A charity working to keep young people off the streets and away from crime has celebrated its 10th birthday.

Hounslow Action for Youth (Hay) Association, based at the Hanworth Centre, in Hounslow Road, Hanworth, was set up to provide children in one of the most deprived wards in the UK with activities and give them life skills.

Children and teenagers were joined by their families and the Hanworth community on Wednesday to enjoy a fun day, which included a barbecue, face painting, urban art, African drumming, story- telling and a puppet show.

Hanworth Centre director Debbie Hughes said: “There were between 150 and 200 people and as the weather improved we all spread outside.

“It had great significance and we are looking forward to the next 10 years. It’s a real community facility where people come in and take part, very young people in particular.

“It’s a safe environment for them to come in and chill out and learn skills.”

Hay took over the dilapidated council building in 2000, raised enough funds for refurbishment and built a new wing for youngsters under eight.

It is now a functional and fully accessible building where the association has worked to divert children from social exclusion by collaborating with agencies such as Hounslow Council and the police.

The Hanworth Centre has run a breakfast club for youngsters, the Caterpillar pre-school for toddlers and a weekly baby clinic.

Older members aged from seven to 19 have been able to attend youth clubs, and the junior youth inclusion project helps children with challenging behaviour.

Ms Hughes said: “We get them in here and talk them through things. It’s different from a school environment, they very much need to accept responsibility and we say this is how you can do things in a different way.”

She added: “The feedback from the police, schools and housing department has been very encouraging – levels of crime, including vandalism have dropped dramatically in the Hanworth area and school attendance has risen within the group.”  Hay needs to raise £260,000 each year to keep its programmes running.

For more information, visit hanworthcentre.org.uk

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