Reflections from our CEO: Tricia Richards

2024 was a remarkable year of growth and resilience here at Castlehaven. Despite facing significant challenges, and a national funding crisis, our dedicated team worked tirelessly to uplift our community.

Through our efforts, we provided vital support to over 10,000 people, delivering essential services to tackle poverty, mental and physical health challenges, and social isolation.

This success was made possible through our strong partnerships with Camden Council, local organisations, businesses, and volunteers. Together, we expanded opportunities for community members by providing professional advice, support, education, and addressing pressing local issues such as anti-social behaviour, crime, and homelessness, ensuring the diverse needs of our community were met. 

What We’ve Achieved Together:

Accessible Services: From afterschool and holiday programmes to women and men-only clubs to fitness, education, gardening, cooking, arts & crafts workshops, and trips, we’ve supported all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
Community Events: We proudly hosted vibrant celebrations, including Chinese New Year, Windrush Day, Pride, Black History Month, Community Picnics, and our 8th annual Community WinterFEST, bringing together diverse communities to honour culture, history, and shared achievements.
Direct Support: We’ve supported Camden residents through the cost-of-living crisis by offering a safe haven, free activities, emergency food parcels, and referrals for benefits, housing, and employment advice. Since April 2024, our partnership with the London Irish Centre has supported our members and Food bank users, helping increase benefits by £40,541.20.
Awards: We’re thrilled to have been awarded NCVO Level 1 Trusted Charity status, recognising our commitment to excellence. We’re also proud to have received the Social Farms & Gardens Green Care Quality Mark (GCQM) for the second consecutive year – a testament to our dedication to the environment. 
Funding: Secured funding from a variety of sources, including the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), HAF, Active For Life and Camden Council’s Community Response and Resilience funding streams.
Space Hire: We expanded our venue hire, offering more hireable spaces for weddings, parties, and Mehndi celebrations, as well as launching a Community Cinema in Clarence Hall. These efforts have boosted local engagement and generated funds reinvested into our community programmes and initiatives. 

Our Impact in Numbers:

3945

Emergency food parcels were delivered to local people in need

302

Activities, trips & events were organised for our over 60’s members

600

Attendees came along to our free after school & holiday programmes

50

Our health & wellbeing programme, Health Haven received 50 referrals

2

Awards Received: NCVO Trusted Charity Status & a Green Care Quality Mark

2024 Community Connections:

At Castlehaven, we’re committed to creating a warm, welcoming space for everyone. As one Women’s Club member shared, “Castlehaven is such a kind, warm, and welcoming place. I just love it here.”

Our Community Association brings together people from all walks of life, creating a vibrant hub of connection. “Castlehaven is a true community centre, with people from all backgrounds, a variety of activities, and so much to do.”

Connection is at the heart of everything we do, uniting people through meaningful and impactful activities. Take John who caring for his mother, discovered Castlehaven through using our Food Bank. Inspired to do more for himself, he joined our Health Haven swimming sessions, his first recreational activity in years. Now, he’s a regular at his local pool, embracing a newfound sense of well-being and community.

Challenges and Looking Ahead:

It hasn’t been an easy year. A national funding crisis continues to test our resilience, but as we look to the future, I am confident in the Castlehaven’s team’s ability to meet these challenges head-on. In 2025, our focus will be on strengthening our foundation and expanding our impact in these key areas:
  • Funding Efforts: we will continue to apply for additional funding opportunities, while also launching fundraising initiatives and a new ‘Support Our Services’ campaign
  • New Initiatives: We’ve formed a Fundraising and Diversifying Subcommittee and welcomed a new Events & Facilities Manager to help secure new revenue streams.
  • New Community Programmes: We will be launching new community initiatives and events that will address key needs and build connections within the community.

A Message from Our Chair of Trustees: Derek Jarman

“Castlehaven is a true second family for many, offering kindness, empathy, and a warm welcome to everyone who steps through its doors. From cultural events and inclusive activities to essential support during the cost-of-living crisis, Castlehaven remains a pillar of strength and unity.

Thank you to our members, the Castlehaven team, and our incredible volunteers, trustees, funders, and partners for all your hard work and passion throughout 2024 – Castlehaven couldn’t exist without you.”

Support Castlehaven

We need your support. Whether it’s through donations, fundraising, or volunteering, your support helps us continue providing vital services and making a positive impact in people’s lives.

Here’s to another year of resilience, determination, and community. Together, we’ll keep building a brighter future for all.

Tricia Richards
Castlehaven Community Association CEO

Support Castlehaven

We need your support. Whether it’s through donations, fundraising, or volunteering, your support helps us continue providing vital services and making a positive impact in people’s lives.

Here’s to another year of resilience, determination, and community. Together, we’ll keep building a brighter future for all.

Tricia Richards
Castlehaven Community Association CEO