Camden Rise

How supported internships change lives - Finn's story

2026-03-30T10:13:01Z

National Supported Internship Day (27 March) raises awareness of supported internships as a proven pathway into paid work for young people with learning disabilities and/or autism.

National Supported Internship Day celebrates the achievements of young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) who are taking their first steps into the world of work through supported internships.

Supported internships are one year, work-based study programmes for 16 to 24 year-olds with an education, health and care plan (EHCP). These programmes help interns grow in confidence, develop independence and gain experience in meaningful job roles.

Finn's story

Finn joined the DFN Project SEARCH programme at Moorfields Eye Hospital in September 2023, bringing strong motivation and a clear talent for IT. After an initial skills assessment, the team identified IT as his key strength, shaping the placements that followed.

Finn worked with Patient Administration System and National Care Records Service systems at Moorfields to update patient information and present data in Excel. He also supported a departmental event, strengthening his organisation, attention to detail and understanding of GDPR and data protection.

Finn continued developing his IT skills while gaining valuable experience in communication and customer service. He supported clinics independently, interacted with patients and consistently received positive feedback. His confidence grew significantly during this placement.

Finn then joined Schroders’ Client Insights Unit, where he worked on data hierarchy clean-ups, created PowerPoint learning decks and took part in daily stand-up meetings. His strong work ethic and passion for IT quickly stood out.

Schroders offered him opportunities to shadow other teams, including cyber security and introduced him to SQL, a specialised programming language, to support small reporting tasks. A structured support system helped Finn to settle in, build relationships and explore his growing interest in cyber security.

With support from his Kaleidoscope job coach, Finn prepared thoroughly for an interview with Schroders’ cyber security manager. He researched cyber security topics, presented his findings and demonstrated how his skills and experience aligned with the role. Finn's enthusiasm and professionalism made a strong impression.

In September 2024, Finn began his Level 4 Cyber Security Technologist apprenticeship with Schroders. He now works in a hybrid role, supported by Kaleidoscope’s follow-on coaching team, who assist with onboarding, workload management, confidence-building and apprenticeship development.

Finn’s journey reflects his strengths. His achievements, from developing core workplace skills to securing an apprenticeship in his chosen field, are a testament to his dedication and the collaborative support around him.

For more information about supported internships for yourself or someone you know, please contact supportedinternships@camden.gov.uk or visit the supported internships web page

Free and low-cost Easter holiday activities for children and young people

2026-04-02T15:32:22Z

You can find sports, arts, youth and play activities for all ages this Easter holiday (30 March to 10 April) - there's lots to choose from across Camden.

Sports and physical activities - including free Girls Get Moving sessions for 8 to 14 year-olds at Talacre Community Sports Centre, Dalby Street, NW5 3AF on Tuesday 7 April, 4pm to 6pm; Kids Swim for a Quid at Better leisure centres; Arsenal in the Community free football sessions for boys and girls aged 8 to 12 at Cantelowes Gardens, Camden Road, NW5 2AU; Multi-Sports Camp for ages 8 to 12 and Gymnastics Mini-Camp for ages 4 to 7 - find out more and book places
Holiday Activities and Food Programme - free holiday activities and healthy meals for 5 to 16 year-olds who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals. Bookings now open
Youth programmes - arts and crafts, sports and fitness, games and trips for ages 12 to 19 (up to 25 for disabled children and young people, and those with special educational needs). It's all happening at Camden Council's three Youth Hubs - Somers Town Youth Centre, Netherwood Youth and Family Hub and Highgate Haven Youth Hub. Find out more and register
Boss Mode with Rebel Business School - lunchtime sessions for Camden secondary students at Euston Skills Centre. Rebel Business School will run a short course over two days each week of the Easter holiday, with lunch provided, on Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 April, from 12.30pm to 2pm each day. This is a chance for young people to gain insight into how to develop business ideas, start a business and start generating income. Find out more and sign up
Holiday play schemes - run by community and voluntary organisations for children aged four to 12. Find out more and book
Camden's Local Offer website - find activities, opportunities, services and support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities - visit the SEND Local Offer website
Children's Centres and Family Hubs - find out what's going on at your local Children's Centre and Family Hub here

Nine candidates standing to be Camden's next Youth MP

2026-03-26T15:23:49Z

Young people go to the polls from 20 April to 1 May 2026 to elect a new Camden Youth MP and two Deputy Youth MPs. There are nine candidates.

