
July 2021 – Became a Limited by Guarantee Company and a registered charity, setting the stage for the Community Centre Capital Project.
Strengthening Community Connections (2022-2023)
With in-person activities back in full swing, W4 Youth focused on expanding community engagement:
2022 – Hosted a full year of in-person programmes to help young people reintegrate socially.
2023 – Participated in major community events like the Chiswick Flower Market and Cheese Market.
February 2023 – Opened new Hub in Southfield Rec to centre activities
May 2023 – Organized the Tea Party in the Park and a 5-a-side football tournament.
September 2023 – Partnered with Rocks Lane Sports Trust to improve Southfield Rec’s community facilities.
October-December 2023 – Ealing Council surveyed residents, confirming football and basketball as top priorities for Southfield Rec.
Looking Ahead: Expansion & Sustainability (2024 and Beyond)
September 2024 – Acquiring a second Hub in Southfield Rec.
October 2024 – Launching Friday Night 5s with Rocks Lane.
January 2025 – Ealing Council applies for a Football Foundation PlayZone grant, including a 3G pitch and basketball key.
January 2025 – Launching a Train the Trainer program to equip young people with leadership skills for employment.
February 2025 – Submitting design plans for a prefabricated Community Centre in Southfield Rec.
February 2025 – Kicking off a local fundraising campaign to sustain free youth activities and expand community spaces.
Join Us in Building a Brighter Future
W4 Youth’s journey from tragedy to becoming a vital community institution is a testament to resilience, dedication, and teamwork. As we expand, we remain committed to creating safe, engaging, and transformative spaces for young people.
Be part of our mission, support W4 Youth and help shape a better future for our community!
Sally And W4 Youth Team
W4 Youth 