Free activities for residents of Catalyst housing took place over holiday

A summer programme of activities for young people ended with a West London finale event for families from some Ealing neighbourhoods.

This year, Catalyst Gateway rolled the annual programme out to more areas including Windmill Park in Havelock, and Friary Park.

It ended with a carnival celebration at North Acton Playing fields, bringing together families from throughout West London.

Over 200 children came along to the celebration, many bringing their families. The day began with a mixed football tournament run by QPR, with a barbecue lunch followed by a live band.

The afternoon was filled with various activities, including a graffiti mural from Goldfinger Factory, giant inflatable games, healthy cooking and arts and crafts. There were also performances from young people who’d been learning rap and street dance throughout the week.

Angelina Cox, Brent resident and regular volunteer with the Summer Programme, said:
‘This is a great venue for the carnival event, with space for everyone to run and play. It’s wonderful to see all four centres come together.’

The day ended with certificates for all the young people who participated, awarded by Dr Rupa Huq, MP for Ealing Central and Acton, who said, "It was great to reward the young people from various corners of Ealing Borough with certificates for their participation in the summer programme. I hear a lot of youth complaining that there is nothing to do in the holidays so this addresses that very thoroughly. It's the first time that this scheme has operated in these West London neighbourhoods; let's hope that there are many more to come."

September 6, 2017