Proud to be finalists!
We are delighted to share that our She Is Supported (SIS) programme has been shortlisted for the Youth Work Award at the Children & Young People Now Awards 2026! š
SIS is delivered in partnership with Brandon Centre, Highbury Roundhouse, Maryās Youth Club (Islington) and Prospex, bringing together trusted youth organisations and Brandon Centreās mental health expertise to support girls across Islington.
Islington girls can access one-to-one mentoring, open access girlsā groups and activities, residentials and day trips and mental health and wellbeing support from our community psychologist.
At the heart of SIS is a commitment to collaboration. Together, our organisations combine our knowledge, relationships and expertise to provide girls with more joined-up and meaningful youth work support.
Being shortlisted for such a prestigious national award is incredibly special. It recognises the dedication and passion of everyone involved in the partnership and, most importantly, the positive impact SIS has had on girls across Islington.
A huge congratulations to all the other finalists and looking forward to celebrating everyoneās achievements!
#CYPNowAwards
Reconnecting with our legacy
We recently welcomed Nell Nicholson to Brandon Centre to chat to us about her grandmotherās (and our founder’s) legacy, Dr Faith Spicer.
Faith was an extraordinary woman whose vision continues to shape our work more than 57 years after she founded the London Youth Advisory Centre in 1969, the same organisation that would later become Brandon Centre after philanthropist Brandon Cadbury, who donated the Kentish Town building that remains our home today.
Nellās stories about her grandmother reminded us of just how remarkable Faith was.
Faith Spicer
Born into a large family of 9 children, she was the youngest of her siblings and one of 8 daughters. At a time when opportunities for women were extremely limited, her mother passionately encouraged her daughters to pursue education and independence – values that clearly influenced Faithās path and determination.
While Faith became a doctor and a psychiatrist, it was through her career as a medical director that she quickly recognised the need for a service that allowed young people to talk through the emotional uncertainty and personal challenges around contraception.
An innovator of her time, Faith believed that young people deserved a space where they could talk openly about their experiences and receive support without judgment, which led her to set up her own counselling and psychotherapy service.
But she didnāt stop there. Faith helped shape the emerging understanding of adolescent mental health with other organisations, such as the Brook Advisory Centre and the Anna Freud Centre.
Although Faith eventually retired from her formal role, she never stopped caring about Brandon Centre. She continued to take an active interest and kept an eye on what we were doing from time to time.
Faith outside her National Trust cottage in West Wycombe
While she is no longer with us, her influence is felt every day in our work. We use her values, compassion and innovation as our guide to support young people and their families today. And our connection with Faith helps us stay grounded in the principles that have shaped Brandon Centre from the very beginning.
Nell Nicholson’s (granddaughter of Faith) visit to Brandon Centre
Nell, a teacher by background, has dedicated her own career to supporting young people through education and mental health services. Her work at Gloucester House reflects many of the same values that defined her grandmotherās life, so weāre extremely lucky to have Nell come by and share her family story.
Itās through Nell that we stay connected to Dr Faith Spicer and her incredible legacy. Her vision transformed the lives of countless young people, and it remains the foundation upon which Brandon Centre continues to grow today.
2027 London Marathon for Brandon Centre
Applications Now Open: Run the 2027 TCS London Marathon for Brandon Centre
We are delighted to announce that applications are now open for the 2027 TCS London Marathon!
If you have ever dreamed of taking on one of the worldās most iconic running events, this is your chance to do it while making a real difference.
Brandon Centre is an incredible local charity based in the heart of Camden. For over 57 years, we have been supporting young people with their mental health and wellbeing, providing vital services at times when they need them most. Every pound raised by our London Marathon runners will help us continue delivering this important work.
Whether you are hoping to achieve a personal goal, take on a once-in-a-lifetime challenge, or run in support of young peopleās mental health, we would love to hear from you.
We will support you throughout your marathon journey, from your application through to race day.
You can also read about our incredible 2026 runners, Adam and Sam, and the inspiring journey they went on here: https://brandon-centre.org.uk/meet-our-marathon-runners
How to apply
The application process for our 2027 TCS London Marathon charity places is now open.