If you're aged 11 to 19, live in Camden, go to school or college in the borough or work here, you can vote in your secondary school or youth centre.

All the candidates are listed below. Please click the names below to view their short campaign videos:

George Chan, of North Bridge House School
Hannaan Abdalla, of Maria Fidelis Catholic School
Ibrahim Abukar, of Regent High School
Janelle Domingos Baptista, of Capital City College
Luna Saljihu, of Parliament Hill School
Mohammed Asim Khan, of Haverstock School
Negin Bakhshzaad, of La Sainte Union Catholic School
Willow Tyson, of Camden School for Girls
Zahra Abdi, of Camden School for Girls.

Watch this space and visit our Camden Youth MP Election web page for more information.

The Camden Youth MP Election 2026 is run by the children and young people’s participation service at Camden Council. If you have any questions, please email rashid.ali@camden.gov.uk.

Easter Holiday Activities and Food Programme 2026 - bookings now open

2026-03-23T19:02:25Z

Registrations for Camden's Easter Holiday Activities and Food Programme 2026 are open - book your places now!

Young Camden Foundation is excited to welcome children and young people back for another fantastic Camden Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme this spring. Funded by the Department for Education and Camden Council, Camden HAF offers free holiday activities, enriching experiences, and healthy meals for children and young people aged 5 to 16 who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals.

Across the Easter holiday, from 30 March to 10 April, there will be a wide range of activities to choose from - including sports, creative arts and hands-on learning opportunities delivered by trusted local providers in safe and supportive environments.

Young people can get active with sessions such as football, basketball, swimming, boxing, and jiu jitsu, or express their creativity through dance, pottery, crafting and music production classes. There are also opportunities to develop practical skills through cooking sessions and enjoy social experiences like trips to the cinema.

Every session includes a nutritious meal and opportunities for children to learn new skills, build confidence, make friends and have fun during the school break.

Places are limited and must be booked in advance, so families are encouraged to register early to secure their preferred activities. We look forward to seeing you!

Book your Camden Easter HAF places here

Girls Get Moving – free sessions for 8 to 14 year-olds during Easter holiday

2026-04-02T15:50:24Z

Girls Get Moving is the perfect chance for girls aged 8 to 14 to get active, make new friends and try out a variety of fun sports and games – all in a safe and welcoming environment.

Activities, which are free of charge, include trampolining, football, basketball, badminton, dodgeball, tennis, fencing, adapted games and much more.

The next session is taking place at Talacre Community Sports Centre, Dalby Street, NW5 3AF on Tuesday 7 April, from 4pm to 6pm.

To secure a space, please fill in the online registration form
Check out other free and low-cost Easter holiday activities for children and young people.

What fair futures for young carers means to us

2026-03-10T17:40:49Z

It’s Young Carers Action Day on Wednesday 11 March. The theme this year is 'fair futures for young carers', a call to ensure every young carer has the same chances to learn, grow and thrive as their peers.

In Camden, we’re highlighting the support young carers need to reach their potential, from recognition in school and access to training and employment, to meaningful breaks, wellbeing support and opportunities that help them build brighter futures. Below, two members of the Camden Borough Carers Partnership Board reflect on what ‘fair futures for young carers’ means to them.

Wajidha Shamash-Din, Co-Chair of Camden Borough Carers Partnership Board, said:

"In my opinion, a young carer is a child or young person who takes on responsibilities that go far beyond what should be expected at their age. They may be caring for a parent, siblings or other family members, often quietly and without recognition, while still trying to manage school, friendships and their own wellbeing.

I have a daughter who is a young carer, and seeing this through my own family has shaped my understanding deeply. She has helped care for me, her dad and her siblings, and although this comes from love, I want her to have a life where she is free to be a child. In my opinion, every child deserves a childhood free from unnecessary stress and adult responsibilities. I try my very best to protect her from carrying too much and to make sure she is not burdened by caring duties.

This matters even more to me because I was a young carer once myself and I carried that sense of duty well into adulthood without realising what it was. It took a social worker to tell me that I was a carer, and only then did I understand how much responsibility I had taken on as a child. When I realised this, I became determined to do everything I could to stop my daughter from carrying the same weight.

