Afe Komolafe is Community Manager at Paddington Central, which hosts our art:space programme in Westminster.
art:space is a multi-arts programme for young carers, funded by British Land, which provides the opportunity for young carers to develop creative thinking through art forms including film, animation and dance. The programme enables them meet other young carers and develop social skills, gain self-confidence and self-esteem, and have fun.
Afe told us about why the staff at Paddington Central love getting involved in the art:space programme:
“Paddington Central prides itself on being a valued part of our local community. As such, we endeavour to play an active part by supporting local initiatives. Volunteering is just one way in which we achieve this. Paddington Central delivers on British Land’s Local Charter, which sets out how British Land builds trust and supports successful, integrated local communities and how it develops skills and opportunities to help local people and businesses grow.
“It was a pleasure hosting the art:space programme with young carers. Our staff found the volunteering stimulating.”
Afe Komolafe
“Create does very important work supporting disadvantaged and vulnerable young people helping transform lives using creative arts. It was a pleasure hosting the art:space programme with young carers from Hallfield Primary School at Paddington Central and our staff found the volunteering stimulating. A highlight was watching the children explore the public space and being fascinated by the buildings. Also, the sessions were delivered from the executive suite and the children got to experience being in a work environment with some commenting they would like to work in Paddington Central when they grow up.
“Every year we run a free film festival to engage the local community and our occupiers in enlivening the space. Last year it was a privilege to show the premier of two films made by the art:space participants as part of the festival. Keep an eye on our website for information about what we have in store at this year’s film festival.”
This article is from 2016.