Hogarth Youth Program Appeals For Future Support
Centre was on upward trend when it had to close due to coronavirus crisis
The Hogarth Youth Program centre closed its doors on Saturday 28 March for all activities, for the first time in the Centre's 50-year history.
While the closure means saving money on heating, lighting and cleaning, the centre has been looking ahead to how it can maintain the momentum which had recently been gained by raising its profile and attracting sponsorship. The second Open Evening on 14th May to raise the Centre profile with local residents’ associations and church groups, has been cancelled.
The Centre has been looking back on the gains it has made in the last year.
Led by a new team, the Hogarth Program recorded a 14% year on year increase in youth programme attendees. January and February saw a 38% increase in attendances which included a successful February half-term programme. The youth team delivered this 3% below budget.
Their submission for the London Youth Silver Quality Mark was very well received and they are confident that we will secure this shortly.
Funding and Awareness
The youth team won a £7,500 Council grant from its Reducing Violent and Serious Crime Grant Programme and received a £1,000 donation from the Good Luck Charity and £500 from the Rotary of Chiswick and Brentford including Hammersmith
They also secured a new long term licensee to occupy the Centre’s only vacant room, found new short-term users of both halls and agreed inflation-linked license fee increases across the Centre. They continued with essential maintenance and also installed the Centre’s first defibrillator to protect both young and old Centre users
New Faces
A new part-time Centre Manager, Eilis Devendra, was appointed, and brings a wealth of useful charitable experience. Jamilla Amra ensured a smooth transition during March and continues in her original role of Centre book keeper. Jonathan Walker, a retired banker who lives locally, has been welcomed onto the Board of Trustees.
COVID-19 Crisis
From mid-March attendance numbers and licensee business activity both tapered rapidly. The government’s tighter controls on gatherings and movement left all licensees unable to operate and the youth programme without attendees, as parents elected to keep their children at home. They offered to support three local schools with their care programmes for children of key workers, but they were able to cope with the limited numbers attending.
The Future
Fred Lucas, Chairman of the Board of Trustees commented: "Every UK charity is experiencing difficulties. We have fortunately built some limited financial resilience since starting our journey of independence in January 2019. We continue to minimise expenses and operate as efficiently as possible, adapting as necessary. April sees the Youth Team and Centre Manager working from home and redirecting their efforts to fund raising opportunities.
"We are absolutely determined to return from this enforced period of hibernation, reopen the Centre and restart the youth programme as soon as it is practical to do so.
"We are especially grateful for your continued support during these most challenging times.
Once again I ask you please to let us know of any organisations, trusts or foundations which you think might support our work."
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April 5, 2020