Cooking just got a whole lot better for care leavers after kitchens in the homes of young care leavers received a major upgrade in Hammersmith.
The kitchens were fully renovated, including new hobs, cabinets, sinks, countertops, splashbacks, flooring and a fresh lick of paint.
The improvement works form part of the council's aim to make sure local young people with care experience have the best opportunity to succeed in H&F.
These supported homes provide a safe environment for young people in need aged 16 to 21, promoting empowerment and independence, while helping them enhance their daily living skills.
Resident, Ben, said: "I'm so grateful for the new kitchen. It's made such a big difference. Cooking proper meals to share with friends is so much easier now."
H&F Deputy Leader, Cllr Alex Sanderson, said:
It's brilliant to see our care experienced young people cooking in kitchens that feel like home. Everyone deserves the chance to build confidence, independence and joy in their own space – and something as simple as a decent kitchen can make all the difference. We're determined to make sure that every young person in H&F has the tools and support they need to thrive, whatever their background."
H&F Council worked with building maintenance contractor, MCP, to get the £20,000 contribution as part of the work it does with contractors to give back to local people.
This refurbishment is just one of many social value projects that have helped improve the lives of H&F residents. Social value commitments are promises we insist companies we work with make to help create positive impacts for the local community.
Supporting young people
We want to make sure local young people with care experience have the same opportunities and chances in life as their peers.
In 2023, with the help of developer funding, we opened a hub where they can see friends, meet with their social workers, study or even do their laundry.
They are exempt from council tax and have access to our local offer, which helps with the transition into adulthood and settling into their first home.
