16.10.2024

We are Spotlight and Poplar HARCA – celebrate launch of new games room space. In continued commitment to leading youth work within the social housing sector.

In 2024, We are Spotlight and Poplar HARCA – unveiled our new and state of the art chill out and games space. Spotlight youth space has been open in Poplar, Tower Hamlets, for 10 years, shining as leaders in delivering a gold standard of youth work in Tower Hamlets, and London widely.

Incredibly, In the last 10 years, we have engaged 15,000 young people in person at youth spaces and 1,800 on outreach. The new space represents this continued commitment to young people, for years to come. 

Find out more about how we #LeadOurFuture 

Spotlight is committed to adapting to the needs of young people in an ever changing world. The new space and mural honours Spotlight’s 10 years of leading youth work, and the future, the young people who made it. 

The new games room was supported by funding from the Rangoonwala Foundation and McLaren, designed in collaboration with Grime photographer, Olivia Rose, and young people from the local community.

A proud moment for all, Meheen Rangoonwala (pictured right) and Nahim Ahmed MBE (pictured left) unveiling the new games room plague. 

The event was attended by creatives and youth organisations across London, who heard key speeches from Spotlight staff and young people. 

Iftikhar Ahmed (Pictured right) told his story to partners and youth sector workers at the celebration. Iftikhar has been coming to Spotlight since the age of 11, now an adult, he recalled how having a safe space to chill with friends at Spotlight hugely benefitted him growing up. 

Attendees also heard from the young people who designed the mural through their collaborative poem: ‘Home’. Listen here.

‘The result is a labour of love, a collage that represents all of the young people and their commitment to the project.’ – Olivia Rose, Photographer

CRA Architecture, who led design on Spotlight 10 years ago, joined the celebration along with British Land and Strive Development, who also joined Spotlight as collaborators on this project.