Download form here:Ā London Marathon Application 2027
To apply, please complete our application form and send it to emmasainsbury@brandoncentre.org.uk
Applications will remain open until Monday 20th July.
Thank you so much for your support. We cannot wait to welcome our next team of Brandon Centre marathon runners.
One day at La Sainte Union Catholic School
As part of the First Give One Day, on 11th May, we visited La Sainte Union Catholic School to speak to students about our work and the impact charities can have in our local communities.
The day involved a panel discussion alongside the Amy Winehouse Foundation and The Passage, followed by a Q&A session and interactive stalls where students could learn a little bit more before deciding which charity to support.
We were inspired by the studentsā thoughtful questions and genuine engagement as we discussed issues affecting young people, such as mental health, homelessness, drugs and alcohol, and wider social challenges.
At the end of the day, students voted with donations and we were delighted to receive a wonderful Ā£175 for Brandon Centre! The pupils also created a series of colourful posters promoting each charity involved, which was a really lovely touch.
While weāre extremely grateful for all the fundraising support, the most valuable part of the day for us was the opportunity to connect directly with the students, raise awareness on what we do, and encourage conversations about mental health and community support. We would definitely encourage other charities to take part in First Give One Day; it is a rewarding opportunity and more information can be found here: www.firstgive.co.uk
A huge thank you to all the students and staff at La Sainte Union Catholic School, as well as First Give, for organising such a positive and inspiring event, and for making us feel so welcome!
Skydiving for Brandon Centre
From being on the ground at the London Marathon to taking to the skies and jumping out of planes, itās been a busy month for us!
On 24th April Maya, Grace and Lucca got up super early to travel to North London Skydiving Centre in Cambridgeshire to jump from an incredibly impressive 10,000 feet in order to raise money for Brandon Centre.
After some training, our brave team of skydivers took to the air in a small plane, before taking the exhilarating jump out into clear blue skies – and once the parachutes came out, it was a peaceful glide down to the ground. Watch the full video of their exciting experience below.
Weāre extremely grateful to Maya, Grace and Lucca for skydiving on behalf of Brandon Centre and smashing their fundraising target with an incredible Ā£3,500k raised!
If you also fancy taking on this ultimate thrill-seeking fundraiser, or are interested in another charity challenge, weād love to hear from you. Simply reach out to Emma at emmasainsbury@brandoncentre.org.uk and together we can help provide young people with the mental health support that they need.
The London Marathon race recap
On a sunny Sunday 26th April, we joined thousands of spectators to cheer on our two incredible runners, Adam and Sam, at the London Marathon.
With our sign held high (wonderfully handmade by Rosie, our work experience intern), we followed the progress of Adam and Sam as they jogged around the city, ready at the sidelines to clap and shout out words of encouragement.
The day was buzzing with energy and spirits were high as we watched runners from all backgrounds and at all levels, racing for a myriad of good causes. It was also fantastic to see those who had dressed up, from teddy bears to chickens and rhinos.
This yearās marathon was particularly special, not just because it was our first time there but because it broke several world records, including raising an incredible Ā£87.5 million for charities, the largest amount ever raised from a single event.
We caught up with both Adam and Sam a few days after the race to hear about their running experiences:
āGosh, it was super hard. My injury started acting up about halfway in and I was still recovering from a cold I caught earlier that week, but I really dug deep to finish and Iām so glad I did. I feel extremely proud of myself for having completed the London Marathon.ā – Adam
āThe noise when you come over Tower Bridge is an experience that will become a core memory. There were times when I was convinced everyone was there for just me; the support was that incredible. It was spectacular to see people come together for something so positive, and to see my daughter and wife at mile 11 was just amazing. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to do it and to represent Brandon Centre.ā – Sam
Weāre so unbelievably proud of both of our racers who took on the challenge of running around the 26.2-mile route and fundraising over Ā£2k each for Brandon Centre!
If youāre interested in taking part next year and running on behalf of us, please email Emma at emmasainsbury@brandoncentre.org.uk and help us to continue to support young peopleās mental health and wellbeing.
Meet our marathon runners
Weāre really excited to be a part of this yearās London Marathon. Not only is it our first time, but itās also a first for our two incredible runners, Adam and Sam, who are taking on the challenge of the finish line and raising funds for a cause that truly matters.
