The Grove Adventure Playground, a much-loved sanctuary for children and young people in one of London’s most disadvantaged neighbourhoods, is urgently calling on the community and funders to help fill a critical £35,000 funding gap. The playground, which serves over 200 children aged 6–16 annually, has already had to reduce essential after-school and holiday programming due to the loss of two major grants at the end of last year.
Thanks to a generous £15,000 grant from BBC Children in Need, the Grove is still running its Saturday and holiday play schemes. However, a further £35,000 is needed to fully reinstate the after-school clubs, including cookery, fitness, and art activities, and to bring back the Monday sessions for the popular 13+ group – a key support system for many vulnerable teenagers in the area.
Since its community-led reopening in 2018, the Grove has provided safe, supervised, and inclusive play opportunities in a neighbourhood where 80% of the children are eligible for free school meals. The playground is not just a place to play – it’s a refuge that offers mentorship, stability, and a sense of belonging.
Recent surveys show the Grove is one of the few spaces in the area where children and young people feel truly safe. For older participants, especially those over 13, the Grove is a vital alternative to the streets – a space where they can access trusted adults, develop skills, and stay away from the growing risks of gang grooming and social isolation.
Cuts to services are already being felt. The loss of after-school programmes has limited access to enrichment activities and created a gap in support for children showing signs of mental or emotional distress. Without intervention, these vulnerabilities can lead to greater social problems.
With the funds raised, the Grove aims to:
- Fully reinstate after-school clubs and continue offering Saturday and holiday play sessions.
- Support over 250 local children and teenagers with safe, structured, and engaging programmes.
- Reintroduce trips to museums, sports venues, and the annual seaside day – a highlight for many children who would not otherwise access such experiences.
- Ensure job security for experienced and diverse staff, some of whom began as Grove participants themselves.
- Provide early emotional and behavioural intervention through consistent, supportive relationships with playworkers who act as ‘trusted adults’.
The Grove is calling on individuals, businesses, and philanthropic organisations to help close the funding gap and secure the future of this irreplaceable community asset.
Anthea Masey, Chair of Loughborough Junction Action Group (LJAG) which runs the Grove Adventure Playground, says: “The Grove is such a precious asset; it’s a magical playground with some of the most adventurous structures in London. We want to keep the doors open 6 days a week, please give generously, and remember your donation will be doubled.”
How can you get involved?
● Visit BigGive.org and make a donation from 12pm on Tuesday 3rd June 2025. The campaign will close on Tuesday 17th June 2025 at 12pm.
● Set a reminder and add our campaign page to it so you remember not to miss your chance to double your donation!
