Innovative Youth project seeks furniture and materials to create a welcoming space for young people leaving care

What do they need help with?

Croydon House Project is looking for support from property industry partners to furnish and equip its new base at 48–50 Portland Road, South Norwood, London, SE25 4PQ.

Launched in 2026 in partnership with the National House Project, the programme supports care-experienced young people aged 16–19 as they prepare to leave care and move towards independent adulthood.

A dedicated base has now been secured, providing an important foundation for the Croydon House Project. However, the building requires improvement works, including new carpeting, decoration and internal alterations, before it can become a fully functional space for young people.

Once completed, the base will be transformed into a warm, welcoming and psychologically informed environment that reflects the values of the project and feels distinctly different from statutory or institutional settings. For many care-experienced young people, having a place they can genuinely call their own is a powerful contributor to belonging, identity and stability. The base will model the feel and function of a positive home environment, providing opportunities for young people to develop and practise independence skills such as hosting visitors, sharing communal spaces, cooking, maintaining a home and taking pride in their surroundings.

Young people will be actively involved in shaping and caring for the space, fostering a sense of ownership, responsibility and investment in the project. This buy-in is particularly important for care-experienced young people, who may have had limited opportunities to influence the environments around them. By creating a space that is comfortable, homely and welcoming, the project will strengthen engagement, nurture meaningful relationships and provide the foundation from which young people can thrive as they move towards independence and a place to call home of their own.

Croydon House Project is seeking donated furniture, furnishings and equipment, including:

• Lounge furniture: Comfortable sofas, armchairs and soft seating, including bean bags, to create inviting communal spaces.
• Tables and chairs: Dining furniture suitable for shared meals, group workshops and social activities.
• Storage: Bookcases and storage units to help organise learning materials and communal areas.
• Soft furnishings: Rugs, cushions, throws and lamps to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
• Additional furniture: Coffee tables and side tables for communal and social spaces.
• Kitchen equipment: A coffee machine to support social activities and informal gatherings.
• Technology: A smart television for group learning, workshops and recreational activities.

The building includes a communal lounge, meeting space, kitchen and group-work area. Its largest room will serve as a multifunctional community space, accommodating approximately 15–20 people for workshops, activities and social events.

The project is particularly interested in robust, high-quality furniture that is comfortable, durable and easy to maintain. The aim is to create an environment that feels like a genuine home rather than an institutional setting.

Alongside furniture donations, support with decorating and improving the appearance of the space following internal building works would be greatly appreciated.

For many care-experienced young people, moving towards independence can bring significant uncertainty. Having a consistent place to meet, learn and connect with others can make a real difference.

The new base will give young people a space they can help shape and take pride in, while developing the confidence, practical skills and relationships needed to maintain their own homes.

By donating furniture, materials or professional expertise, property industry partners can help Croydon House Project create a lasting community space that supports young people on their journey towards stable housing and independent adulthood.

Timeline

As soon as possible

About the organisation

Croydon House Project supports care-experienced young people aged 16–19 to make a successful transition from care into independent adulthood.

Launched in 2026 by Croydon Council in partnership with the National House Project, the programme was established to address the challenges young people leaving care can face, including housing insecurity, social isolation and limited support networks.
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With approximately 750 care leavers known to the local authority, Croydon House Project aims to create stronger pathways towards stable housing and long-term independence.

The programme currently supports its first cohort of 12 young people through a structured, year-long learning and development programme.

Young people receive group and one-to-one support, learning practical skills including budgeting, cooking, managing a home, maintaining a tenancy and preparing for employment.

The project also encourages peer relationships, community involvement and emotional wellbeing, helping young people develop a lasting sense of belonging.

Following completion of the programme, young people are supported to establish their own homes, with ongoing guidance available for as long as needed.

By intervening early, Croydon House Project aims to prevent homelessness and ensure young people leaving care have the confidence, connections and skills to thrive.

https://thehouseproject.org/local-house-projects