A safe haven in south London: Grove Adventure Playground’s lifeline for local youth
In the heart of Loughborough Junction, Grove Adventure Playground has become far more than a place to play. It’s a sanctuary, a community hub and a vital support network for hundreds of children and young people in the area.
Each year, more than 200 young people aged 6 to 16 come through its gates to climb, explore, build friendships, take part in organised activities and, simply put, be kids. Young people are supported to co-design activities, from sports to creative projects, that reflect their interests and aspirations. This not only gives them ownership but also helps develop life skills, build trust, and foster community spirit. It’s a safe and free space that many in the local area have come to rely on.
But now, due to funding cuts, the future of some of its most valued services is at risk.
Run by the Loughborough Junction Action Group, the playground had been closed before being rescued and reopened in 2018. Since then, it has gone from strength to strength, offering supervised, structured support that has made a real difference to young lives. The team behind the playground, made up of experienced and qualified staff, including young people who’ve grown up with the project and are now employed there, work tirelessly to offer meaningful opportunities that build confidence, resilience and social skills.
But financial pressures are mounting. A shortfall of £35,000 means that popular after-school programmes have already been paused and the much-loved Monday session for the 13+ age group has been suspended.
The impact of such closures is far-reaching. The team has seen a growing number of children facing mental and emotional health challenges, often manifesting in behavioural difficulties or social isolation. In some cases, this makes them more vulnerable to negative influences, such as grooming by local gangs.
Now, Loughborough Junction Action Group is working hard to raise the £35,000 needed to reinstate its full programme and put Grove Adventure Playground on a more stable financial footing for the future. As part of this effort, all donations to the campaign are being matched for two weeks, giving supporters the opportunity to double their impact.
To learn more about the campaign and make a donation, visit https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05WS000002EFPRYA4.