Nova New Opportunities
Bringing new experiences to London families
Riding a horse for the first time, building a sand castle on the beach or falling in love with opera – these are just a few of the incredible experiences Nova has offered to 180 children and their families living in one of the most deprived areas of London – North Kensington.
We gave a grant of £10,000 to support Nova New Opportunities to deliver a unique summer scheme designed to promote confidence and wellbeing and social interactions and inspire learning and aspiration in young people.
- Nova delivered 48 trips and activities in summer 2021 to 188 children and young people and 76 families.
- 84% of participants reported that they made new friends or reconnected with old friends – an especially important outcome for the first summer following the lockdown restrictions.
- In the area where Nova New Opportunities is based, 63% of children live in overcrowded homes and insecure housing situations – it is the most deprived ward in London.
Positive impact
After 18 months of the pandemic, in 2021 Nova New Opportunities delivered a summer of excitement and discovery for 76 families, many of whom are living in overcrowded accommodation. Activities included beach trips to Camber Sands, visits to the Science Museum, opera at Holland Park, as well as horse riding sessions and cooking clubs. Almost 7 out of 10 (67%) of the children and young people took part in activities they had never done before.
“When I go on Nova trips I always feel really excited and it’s a memory I will always cherish,” says one of the children who participated.
“They made friends, they were out in the open, they were exposed to new things that they hadn’t experienced before. Definitely good for their wellbeing – and good for our wellbeing as the parents, because, when we’re out, we’re mixing with the other parents and making new friends as well.”
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