In my opinion, young carers should be identified early and supported through early intervention, so they are seen, heard and helped before caring affects their health, education or future. Young carers show incredible strength and compassion, but they should also be looked after, supported and given the same chances as their peers to thrive and reach their full potential. They deserve fairness, understanding, protection, opportunity, joy, hope and choice."

Beverley Benson, Camden resident and Camden Borough Partnership Carers Board Member, said:

"For me, fair futures for young carers (the theme for Young Carers Action Day 2026) means young carers having the opportunity of a life that’s fully fulfilled, a life not constrained or stifled because of extenuating circumstances that are beyond the control of the young carer, so that their caring responsibilities aren’t encroaching on all facets of their personal freedoms.

It means having a seamlessly enjoyable childhood and being able to be fully a young person, with all that it encompasses. It’s being able to go to the cinema on a Saturday with your friends on a whim, talking about the latest new song that all the kids are mesmerised by, being able to enjoy the excitement of it all. It’s enjoying the latest ‘recycled’ fashion, whilst feeling like you’re creating something inventive as you rummage through your older sister's or a friend's wardrobe.

It’s enjoying most people’s shared milestones in life and being included in the normalcy of going on your first holiday, experiencing your first heartbreak, your first job and getting your first car, your first home. Enjoying the simple things in life, and the challenges and the joys of being a young person who is transitioning into adulthood. This is only possible with the right support systems, healthy advice streams, mentors, advocates and confidants in place to guide and chaperone the individual to live a life that’s fully enriched.

If, for the average young person or child, “it takes a village to raise a child”, I believe for a young carer, it takes an army. Often, people are unaware that being a young carer can, at times, become taxing, tiring, secluded and thankless.

A fair future for a young carer is providing systems that allow for a young carer to experience opportunities that display no differences between them and their peers who aren’t young carers. A fair future to me is about young carers having the opportunity to complete education without distractions, without school being a tool for escapism, and without suffering heart churns and stomach rumbles from worries about what’s happening in the home or what the young carer will have to face upon their return home.

It’s being allowed to have ambitions and dreams, believing that these will or can actually happen, with bucket lists and goals materialising because the right support system is put in place to help the young carer navigate through life with ease.

It’s allowing young carers to be who they are, a young person who happens to care for someone - not a label that defines them for the rest of their lives.

If a man stepping on the moon was a great leap for mankind, then I envisage a young carer being all they desire to be as phenomenal as one of the seven wonders of the world."

Definition of a young carer
Young carers are defined in the Children Act 2014 as “a person under 18 who provides or intends to provide care for another person (of any age, except where that care is provided for payment, pursuant to a contract or as voluntary work)”. Their caring responsibilities could be for a parent, or sibling, or both, perhaps due to that parent or sibling’s long-term illness, disability or substance dependency. If left unsupported, young carers are vulnerable.

Carers Action Plan
The Carers Action Plan is a plan across Camden to better recognise and support unpaid carers. To ensure that responsibility for the action plan is shared across organisations, a Board was launched in early 2025, called the Borough Partnership Carers Board. The Board tracks progress of the areas for action and ensures that the principles are considered in all work. The board includes carers, Councillors, and senior representatives from across our wider Borough Partnership.

Meanwhile, a draft Camden Young Carers Plan 2026-29 is due to be finalised in consultation with families, young carers and partners. It will set out how the Council and our partners will help young carers under ‘four ideas’:

1.   Safe places to talk
2.   People who understand
3.   Help when you need it
4.   A voice that matters.

Resources and links

Young Carers Action Day 2026 – more info and resources
Visit Islington and Camden Young Carers Service website
View or download: Islington and Camden Young Carers Service leaflet and poster
Watch: Michelle Homer, Camden Careers and Connexions Adviser – short video (two minutes, 21 seconds)
Watch: How do we recognise and support our young carers? Parliament Hill School – video (12 minutes)

Science, tech, engineering, arts and maths (STEAM) opportunities for young people in Camden

2026-03-09T18:52:53Z

Camden STEAM is a partnership between Camden Council and Camden Learning, which connects young people with employers and opportunities in the science, technology, engineering, arts and maths sector - including the growing digital tech sector.

