London is, without doubt, one of the greatest Cities on earth – A sprawling metropolis where history and traditions amalgamate with modern trends and progressive culture. Despite the grandeur and wealth that appears on almost every corner and is commonly attributed to London residents, this is a far-flung reality for many, with young Londoners finding themselves increasingly marginalised and facing ever-growing impacts on their health, wellbeing and development.
With sky-high cost of living and an extreme limitation on space, housing circumstances continue to have an impact on the lives of young people in central London. 94% of our members reside in the Borough of Westminster and many of those in the Church Street Ward, which is ranked as one of the highest areas of deprivation in the whole country.
Our Marylebone Youth & Community Club provides a beacon of hope for local residents, offering, a free and safe space for young people to engage in positive activities and receive valuable support. Despite the range of activity on offer, there are some challenges that require a unique response and we passionately believe the redevelopment of our rooftop garden will help inspire young people and members of the community who do not have access to an outdoor space, making a significant impact on their lives.
Here are five key factors motivating our renovation –
Access to green space: A shared community garden gives young people access to green space, which is essential for their physical and mental health. Exposure to nature has been proven to reduce stress levels, improve mood and increase physical activity, which are all vital for young people living in central London.
Learning opportunities: An excellent opportunity for young people to learn about gardening, food production, and sustainable practices. It can also provide them with a chance to learn about the environment and the importance of preserving natural habitats.
Social interaction: A platform for socially isolated individuals to interact with others from their community. This interaction can help people build relationships, make new friends, and develop social skills that will be valuable throughout their lives.
Access to fresh produce: Our garden will provide with access to fresh, healthy produce that they may not have access to otherwise. This can be particularly valuable for young people living in poverty, who may not have the resources to purchase fresh produce regularly.
Community engagement: Our Rooftop Garden can promote community engagement and bring people together around a common goal. It will also provide an opportunity for people to contribute to their community in a meaningful way, which can help them feel more connected and invested in their neighbourhood.
Our members face a range of challenges that can impact their mental and physical health, academic performance, and overall well-being. It is essential to recognise these challenges and take steps to address them. Through our rooftop garden and providing access to green spaces, educational support and positive social interactions, we can continue addressing these challenges, helping young people reach their full potential and thrive.
Investing in our rooftop garden is an effective way to improve the quality of life for young people living in central London. Should you wish to learn more about the project and understand the numerous ways you could make an impact, speak to our friendly fundraising team who can guide you through the project.
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