17% of children and young people attending local schools have special educational needs and disabilities and the numbers are growing.⁵ Families with disabled children are significantly more likely to be living in poverty than non-disabled families.

28% of households in Kensington and Chelsea are living in poverty.⁶ The Grenfell Fire in 2017 highlighted the deep inequalities experience by the borough’s poorest residents with long-lasting effects across the community. Local voluntary and community organisations have been at the forefront of the response.

Inequality continues to play a large issue within Kensington and Chelsea, which includes some of the wealthiest areas in London, along with some of the poorest. 33% of children in the borough are eligible for free school meals, and the proportion is growing.⁷

Social activism and campaigning run deep within the social fabric of the borough. This can be seen from anti-racist campaigns such as the Mangrove Nine protests in the 1960s and more recent campaigns to save North Kensington Library and Kensington and Chelsea College.

Local voluntary organisations play a vital role in mitigating these challenges. Youth clubs, community adventure playgrounds and Supplementary Schools enable children and young people to socialise, learn, develop and grow. All deliver life changing opportunities and outcomes for local children and young people.