Over the last three years, the programme has engaged over 13,000 children and young people and mobilised over 75 STEAM Pledge partners spanning creative, digital and scientific industries. Together, they have delivered work experience placements, mentoring, industry encounters and vocational pathways to support young people to build skills, confidence and awareness of career routes.

Camden Council has approved a 60% increase in funding to expand the STEAM programme for a further three years, strengthening efforts to connect local young people with the industries shaping the borough’s future. The announcement was made at a reception at the London AI Campus, in Somers Town, bringing together local employers, school leaders, students and partners to celebrate the achievements of the Camden STEAM programme.

Your offer of a secondary school place - getting ready to start your new school

2026-03-03T15:36:22Z

On 2 March, Camden parents and carers received their offers of Year 7 places for their children to start secondary school in September. We visited William Ellis School, in Highgate Road, to find out from current Year 7 students and the headteacher what happens next.

Headteacher Izzy Jones says that March is the start of a months-long process for welcoming and supporting boys who will be joining the school. This transition period continues after Year 7 students start in September, with special activities including a day of team building on nearby Hampstead Heath and a Year 7 Camp at William Ellis’s own outdoor education centre in the Surrey Hills, called The Mill.

Izzy said: “For us transition starts in March, when parents receive a letter saying we’re really pleased their children are coming to William Ellis and those parents will come and visit us in mid-March. Mr Altmann [Transition Lead at the school] then visits the boys’ primary schools, there’s a transition day for them in July, summer school in August, their first day at William Ellis in September, then the boys go out on the Heath in the autumn, followed by Year 7 Camp in the summer - which is when, if there’s anyone they haven’t made friends with, that’s the chance to make friends with them.”

All of this helps prepare children, and their parents and carers, for the move from primary to secondary school and help ensure students thrive once at the school.

Speaking about the transition day he attended before starting at William Ellis, current Year 7 student Tyreese, 12, said: “I felt nervous at first but then I made a lot of friends and I felt more comfortable with the school and got used to what it would be like.”

Fellow Year 7 student, Milo, 11, said: “We met the teachers, including some of those who were going to be important to us.”

Following the transition day in July, William Ellis then runs a four-day summer school for their incoming Year 7s during the last week of August.

Tyreese said: “The point of summer school is to make friends before school starts.”

Milo said: “You also get used to the school, where to go and the teachers. We did some interesting things like Taskmaster games, including moving balloons down a corridor with no hands and landing paper aeroplanes onto a strip of astroturf. It’s all about teamwork.”

Karl Altmann, Assistant Head and Transition Lead, visits prospective Year 7 students in their primary schools.

Milo said: “We talked [with Mr Altmann] about what lessons we would have in secondary school and what to expect at William Ellis.”

Tyreese said: “He talked about the sports clubs and opportunities at William Ellis and how delicious the food is there.”

During their first month at William Ellis, the boys were taken out for a Year 7s day on Hampstead Heath.

Milo said: “At the day on the Heath, there was a lot of team working because we were doing crafts and making kites. There was an icebreaker to get to know each other and team-building to make our friendships stronger.”

The boys also reflected on how it feels to move to William Ellis School and settle into secondary school life.

Tyreese said: “I really wanted to go to William Ellis because my older brother used to go to this school. I knew a lot of my friends were coming here too. When I found out the result [on Offer Day], I was very happy. The transition day was fun as well.”

Milo said: “I wanted to come here because it has really good sports, it’s a nice small school and it has good learning. I also like the fact that it has a massive library for reading.”

The boys are also looking forward to going to their Year 7 Camp at The Mill this summer to enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including walking in the Surrey Hills and camping.

Their fellow Year 7 student, Marcel, 12, said he had some anxieties about starting secondary school, but he has now made friends, including his friendship with Milo, and feels settled at William Ellis.

Marcel said: “After a term and a half here, I feel that the school really supports the kids here. I’m glad that I came here and not another school.”

Find out more

Read more about William Ellis School's transition programme for new students
In Camden, it is a priority for us that children move smoothly and successfully from primary to secondary school. Here you can read or download our transition guide for parents
Find out more about all Camden's 10 state secondary schools
Visit the education and training section of Camden Rise

Real Talk 2026 focuses on 'belonging' - watch our film of this year's event

2026-03-02T10:08:45Z

Real Talk is a debate for 16 to 25 year-olds from Camden, which aims to create a safe space to express opinions and challenge ideas on topics. This year's event was held on 11 February at Camden Town Hall.

