The Earls Court Future Programme (ECFP) was created as a youth-led employability and youth voice programme in partnership with The Earls Court Development Company (ECDC). This was designed for 14–25-year-olds who live, work or study in Hammersmith & Fulham (LBHF) or Kensington & Chelsea (RBKC), to equip young people with the skills, knowledge, confidence and networks they need to thrive.

Across three successful cohorts, the programme engaged 76 young people, offering over 46 hours of development workshops across both boroughs. Key skills gained by participants included networking, public speaking, confidence, communication and teamwork. 100% of participants also said they would take part again.

Community Impact

We asked young people to rate the following statements before and after the programme:

• “Feel like I belong to my community” – increased from 47% to 95%
• “Be proud of my local area” – increased from 58% to 84%
• “View myself in a positive way/light” – increased from 58% to 95%
• “I can volunteer my time locally” – increased from 45% to 100%

Programme Goals

• Inspire and equip young people with key personal development and work-ready skills
• Increase confidence and social skills when interacting with other young people
• Learn about what ECDC do and their future plans in the local area
• Meet employers from a variety of sectors

Impact Areas

• Community Engagement – Young people reported a stronger connection to their communities, increased pride in their local area, and a greater willingness to volunteer.
• Personal Growth – confidence, communication, and self-esteem improved across all cohorts. Cohort 3, in particular, saw a dramatic boost in how participants viewed themselves and their role in the community.
• Education and Employability – Participants accessed a range of opportunities after the programme, including work placements, training, and apprenticeships. They also connected with local employers and gained insight into ECDC’s masterplan for the area.

Our Programme Design

Cohort 1: Local Voices
Participants explored ECDC’s masterplan and shared ideas for their community while developing teamwork, communication and leadership skills.

Cohort 2: Reimagining Spaces
Young people designed a meanwhile-use plan for ECDC’s vacant site, working in teams and pitching ideas to a panel of judges.

Cohort 3: Culture in the Community
Participants designed their own local cultural hub and developed skills in public speaking, pitching and collaboration. This cohort showed some of the strongest growth in confidence and community pride.

“I feel very proud of myself because I have really stepped out of my comfort zone and learned how to network and make new friends.”

“It was absolutely amazing to learn about the work of ECDC and how they are planning to contribute to the community.”

“Meeting new people and pushing myself out of my comfort zone… having my ideas heard by people who can answer them or point me in the right direction.”

Young People Leading the Way: ECFP Ambassadors

Graduates from the programme were invited to become ECFP Ambassadors, supporting community events and representing the programme publicly. Highlights included:

• Running activities at North End Road Festival (Summer & Winter)
• Planning and delivering a bespoke Escape Room at the ECDC Summer Fete
• Hosting stalls and sharing the ECDC masterplan with hundreds of residents
• Attending exclusive briefing sessions with the CEO of ECDC

“I was truly captivated by the vibrant ambiance and loved helping to organise such fun activities for the community.” – Shanzay, Ambassador

Across all cohorts and events, young people consistently demonstrated growth in confidence, connection to their local area, and aspiration for the future. The Earls Court Future Programme provided a platform for them to be seen, heard and empowered – leaving a lasting impact on the individuals involved and the wider community.

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