About Us


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Young K&C is a dynamic, new cross-sector partnership, creating a community of member and partner organisations working together to support children and young people.

We want all children and young people in Kensington and Chelsea to have access to inspiring, local opportunities to help them to pursue their ambitions and be part of their community.

Core funding from John Lyon's Charity and Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea pays for all overheads and enables us to ensure that all additional funds and donations go straight to supporting children.



What we do

Young K&C brings together businesses, employers, voluntary, community and public sector organisations to create great opportunities for children and young people.

We support local charities and non-profit organisations in Kensington and Chelsea with information sharing, advice, networking and small grants.

We work on behalf of our members to develop long-term partnerships with businesses, public sector partners, individuals and major funders. Partnerships facilitate support and broker funding for our members.

Why we're here

Young K&C was set up to bring together partnerships and target support for local children and young people. Kensington and Chelsea has some of the most wealthy areas in the country, but it also has areas of disadvantage.

- 38% of children and young people are growing up in poverty
- Income inequality greatest of any London borough
- Impact of the Grenfell fire on children and young people in areas affected
- Reductions in funding for charities working with children and young people


We aim to improve outcomes and reduce inequality for local children and young people by building a thriving local voluntary sector and reducing inequality. Our approach brings together local voluntary organisations, businesses, and public sector organisations to provide targeted support for local children and young people.


Our Values

Collaboration
We develop quality relationships based on authenticity and integrity to create a network of organisations working together to provide better outcomes for children and young people.
Empowerment
Our work is co-produced with the people it impacts in our local community, giving them a seat at the table around conversation that will affect their future.
Community
Our team is embedded within the community, working to the wants and needs of our local area.
Equality
We create opportunities for all members of our community to impact our work who have previously been left out of decision making.

What young people say

Our work is led and informed by the priorities identified by children and young people in Kensington and Chelsea.

“I think that it’s extremely important that ‘Young People’ get a chance to say what they want to do as it’s their future.” (Child, aged 12, Kensington & Chelsea Youth Review)

Youth voice is central to our work. The needs of children and young people in our community sits at the heart of what we do. Our work is guided by the four priority areas identified by local young people:


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Young People's Foundations Network

We are proud members of the YPF Network that has been developed in response to the ongoing challenges facing the Children and Young People’s sector. Young People’s Foundations (YPF’s) bring together the public, private and voluntary sectors to effect positive change for young people.

Together we share a common goal – to help create and champion a more impactful, co-ordinated and sustainable sector to ensure all children and young people have access to quality support and opportunities.

Based in our local communities, each YPF's services are based on the needs and assets of our area.

Find out more

Meet the Team

Young K&C is supported by a fantastic team of Staff and Trustees.
  • Nicola Butler
    Nicola Butler
    CEO

    Nicola has extensive experience of running voluntary sector children and youth services. In her previous role at Hackney Play Association, she was responsible for managing adventure playgrounds, youth clubs and Hackney’s play streets project.

    Nicola has served as a trustee of local children’s charities and as Chair of the national children’s charity, Play England. She is an author of Play England’s guidance, 'Design for Play: a guide to creating successful play spaces'.

    Nicola is passionate about children and young people having better opportunities for play, fun and enjoyment.

  • Niamh Graham
    Niamh Graham
    Deputy CEO

    Niamh has growing experience in delivering digital marketing, social media and branding. She has previously worked with charities in the education sector. Much of her work in previous roles was centred around working with children to provide safe, secure and fun spaces for children to develop their skills.

    Niamh is passionate about alleviating inequality in education. She is deeply committed to providing children and young people with the best possible opportunities to realise their full potential.

  • Tabatha Batra Vaughan
    Tabatha Batra Vaughan
    Digital Media Officer

    Tabatha is a videographer from North Kensington. She has made short documentaries based in Kensington and Chelsea about women’s football, community radio and mental health support for young people. Tabatha believes film is an accessible and powerful way to tackle issues in the community and is producing a video project with Young K&C that aims to combat stigma surrounding mental health and encourage young people to seek help sooner.

    Having grown up in the borough, Tabatha is passionate about giving back to the community and cares deeply about its young people and their future.

  • Sam Dale
    Sam Dale
    Development and Engagement Officer

    Sam join us after working for a local charity supporting children and young people in sports. He brings a lot of knowledge and experience to the role having worked in the local sector.