Real Talk helps young people to gain a deeper understanding of issues that affect their lives, as well as empowering them to shape future services and support.

This year’s theme was ‘belonging’ – including what a sense of belonging means to young people, whether that is family, community, friends or school, as well as the importance of having safe spaces and community hubs for young people to connect and belong.

Real Talk was organised by Camden Council’s Health and Wellbeing Department, in partnership with Council and voluntary sector youth services.

Watch a short film about Real Talk 2026

Pupils have their say at Takeover Challenge 2025

2025-11-25T14:00:14Z

Takeover Challenge is a chance for children from local schools to put forward their views on a range of topics of importance to them and have their voices heard by decision-makers.

On 21 November, Camden's annual Takeover Challenge took place at the Crowndale Centre, in Camden, and was attended by pupils from eight primary schools - Torriano, Brecknock, Rhyl, Rosary, Kingsgate, Richard Cobden, Edith Neville and Christ Church, Hampstead.

This year, the areas pupils focused on in their presentations were online safety; special educational needs, disabilities and inclusion; children's rights and mental health. The event was full of fun, creativity and valuable discussions around these topics.

The panel of senior leaders from Camden Council and Camden Learning was Councillor Marcus Boyland, Cabinet Member for Best Start for Children and Families; Tim Aldridge, the Council's Executive Director for Children and Learning; the Mayor of Camden, Councillor Eddie Hanson; Rachel Davie, Camden Learning's Director of Learning and Impact; Di Osbourne, the Council's Head of SEND and Inclusion, and Sheila Durr, Head of the Virtual School for Looked After Children.

Youth Safety Multi-Media Awards and Camden Youth Awards winners announced

2025-11-10T15:28:43Z

Camden Council marked the borough's Youth Celebration Fortnight and National Youth Work Week with a series of events and activities designed to empower children, young people, youth workers and professionals.

A highlight was the announcement of winners for Camden’s annual Youth Safety Multi-Media Competition, held at Camden Town Hall on 6 November. Now in its fifth year, the competition invites young people to creatively explore youth safety through podcasting, filmmaking, drama, art and design.

Also celebrated at the same event were the winners of the Camden Youth Awards, which shine a light on the inspiring journeys of young people, the dedication of youth workers, and the impact of voluntary sector projects that make a real difference.

The joint winners of the Youth Safety Multi-Media Competition 2025 were:

We are talking, can you hear us? Acland Burghley School. A video podcast about youth safety by students from Acland Burghley School, reflecting on what youth safety means to them. The school has always entered the annual Youth Safety Multi-Media Competition over the last five years and this is the third time they have been named winners in the competition. Watch their video
The Truth Behind the Lie, Chapters 1 and 2 - Coram's Fields Youth Programme. Created by a girls’ group at Coram’s Fields Youth Programme, this film uses drama to highlight the challenges they face now and concerns they see for the future, exploring themes such as online safety, the use of social media and impact of AI. The films examine how these issues affect children and young people’s health and wellbeing. Watch their video

The runners-up of this year's Youth Safety Multi-Media Competition were:

Voices of Change (Lessons from the Unrest) by Camden Detached Youth Team. Camden Detached Youth Team have produced a youth-led documentary exploring how young people, local residents and frontline staff in Camden experienced the rise in hate crimes and national tensions during 2024, highlighting their resilience, solidarity and vision for a safer, more inclusive community. The film also reflects on more recent events, including demonstrations and the rise in racism. Watch their video
Parliament Hill School Youth Safety Posters. Produced by Year 8 students, the school’s entry features eight creative posters focused on online safety, highlighting practical ways young people can stay safe online while sharing their vision for Camden’s future. The winning posters were by these Parliament Hill students: Alea Krasniqi, Aria Irving, Florence Smith, Hanna Stubbs, Kezia Wedderburn, Sienna Montes Meeres, Valentina Frediani-Ribiere and Zarah Khanam Omar.

