A Message from the Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees would like to provide a transparent insight into the challenges currently facing Samuel Lithgow Youth Centre. We sincerely apologise that we have not been able to communicate directly with the community sooner.
The Board wishes to express our gratitude for everyone’s commitment to this centre. We recognise that the uncertainty surrounding the centre’s future has caused undeniable strain and distress to this community.
Please know we are doing everything we can to avoid causing further pain and to secure the best possible outcome for the future of the centre.
Summary
Samuel Lithgow Youth Centre temporarily closed in January 2026 following financial pressures.
We are working closely with the London Borough of Camden to explore options that will protect the centre’s future as a community asset. A final decision about the long-term future of the centre is expected by April-May 2026, and community consultation will play an important role in shaping that outcome.
How We Got Here
Temporary Closure of the Centre
The Board of Trustees for Samuel Lithgow Youth Centre made the difficult decision at the end of January 2026 to temporarily close the centre. This decision was not taken lightly, but the closure was necessary to allow for a full review of the charity’s position and to establish a plan to secure the future of the centre as a vital community hub.
We deeply regret that this decision was made with little notice, and recognise the impact it has had on our staff, sessional workers, volunteers, and the wider community we serve. Please be assured that we evaluated every available option to avoid this outcome, but unfortunately it was not possible.
Emergency Support During the Closure
The Board appointed a financial specialist and worked closely in collaboration with the London Borough of Camden (LBC). LBC recognises the important role that Samuel Lithgow Youth Centre plays in the local community. As a result, they provided emergency funding to enable a limited youth provision to continue while the Board explores options for the centre’s future.
What Happens Now
What This Means for You Right Now
We understand that many people’s first question is what this means for young people, families, and services at the centre today.
- Youth provision is continuing. With support from the London Borough of Camden, a reduced youth service will continue during this review period. We are in the process of confirming the activities for holiday club during the Easter break (Monday 30 March to Friday 10 April 2026).
- Some programmes are currently paused. Certain community projects, including the Women’s Fitness Project, are not currently funded and therefore cannot run at this time.
- No final decision has been made yet. The Board is actively exploring several options to secure the centre’s future and avoid closure.
- The building’s future remains focused on young people. The Board and Camden remain committed to the building continuing to serve as a youth-focused community asset.
- The community will be involved. Consultation and engagement sessions will be held so that local residents, young people, and stakeholders can help shape what happens next.
Possible Future Options
There are currently two potential pathways for the future of the centre:
- Partnership with another organisation
A partnership could be formed with another organisation that is able to provide financial and operational support to sustain the centre. - Transfer to another local organisation
The charity in its current form may close, with the centre transferred to another local organisation that can continue operating services from the building.
The Board and LBC want to be clear that we are committed to taking every possible action to avoid closure; however, we must recognise it is still a possibility in the worst case scenario.
Protecting the Centre’s Community Legacy
Our priority throughout this process is to ensure continuity for:
- Sessional workers
- The children and young people who attend the centre
- Parents and families
- Community members who have accessed services here for many years
We recognise the enormous amount of work that staff, sessional workers, volunteers, and community members have contributed to building this centre.
It is essential that this work is respected, valued, and placed at the heart of any organisation that may be involved in the centre’s future.
Commitment to the Building’s Future
While all options are being explored, the Board and LBC remain committed to ensuring that the building continues to be used as a youth-focused community asset.
We are also working closely with appointed financial specialists to ensure that any potential handover of the site is managed securely and responsibly.
Community Consultation and Next Steps
We will be working with LBC and community members on a consultation process to identify relevant organisations that could support the centre’s future.
As this work progresses, we will be organising community engagement sessions. It is important that the voices of local residents, young people, families, and stakeholders are included in shaping what happens next. Further updates will be shared as soon as possible.
Our Commitments to the Community
- Protecting youth provision: We will continue working with partners to ensure the building remains a youth-focused community asset wherever possible.
- Prioritising young people and families: The needs of the children, young people, families, and community members who rely on the centre will remain central to every decision.
- Respecting the centre’s legacy: The dedication and contributions of staff, volunteers, and community members who have built this centre will be recognised and respected in any future arrangements.
- Working in partnership: We will continue working closely with the London Borough of Camden and other partners to explore sustainable options for the centre’s future.
- Engagement with the community: Community consultation and listening to your voice will be a key part of shaping what happens next. We will provide updates as decisions progress.