Ark and AllChild launch new ‘Power Up’ community leadership programme in White City

Ark and AllChild have launched a new three-year initiative to strengthen how schools, families and local organisations work together in White City.

The Power Up project, based at EdCity, aims to create opportunities for children, young people and parents to take on leadership roles by listening to their priorities and supporting them to take action on the issues that matter most in their communities.

Power Up is a three-year programme working closely with five local schools – Ark Bentworth Primary Academy, Ark Conway Primary Academy, Ark White City Primary Academy, Phoenix Academy and Wendell Park Primary School – to identify parents’ and pupils’ priorities for collective action in the local area using community organising, supported by Citizens UK.

Students will have the chance to join new leadership groups, helping to shape and lead a range of projects in the local area – from wellbeing initiatives to improving local spaces. Parents will take part in focus groups, coffee mornings, and workshops to help shape priorities and steer the project’s direction.

The project aims to strengthen relationships between the schools and families, and build partnerships with local leaders and organisations, ensuring that the new EdCity spaces benefit the whole community.

Ark Deputy Regional Director Moira Cruddas – who has 33 years' experience of teaching and working in White City – said, “White City has an incredible community energy, and this project aims to harness that.

“By bringing schools, families and local organisations together, we can ensure EdCity becomes a resource that truly belongs to everyone.

“Our students, parents, and neighbours know exactly what will help young people thrive here. Our job is to support them to lead the way and make meaningful change together.”

AllChild Chief Executive Louisa Mitchell MBE led the initial community listening and AllChild pilot project in White City in 2014-16 and has since overseen the national growth of the organisation’s partnerships.

Louisa said: “When we stop and listen to children and young people and work alongside them through consistent and trusted relationships, we can support them to build their own local movements for change.

“This is an ambitious project that will strengthen connections in the heart of White City, so young people and families lead the change they want to see in their communities."