Thank you to everyone who attended the recent community meeting. Over 100 residents joined to hear an update and share their views on the future of the centre. We were joined by Camden Council’s Community Partnerships Team and Youth Services officers along with the Insolvency Practitioners.
We heard clearly how important the space is, hearing directly from young people, sessional staff, families and community members who value it as a safe, welcoming environment.
“It feels like a second home… Samuel Lithgow acts as a key support hub for young people, giving them structure, guidance, and a sense of community.” — Local Youth, 15
“It helps build confidence, friendships, and real-life skills. Hopefully the new people taking over are from the local area and a group that cares about the community.” — Local Youth
There was strong appreciation for the current youth activities, meals and the wider role the centre plays in supporting wellbeing.
Purpose: Inform, Engage and Shape
The session held on Thursday 9th April was designed to:
- Provide a clear and transparent update on the current position
- Share next steps for the centre
- Gather community and youth input to help shape future provision
At the meeting we heard:
- Charity financial reality and plans around insolvency
- We outlined the ongoing work with Camden Council to ensure the centre continues to be a youth centre, local community benefit.
- Emergency funding has been awarded to enable continuation in delivery while the board work with Camden Council to ensure a solvent transition of the Centre via an Expression of Interest process.
Headlines: Current financial situation at SLYC
- At the last AGM held in December 2025, the Auditors raised serious concerns around the charity’s financial viability.
- Increasing operational costs combined with a challenging funding environment severely impacted our resources.
- To avoid permanent closure, the Board sought professional insolvency advice to stabilise the situation and secure a managed transition.
What Happens Next
- The EOI process is now live (deadline: 20 April)
- Organisations are being invited to apply to deliver future provision
- Community and youth voices will continue to inform and be actively involved in the process
- Updates will be shared as the process progresses
Expression of interest – key principles:
Any potential organisations must address the following points in their Expression of Interest (EOI) for the Samuel Lithgow Youth Centre. Applicants should demonstrate:
- Transparent Governance and Oversight: Applicants should provide evidence of clear decision-making processes and appropriate oversight.
- Strong Leadership: Demonstrate organisational leadership with defined roles and arrangements for succession planning.
- Robust Operational Systems: Outline systems that support programme delivery and ensure quality assurance.
- Prudent Financial Management and Sustainability Planning: Show how financial management practices and sustainability planning contribute to long-term viability.
- Proven Asset Management: Provide examples of compliance and effective stewardship of assets.
- Panel Priorities: The panel will favour organisations demonstrating stability, effective management, and a commitment to delivering high-quality youth services.
Have Your Say
If you attended, or weren’t able to join, you can still share your views: 👉 here. Your feedback will help shape the future of youth provision at the centre.
Stay Involved
If you would like to stay updated or be involved in the next phase, please let us know via the survey.
Thank you for your continued passion and support for SLYC.
The Board of Trustees, Samuel Lithgow Youth Centre