Castle on a Cloud is run exclusively for children who have parents who live apart

A Tottenham youth club run by a social enterprise has celebrated its first birthday.

Castle on a Cloud (COAC) opened in May 2023 at Bernie Grant Arts Centre and is the first of its kind to be run exclusively for children who have parents who live apart. It was launched by Eily Livingstone, founder and director of Paths Through Change Community Interest Company (CIC).

The club connects children with peers whose families look like theirs. As well as reaching its first birthday, over the past year the club has hosted 30 sessions, 15 children, ten facilitators, two trained youth mental health first aiders and one qualified youth support worker.

Children who attend the club say they “always do fun stuff and everyone is nice”.

For the birthday party, parents were invited to stay for cupcake decorating, musical chairs and bubbles.

One parent said: “I had been looking for a suitable club for my son to attend that he would enjoy but also receive care and understanding. Eily has provided exactly that. The subtle approach used during the sessions is perfect for him.

“The variety of activities is exciting and fun. It has pushed him out of his comfort zone and given him the confidence to try new things. He looks forward to attending each week so much.”

Another parent added: “I am a lone parent and it’s great that my daughter is part of a group with other children in a similar situation. Each week the children do a different and brilliant activity. My daughter is so excited for each session and she has flourished at this group.

“The ongoing support she receives, and the positive impact it has had on her, is immeasurable.”

COAC meets on Tuesdays from 4.30pm-5:30pm at the Enterprise Centre, Bernie Grant Arts Centre. It is funded by Haringey Giving and Tottenham Grammar School Foundation and is free to attend.

Book a place at COAC for your child:
Visit pathsthroughchange.com/c-o-a-c

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