The winners of the Camden Youth Awards 2025 were:

Positive Impact Award - Camden Community Wealth Fund Youth Panel Members
Personal Journey Award – Rahim Ahmed, nominated for his work with the Your Bike Project
Young Volunteer Award – Kais Mahmud-Marshall, from disability dance charity icandance
Best Practitioner in Camden (Council) Award - Marley Simms, an apprentice Youth Worker at Camden Council, who is just finishing his apprenticeship and is due to become a full-time youth worker with the Youth Early Help Team at Somers Town Youth Centre
Best Voluntary Sector Practitioner Award - Ian Horgan, Lead Facilitator at Wac Nites, run by the charity Wac Arts
Best Voluntary Sector Project Award – Fitzrovia Youth in Action Peer Education Project, in partnership with William Ellis School.

Other standout moments from the fortnight included a Young People’s Assembly on rights and youth voice at the Crowndale Centre on 29 October, and a Mayoral Reception on 3 November to honour youth workers from both the Council and voluntary sector.

Activities and events were hosted by Camden Council’s Integrated Youth Support Service with local voluntary sector partners, schools and the Mayor of Camden.

Thinking about your next steps at 16?

2025-10-22T09:43:27Z

What you decide to do after Year 11 is important for your future. Your choices right now can affect how easily you get a job or continue your education later.

At 16, you can either stay in full-time education or start working in a job that includes part-time education, such as an apprenticeship or training.

Visit Camden Learning's new website, Next Steps Post-16, to explore different learning paths and the local options available to you.

Camden Youth Council meet icandance Young Ambassadors at Town Hall

2025-10-03T17:14:51Z

Camden Youth Council members met children and young people from the disabled children's charity icandance to discuss collaborating on future events and projects - and improve inclusion in the borough.

The meeting and discussion at Camden Town Hall was organised by the Mayor of Camden, Councillor Eddie Hanson, who has chosen icandance as his official charity during his Mayoral year.

Young Ambassadors help to guide the work of the charity and give young people a voice, while Camden Youth Council help to represent young people in Camden and make change happen. Camden's Youth MP and Deputy Youth MP also attended the event in the Council Chamber on 30 September.

The icandance Young Ambassadors talked about what they most enjoy about dancing and asked how they might be able to get involved with Camden Youth Council events and activities.

Camden Youth Council spoke about how they want to include as many young people as possible and wanted to know how icandance could help CYC to be more inclusive of all children and young people.

Find out more about CYC and icandance

See more photos from the CYC and icandance meeting at the Town Hall
Visit the icandance website and the Young Ambassadors web page
Visit the Camden Youth Council web page

Opportunity Centres - autumn programme for secondary students

2025-09-26T13:48:07Z

Opportunity Centres are for curious-minded students in Camden. They provide after-school and holiday learning opportunities through activities that students can’t access in school - check out the latest programme.

The programmes, which run at the London AI Campus, in Somers Town, and the Euston Skills Centre include using and mastering AI technology; youth entrepreneurship with the Rebel Business School; creative projects such as film-making, animation, art and fashion; design, construction and architecture; money management and British Sign Language.

All activities are for secondary students in Camden and are free to attend.

Find out more and check out the autumn term programme

Could you be Camden's next Youth MP?

2025-10-08T14:11:14Z

Young people go to the polls in April 2026 to elect a new Camden Youth MP and two Deputy Youth MPs. Could you be the borough's next youth MP?

If you're aged 13 to 19, live in Camden, go to school or college in the borough or work here, and you want to stand as a candidate, you need to apply by 30 January.

Find out more and apply

Download a candidate pack and fill in the application form
Could you be Camden's next Youth MP - short film (one minute)
View or download a flyer
Email rashid.ali@camden.gov.uk or phone 07760 275 382.

Our Youth MP and Deputy Youth MPs are the voice for Camden young people, putting forward their interests in local decision-making, as well as representing the views and interests of local young people at regional and national level.

They lead Camden Youth Council; attend local, regional and national events; meet senior Council officers, councillors and other local decision-makers; visit schools and youth clubs; oversee the progress of campaigns and priority issues highlighted by young people at the annual Camden Shout Out; represent the views of local young people at a range of council and community meetings, as well as at a national level at the UK Youth Parliament.