While theyāre limbering up for the big day, we thought weād check in with them and see how itās all going…
Hi both, we hope youāre feeling fresh and excited for the London Marathon.
But firstly, how has your training been going?
Sam: Training has been a bit of a rollercoasterā¦ Iāve had some good weeks where Iāve felt strong and really on track, and then others have been a complete write-off, especially when juggling work, travel and life with a newborn at home! But overall, Iām in a good place. Iām focusing on staying consistent and keeping things moving in the right direction.
Whatās been the hardest part of your training so far?
Sam: Trying to fit everything in! Early mornings, late evenings, and balancing training with family life have been a little difficult. Oh, and my calf has been acting up, which has made things challenging at times.
Adam: The hardest thing Iāve discovered during training is getting muscle fatigue after 25 or 30km, but Iāve found that running at a slow steady pace helps.
What about your favourite thing?
Sam: My favourite part has been the longer runs when everything justā¦ clicks. Thereās something really satisfying about finding a natural rhythm, where it feels like I can just keep going for ages.
And has there been anything thatās surprised you about training?
Adam: That even the tiniest details, like wearing the wrong pair of socks, make such a massive difference.
Sam: I think whatās surprised me the most is the mental side. I expected the physical challenge, but the emotional ups and downs have been bigger than I anticipated.
When it comes to running, are you a total novice or pretty much a pro?
Adam: Iām a total novice in terms of actually training for an event or running more than 12km. I usually run 2 to 3 times a week, just much shorter distances, so training for the marathon has been a totally different experience.
Sam: I wouldnāt call myself a complete novice, but Iām not a seasoned runner either. Iāve always tried to stay fit and enjoy activities like CrossFit, but this is my first time following a proper running plan.
This is also my first marathon, so the whole experience has been completely new ā although I will say itās been quite addictive so it probably wonāt be my last!
Looking ahead to this marathon, weāre honoured that youāre running on behalf of Brandon Centre. Can we ask why youāve chosen to support us?
Adam: I discovered Brandon Centre when I was training to be a Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist a few years ago. I had a very good experience and know first-hand (from attending the weekly clinical meetings) all the great work and care that goes into the support and help offered by Brandon Centre.
Sam: Brandon Centreās commitment to providing mental health support for young people really stood out to me as itās such an important cause, but I feel like it doesnāt receive the attention or funding it deserves.
On a personal level, good mental wellbeing is really valuable to me, so supporting a charity thatās making a real, tangible difference to young peopleās lives felt like the right thing to do.
Thank you for sharing. How are you feeling now that youāre only a few weeks away from the big day?
Sam: A blend of both excitement and nerves. I know Iāve done the work, but thereās a bit of doubt when stepping into something new. Iām particularly worried about how my body will hold up over the full distance and those last miles feel like they could be really tough.
But having said that, I am genuinely looking forward to it as itās been such a big focus in my life for a long time, so itās exciting to be getting close! I think the atmosphere, running through London, seeing the crowds and being a part of something so iconic is going to be incredible.
And of course, crossing the finish line will be a pretty special moment.
Adam: Iām feeling pretty good. Iāve done my longest run and now tapering off before the race as advised, although getting into a routine right before the big day can be a bit tricky navigatingā¦ not eating too heavy, not running out of energy, not needing the loo mid race!
Iām just hoping that Iāll get into a bit of a groove and find my rhythm. Iām also really looking forward to the atmosphere on the day, which, Iām told, is a big help when youāre tired.
And finally, do you have any plans post-marathon?
Adam: Iāll definitely be hopping into a warm magnesium salt bath, and then maybe get a pizza.
Sam: Iāll be hugging my newborn baby as soon as I cross the finish line and enjoying a well-earned beer afterwards.
If youād like to support Adam or Sam, please visit their JustGiving pages below and consider donating to Brandon Centre. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us to deliver the highest quality of mental health and wellbeing support to young people. Thank you.
Brandon Centre at Google
Today, Brandon Centre joined Googleās Community Training Day to lead a conversation around looking after the wellbeing of staff in the voluntary sector.
