HAY is a charity that supports children, young people, and families facing significant challenges, helping them overcome barriers and build brighter futures.
Why HAY ExistsÂ
Since 1986, HAY has been supporting communities across the London Borough of Hounslow, with a focus on those who face the greatest challenges in their lives.
Many parts of Hounslow experience significant social and economic disadvantage. According to the Index of Multiple Deprivation (2019), much of West Hounslow falls within the 20% most deprived areas in England. This means local young people often face challenges including anti-social behaviour, adverse childhood experiences, school exclusion and low attainment, unemployment, gang culture, and drug and alcohol misuse alongside complex family difficulties.
Without the right support, these challenges can have a lasting impact on a young person’s life chances, wellbeing, and future.
How HAY Helps
HAY opens new doors and shows young people possibilities they may never have imagined.
We work closely with schools, services, and partner organisations to create programmes that support young people who are SEND, at risk of school exclusion, having difficulties at home, involved in or entering the care system, or at risk of offending or entering the criminal justice system.
Our projects give children, young people, and their families the chance to learn new skills, build confidence, make positive friendships, and access the emotional and practical support they need.
Wherever possible, our programmes focus on prevention, helping children and young people make positive choices before challenges escalate. With the support of trusted, trained, experienced youth workers and the right practical and emotional support around them, young people have someone in their corner who genuinely understands their world.
Our Centres and Community Approach
In 2019, HAY relocated from the Hanworth Centre to community-based sites across the borough. The Hanworth Centre and pre-school remain part of our legacy, continuing to serve the community through youth sports and local services.
Moving into the heart of our communities has transformed how we work. Operating from a range of spaces, including community centres, schools, heritage sites, outdoor learning environments, and arts venues, we are more flexible, more accessible, and better placed to reach young people wherever they are across Hounslow.
This approach has allowed us to make use of under-used community spaces, deepen our partnerships with local businesses, schools, and organisations, and bring our programmes to life in settings that inspire creativity, curiosity, and connection.
It also placed us in a strong position to respond to the significant increase in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic, when flexible, community-rooted provision became more important than ever.
Our Work Today
Throughout the year, we offer a wide range of programmes and activities from our sites across Hounslow, making sure there is always something on for young people and their families. In addition to our regular provision, during school holidays we bring a range of exciting experiences and opportunities both across Hounslow and beyond.
HAY’s Safeguarding Policy