M&S Covent Garden

The Connection is based in the West End and works with people who are rough sleeping to move away from, and stay off, the streets of London. It often starts with a chat, the offer of a coffee and perhaps a hot meal and shower. The chance to use a washing machine or charge a phone. Simple things that aren’t easy when you’re living on the streets. Then it’s about listening to people and building up trust and understanding, so we can work out together what they need next. When you feel let down by the system, and humankind, it’s not always easy to find or accept help. So we stick with people, and find ways to get them what they need. Ultimately, it’s about treating every person as a human being with dignity, so they can find their way off the streets and a place to call home.

Dragon Hall works with Young People who live in a number of Lower Super Output Areas in both Camden & Westminster, areas which suffer from significant disadvantage and deprivation. Our immediate surrounding area (LSOA 918) is rated in the bottom 10% of areas in England (UKlocalarea.com), as the 32nd most deprived area in Camden, the 6% most deprived in England with regard to living environment and 9% most disadvantaged in relation to income deprivation which affects children (Indices of Deprivation). Our after school clubs provide much needed open access youth work to children aged 8 to 11 and 12 to 18, and support to parents. As part of the club a healthy meal is provided free of charge. Our aims for young people include To provide free or low cost, affordable provision for the local community To offer high quality play, informed learning and developmental opportunities for children and young people, to learn, explore, create and socialise in a safe and secure space To provide working parents with after school provision that meets their needs To provide volunteer opportunities for young people and adults To maximise use of Dragon Hall space to offer a challenging, diverse and relevant range of activities To enable young people to challenge negative preconceptions and the deficit model through showcasing their talents effort and contribution To offer a diverse range of activities that combats the lack of provision available To encourage participants to make a positive contribution to their local community