Our team, Pavlos, Julia, Frederike and Emma,Ā explored what wellbeing reallyĀ means for voluntary sector staff supporting young people every day: feeling emotionally supported, psychologically safe, skilled, and able to seek help.
We acknowledged the reality: limited resources, rising demand, financial pressuresĀ and how personal wellbeing habits like rest, exercise and healthy boundaries are often the first to go.
We shared how organisations can actively build resilience:
- predictable supervision and structures
- leadership that models compassion
- trust, openness and no-blame learning cultures
Crucially, seeking support shouldnāt come with guilt or the belief that others are more important. Staff thrive when support is structured, proactive and built into organisational culture.
Thatās why we created Ground Up. Offering external, expert support to help charities and organisations strengthen team wellbeing so young people get the very best from the people they rely on. If you are interested in Ground Up for your team get in touch at groundup@brandoncentre.org.uk
A huge thank you to GoogleĀ for hosting and Islington and Camden GivingĀ for bringing us together. When we invest in the wellbeing of our staff, everyone benefits.
#camden #islington #google #community #charity #staffsupport
World Mental Health Day – 10th October 2025
World Mental Health Day
Today, October 10th, marks #WorldMentalHealthDay, a time to reflect on mental health issues and improvement work all around the world, a time to break down barriers and have important conversations. But for us at Brandon Centre, mental health isn’t just a topic for today – it’s a commitment that we make every day. We believe that every young person deserves access to high-quality, accessible mental health support, and for over fifty years we’ve been working in the vibrant heart of #Camden and #Islington to support our community and meet the evolving needs of young people and their families.Ā
The theme this year is āAccess to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes or Emergenciesā highlighting the importance of having safe mental health support during crises, whether they be global conflicts, pandemics or natural disasters, or more personal emergencies.Ā
At Brandon Centre, we strive to be here for young people, developing flexible and accessible specialist services for young people to access the highest quality mental health and wellbeing support in a safe and welcoming environment, through services including:Ā
- Counselling and psychotherapy
- Systemic integrative treatmentĀ
- Social prescribingĀ
- Parenting programmes
- Arsenal in the CommunityĀ
- School staff supportĀ
…and much more!
We believe that mental health support should be proactive, not reactive. It should be embedded in the communities where young people spend their time. It should be inclusive, culturally sensitive, and free from judgment. And most importantly, it should be shaped by young people themselves – because they are the experts in their own experiences.Ā
We’re proud to be supporting the lives of the young people we serve, today and every other day of the year. So go on – celebrate World Mental Health Day alongside us and do something good too. Please donate to us atĀ https://brandon-centre.org.uk/donationsĀ and your contribution will help us all year round. Ā
Arsenal and Brandon Centre
Arsenal and Brandon Centre: A Winning PartnershipĀ
Arsenal Football Club has long been known not just for its excellence on the pitch, but also for its commitment to making a difference off it. That spirit of community was on full display last week during the Arsenal vs Olympiacos match, where Brandon Centre was proudly featured in the match day programme, highlighting the work being done through our partnership with Arsenal in the Community.
This partnership is rooted in our Brandon Connect service, which includes therapeutic outreach sessions at The Arsenal Hub for young men who might otherwise struggle to access and engage with mental health services. Together, we also deliver Arsenal Girlsā Kicks ā football sessions with a sports psychologist helping girls to develop emotional awareness, communication skills and resilience as they grow as athletes.
To celebrate our collaboration and our feature in their match day programme, (check out the article below) Arsenal kindly shared tickets for Brandon Centre staff and young people to attend the match against Olympiacos ā a great experience made better by Arsenal taking the win 2-0!
It was a great day to have such a close partnership with Arsenal in the Community ā and the shared commitment to mental health and youth empowerment reflects the commitment we all have to supporting the local community of Islington and Camden.
By working together, Arsenal and Brandon Centre are helping to break down stigma, promote open conversations, and ensure that young people know they are not alone.
The partnership between our organisations is a powerful example of how sport and community organisations can come together to create meaningful change, both in raising awareness about mental health as we approach World Mental Health Day on October 10th, and in actively supporting Brandon Centre to make a difference in the local community. It stands as a reminder that football can be more than just a game ā it can be a force for good.