Visit the Camden Youth MP Election 2026 web page

My role as a Youth Justice Service Peer Advocate - by Safiyyah

2025-09-03T16:32:56Z

Hey, my name is Safiyyah and I work as a Peer Advocate in the Youth Justice Service (YJS). I help support children and young people who have been affected by the criminal justice system or who may be going through a rough time.

I don't ever judge anyone. I am here for them as someone they can talk to and as someone that listens. Being listened to can make a difference sometimes.

What made me apply for this role?
I applied for this role because of a friend I lost, called Claudyo Jauad Lafayette. Losing him to knife crime changed everything for me. I saw how quickly things can change.
Ever since, this tragedy - as well as having a youth worker who I aspired to be like - has motivated me into pursuing my dream of working with children and young people. I try to help in any way I can because every little helps. Playing even a small part in someone's journey towards change means achieving the steps towards my dream.

What I do as a peer advocate
I listen to my peers without judgment, give them advice, and mentor them from a genuine perspective. I am someone who shows up, someone who listens and someone who genuinely cares. Most of my work is office-based, and these are the main things I do:

One-to-one mentoring, which is about having real conversations, offering advice, and helping children and young people to access support
Helping to run focus groups and feedback sessions - hearing directly from children and young people so we can help improve services and make sure their voices are heard
Reviewing Youth Justice Service (YJS) interventions by helping to make sure they are working for children and young people
Creating posters and leaflets to promote positive activities that YJS offers, so children and young people know what is out there for them
Being part of interview panels, helping to choose the right staff for YJS services by representing the views and needs of the children aged 10 to 17 they’ll be working with
Helping to develop surveys to better understand what children and young people in Camden need, and how we can do better
Helping to organise safety events for young women and girls in Camden, including being part of organising a youth assembly about violence against woman and girls. I also help organise and run a women’s self-defence class. It's a great way to empower young women to speak about the issues we face.

What skills have I gained?
Since starting this role, I’ve had so many opportunities to grow. I have worked on my social anxiety by gradually building the confidence to speak up in meetings and in other settings - something I never would have done when I first started. Other opportunities and skills that this role has enabled me to have are:

Gaining a Level 1 Youth Work qualification, which is a big step towards my dream
Completing an AQA mentoring training, which has made me a qualified peer mentor
Attending youth events, where I have learned from others and had the chance to network
Shadowing professionals in court, which helped me understand how the justice system affects young people
Relational Practice training, which was really helpful. It taught me how to build better relationships with young people by just being real, listening properly, and not rushing to give advice. It's about working with them, not just talking to them. Since completing the training, I feel more confident having honest conversations and supporting my peers in a way that feels both natural and respectful.

All of this has helped me develop my confidence, communication, and ability to help and support others.

What does Camden mean to me?
Camden means home to me. It is where I grew up, made memories, and learned who I am. The busy streets, the music, the mix of people, all of it has shaped me. I carry the memory of my friend Claudyo. I do this work because losing him has motivated me to pursue my dreams and for every young person who needs someone.
I have always believed in second chances, and I believe change is possible. If I can be part of that, even in a small way, then I am doing something right.
This job has made me realise that you don’t need to be perfect or have all the answers to help someone, sometimes you just need to care.
Remember, if you have lost someone or seen someone struggle around you, don’t think your story has to end there. A quote that I relate to is: "You can turn your pain into purpose." That’s what I am doing, and I hope others do too.

By Safiyyah, aged 19, who is a Camden Youth Justice Service Peer Advocate

Nominations open for the Camden Youth Awards 2025

2025-09-30T12:25:20Z

The Camden Youth Awards 2025 is now open for nominations. The Youth Awards recognise and celebrate the inspiring journeys of young people, the hard work and dedication of staff, and voluntary sector projects that make a real difference to the lives of children in Camden.

This year, there are six award categories - see the Information Pack for more details. Please have a read through and complete the online form to nominate a child or young person aged 13 to 19 (up to 25 for young people with learning difficulties or disabilities), staff member or project. The deadline for nominations is Monday 6 October (deadline extended by one week).

The nominations will be reviewed, and winners selected, by a panel of Camden Council's Integrated Youth Support Service staff and young people who make up our Camden Youth Council and Peer Advocates.

Camden's youth service will be hosting an event at Camden Town Hall on Thursday 6 November, as part of Youth Celebration Fortnight. The winners of each award will be announced at this event.

