As we enter the festive season, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible year we’ve had here at Castlehaven. It has been a year like no other, filled with hundreds of events, activities, and achievements that have brought us closer as a community.

2023 has been a major milestone for Castlehaven, as we have seen an increase in demand for services. Our Community Association has been buzzing with activity, with more people than ever participating in our programmes, workshops, and events, bringing us closer as a community.

Earlier this year we were approached by a solicitor who informed us that a previous member of our Ageactivity 60+ project had left Castlehaven a legacy of just under £80K. The Ageactivity 60+ project is currently only funded by The Mercers Company, so the board of trustees agreed to allocate this legacy to the running costs of the project over the next two years.

In April we started a new health and wellbeing – social prescribing – project called Health Haven in partnership with the Prince of Wales Medical Centre. Health Haven offers people aged 18yrs+ who may suffer with a chronic illness (diabetes, heart disease etc.), have poor mental health such as anxiety, depression, or sociaisolation.

Members are offered a variety of free social and physical activities such as exercise classes, healthy cooking lessons, health-based talks, and excursions. It has been a storming success with 190 registered members so far, and 70% disclosing that they live with a chronic illness.

This year, we have worked in partnership with a multitude of charitable organisations. Here’s a list of a few:

The London Irish Centre – IAG Dept, Unity Works, Thera Trust, The Outside LGBTIQ+ Project, The Black Cap Campaign, Social Farms & Gardens, WMC, Mind in Camden, The Recovery College, Good Gym Camden, Hopscotch Women’s Centre, Health Watch, Volunteer Centre Camden, Camden Think & Do, Camden & Islington Football Club (CANDI), VAC, Social Prescribers Network, Mbila Arts, The Zen Project, Camden Family Hubs plus many more.

Specials to our following funders: City Bridge Foundation, The Mercers Company, John Lyons Charity, Camden Council, BBC Children in Need, Fairstead Trust, The Kasuma Trust, Camden Youth Foundation, The Felix Project, Food Bank Aid, and so many more.

As we approach the coming year, we’re excited to continue our programmes & initiatives, and we can’t wait to share our plans for next year. But in the meantime, I want to thank you all for your support this year and wish you all a wonderful restful festive season – Tricia, Castlehaven CEO