The disengaged individuals we hope to impact are often described as ‘hard to reach’ for good reason - many of them have had negative experiences of traditional education, are unaware of the options available to them or simply lack the confidence even to come into a centre. With this in mind it has always been one of our biggest priorities, and in turn one of our key successes, to put on accessible and welcoming programmes that connect with individuals regardless of their background and situation.

Our youth outreach team meets young people out in the community and on local estates and is heavily involved with council initiatives such as the Pupil Referral Unit and NEET doorknocking schemes. The Limehouse Youth Centre is a flagship initiative offering evening, weekend and holiday programmes to young people, including those highlighted by the Government’s Youth Inclusion Programme, who would otherwise have nowhere to go and little to do.
Jo Read, Youth Work Manager

Word of mouth has had a big impact in bringing women along to our women’s project, conveniently located between three local primary schools in Poplar, to the point where a group of centre volunteers now actively promote specific courses and events around the local area. Community feasts, health forums and clothes swapping events are just some of the projects which have helped to bring a wide spectrum of the community together at the centre and our new cafe gives them a space where they can relax and get to know one another.
Beth Johnston, Women’s Project Manager