Q&A with Young Hammersmith and Fulham

What is Young Hammersmith and Fulham?

Young Hammersmith and Fulham is an infrastructure organisation dedicated to supporting and strengthening the youth sector across the borough. As a young people’s foundation, our role is to act as a connector and a central point of support for all youth organisations, ensuring they work collaboratively rather than in isolation – especially given the significant cuts to youth services over the years.

Why did you decide to join EdCity?

We really value being based in this space because it aligns with the youth sector we work in. It’s an environment where other education-focused groups operate which creates opportunities for collaboration. It’s great to be in a place where you can bump into someone who might have something to contribute or where we can offer support in return.
Previously, we were in a rather dingy office with very little connection to others. Here, the atmosphere is much more open and dynamic. We have the flexibility to work from home when needed, and coming into the office doesn’t feel like a burden. The pricing was also a major factor for us – it’s affordable which is crucial for a small organisation with limited funds.
Being located within the borough was another priority because we are a place-based organisation. This area is vibrant with so much happening which makes it an ideal setting for us. The space itself is bright and open and we even host our community coffee mornings here. It’s wonderful to welcome people into the space where we work – it feels inviting and connected. Overall, it’s just a really positive environment for us.

What makes EdCity different to other offices or event spaces?

We’ve hosted sessions with young people in the building using the meeting rooms and it’s been fantastic. The setup with boards and flexible spaces really works for us. We often choose different areas depending on the activity, whether it’s the theatre area or one of the conference rooms. For example, the Young Grant Makers sessions were perfect in a communal space that allowed for both collaboration around the table and presentations using the screens.
EdCity feels very different from other event spaces or offices we’ve used before. Everything is integrated in one location and the design is incredibly flexible. The downstairs area, for instance, has a relaxed kitchen space that can easily be adapted for more formal setups if needed. There are multiple rooms serving different purposes, making it a true one-stop shop for our needs.

Has being an EdCity member had a positive impact on your organisation?

Being an EdCity member has had a really positive impact on our organisation. It’s helped us feel more connected as a team because we can come and go freely and choose spaces that suit our work. This flexibility boosts productivity – sometimes we hold standing meetings around the kitchen island when we need a change of pace, and other times we use the meeting rooms for focused sessions. Plus, having a café downstairs means we can grab lunch together which strengthens team bonding.
Overall, the space has improved both our connectivity and productivity. It’s not just the physical environment – it’s also the presence of other like-minded organisations doing similar but diverse work. That sense of community makes a big difference.