View or download the Camden Youth Awards 2025 Information Pack
Submit your nominations before 6 October

Celebrations as Camden students receive GCSE results

2025-08-26T15:27:08Z

Thursday 21 August marked a significant milestone for students across Camden, as they received their GCSE results after years of dedication and hard work.

Provisional results show that 72.3% of Camden schools’ GCSE exam entries in 2025 were awarded grade 4 or above, higher than this year’s national average of 67.1%.

At Haverstock School, Liam, 16 (pictured above, second from right), was celebrating achieving three top grade 9s in his Italian, Spanish and English Literature GCSEs, along with 8s in history, English language, biology and maths, 7s in computer science and physics, as well as a further two strong passes at grades 5 and 6.

Liam, who is staying on at Haverstock Sixth Form, said: “I’m pleased - it went well. I’m very happy with the 9 in English literature and 8 in biology, which I didn’t expect. I’m going to study English literature, maths and psychology A-levels at the sixth form here.”

Cadense, 16, from Hampstead School achieved three 9s, three 8s, two 7s, and one 5 in their GCSEs. They were especially pleased with a 9 in history and are considering going to LaSWAP Sixth Form to study politics, history and economics at A-level.

Matthew Sadler, Headteacher of Hampstead School, said: “I am so proud of all of our Year 11 students - because of COVID they left primary school after a lockdown and started their time in secondary school confined to ‘bubbles’. Despite the most difficult circumstances in generations, they have thrived - now achieving wonderful academic progress."

Read the full story and see more photos from Camden GCSEs 2025
Students and families looking for advice on next steps, including university, apprenticeships, or emotional wellbeing support, can visit the education pages of Camden Rise

Camden students celebrate A-level and vocational results day 2025

2025-08-26T15:23:35Z

Camden’s Year 13 students were celebrating on 14 August as they picked up their A-level and vocational results.

With grades slightly above the national average and scores improving from last year, it’s been a great year for local schools.

Celebrations took place across Camden yesterday, as students gathered to receive their results.

Among the individual success stories at Parliament Hill School and LaSWAP Sixth Form was Maisy, 18, who is off to Oxford University to study politics, philosophy and economics (PPE) after gaining two A*s and an A in her A-levels.

Maisy said: “I would like to work for a policy think tank to put some pressure on the slow coaches.”

Fellow Parliament Hill School and LaSWAP student Kerrie, 18 (pictured above, far right) got three Cs in her A-levels and plans to train as a paramedic by studying for a degree in paramedic science at St George’s University of London. She was inspired by meeting a paramedic through a mentoring programme.

William Ellis School and LaSWAP student Alec, 17, who is a talented pianist, has a place at the world-famous Royal College of Music in London to study composition after receiving an A* in his music A-level and As in maths and music technology. Alec joined William Ellis through the school’s specialist music places scheme.

Read the full story here
See more photos from Camden A-level and vocational results day 2025
For students and families looking for advice on next steps, including university, apprenticeships, or emotional wellbeing support, visit the education page of Camden Rise

Safeguarding on rail - national awareness day to protect vulnerable children and young people

2025-08-05T18:15:34Z

Last Thursday (31 July), young people who are members of Regent's Park Young Guardians joined Camden youth workers, the charity Railway Children and other safeguarding and rail professionals to deliver a powerful Day of Action across key train stations along the West Coast Main Line from Glasgow Central to London Euston.

The aim was to raise awareness of vulnerability and safeguarding issues affecting children and young people.

The event – specifically timed during the school summer holidays - saw multi-agency stalls at Glasgow Central, Preston, Birmingham New Street and London Euston stations, as well as a visit to the new Hub at Wolverhampton station.

It featured face-to-face engagement with passengers and station staff, distribution of educational safeguarding materials and interactive activities.

At Euston Station, Regent's Park Young Guardians were involved in this face-to-face work supported by youth workers from Camden Detached Youth Team and local charity Fitzrovia Youth in Action.

This co-ordinated effort was part of Railway Children’s ongoing campaign 'At Risk, Right Here, Right Now', which is designed to increase public understanding of the risks facing vulnerable children and young people on the rail network and how the public can respond to concerns that don't need an emergency response through use of the 61016 British Transport Police text reporting number.

Find out more: