Community Links

PEF Contribution

PEF and PEF I, Inc. are building a new neighbourhood centre on the Rokeby Estate in East London to work with disadvantaged children, young people and families.
Community Links has already sourced funding for the on-going costs of the centre from local government, ensuring its sustainability.

Introducing the Charity

Community Links is an innovative inner city charity running community-based projects in east London. Founded in 1977, it now helps over 50,000 vulnerable children, young people and adults every year, with most of their work delivered in Newham, one of the poorest boroughs in Europe.

A safe Haven

The Ark in the Park is a play centre managed by Community Links, and the children playing here are from a similar cultural and economic background as those on the Rokeby Estate, Newham, where PEF is funding a new children's community centre. "While each location is different and our projects are also richly varied, there is a common thread of raising aspirations and building confidence – the key to enabling individuals to realise their potential," says Max Weaver,CEO of Community Links. Out on the playground, it's like a mini West Ham supporters' convention, the claret-and-blue juniors wearing the club colours with pride.

"If it wasn't for this place, and the one we hope to build with PEF money, these kids would be roaming the streets. And it's not the nicest area," says Mike Crim, before going on to relate how he once had to intervene to save the life of a nine-year old crack addict.