Celebrating Community Impact: A Visit from Deputy Mayor Joanne McCartney at October Hangouts

ReachinHigher1
Nov 28
2 min read

When Deputy Mayor for Children and Families, Joanne McCartney, visited the October Hangouts, it was more than just a routine stop. Her visit highlighted the importance of supporting young people’s wellbeing and development through local initiatives.

Deputy Mayor, Joanne McCartney engaging with young people within the sessions

The Purpose Behind the Visit

Joanne McCartney’s role focuses on improving the lives of children and families across London. Her visit to our October Hangouts was designed to understand how grassroots projects contribute to young people’s wellbeing. Hangouts provides a safe space where young people can connect, learn new skills, and express themselves. By seeing the work firsthand, Joanne could appreciate the real-life impact these sessions have on the community.

What October Hangouts Offer Young People

October Hangouts are more than just casual hang out spot for young people. They are structured sessions that focus on:

Emotional wellbeing: Activities and discussions help young people manage stress and build confidence.
Skill development: Workshops on topics like communication, teamwork, and creativity.
Social connection: Opportunities to build friendships and support networks.
Safe environment: A welcoming space where young people feel respected and heard.

Insights from Young People

A highlight of the visit was the opportunity to hear directly from the young people. The conversation with the youth board spoke about the range of projects they are involved in, in and around Croydon and why it is important to them to have access to. This offered a genuinely authentic perspective on growing up in the area.

This kind of engagement is crucial for shaping policies that truly reflect the needs of children and families.

Deputy Mayor, Joanne McCartney and the RH Youth Board Group Photo

Looking Ahead

The visit from Joanne McCartney was a moment to celebrate what has been achieved and to look forward. It showed that when local government and community projects work together, the results benefit everyone.

Support from local leaders, volunteers, and organisations creates a strong foundation. It ensures that resources are available and that the project can continue to grow.

Community involvement also encourages young people to take active roles in shaping their own experiences. This sense of ownership boosts engagement and helps sustain the positive impact.