ABOUT US

Providence House Youth Club is a long-standing youth charity rooted in Battersea, committed to helping children and young people thrive through trusted relationships, purposeful programmes, and practical support.

Young people at Providence House enjoying a club session

OUR STORY

Providence House began in 1963 when Elizabeth Braund opened a leaky chapel near Clapham Junction to local boys who kept kicking footballs at the door. From that quiet welcome grew a sixty-year story of belonging. In 1973, Robert Musgrave joined as a volunteer aged 21 and never left. Over five decades he became Director of Youth and Community Services, mentoring generations of Battersea young people and holding the club steady through every funding cycle. Today, names and faces have changed, but the offer has not. A safe space that belongs to young people, trusted adults who turn up week after week, and practical opportunities to grow, lead, and belong.

OUR MISSION

Empowered by over 60 years of deep-rooted community connection, our mission is to create safe, welcoming spaces where children and young people can grow, belong, achieve and thrive.

Young person with a lamb at Providence House

OUR VISION

Our vision is a Battersea where every child and young person is safe, valued, and able to realise their full potential, regardless of background or circumstance.

OUR VALUES

Our vision is a Battersea where every child and young person is safe, valued, and able to realise their full potential, regardless of background or circumstance.

Excellence

Working from a place of excellence, giving our all to ensure that what we produce is the best it can be.

Young People Focused

Ensuring everything we do is young people-focused.

Christ the Cornerstone

Ensuring everything is built on the foundation of our faith in Christ Jesus.

Above and Beyond

Ensuring that as an organisation we go above and beyond to achieve our goals and support for children and young people.

United Effort

Ensuring that, as an organisation, we work in unity to fulfil our God-given purpose and goal.

Aspiration

Ensuring that we aim for all children and young people to be the best versions of themselves.

OUR HISTORY

More than sixty years of welcoming young people through the same door, year after year.

1963

The Beginning

Elizabeth Braund and a handful of friends take over the disused Providence Chapel near Clapham Junction. Local boys kick footballs at the door until she lets them in, and the youth club is born.

1970

A Permanent Home

The original chapel is replaced by the purpose-built youth centre on Falcon Road that still stands today.

1973

Robert Musgrave Arrives

Rob Musgrave joins as a volunteer aged 21. Over the next five decades he becomes Director of Youth and Community Services, mentoring generations of young people and becoming the steady heartbeat of the club.

1976

Shallowford Farm

East Shallowford Farm in Devon is acquired as "a lung for the city", offering inner-city children residential trips, fresh air, and a glimpse of life beyond Battersea.

1990s

A New Generation

The programme broadens into sports, cookery, carpentry, media, and the creative arts. Former members return as volunteers and coaches, embedding a culture of lifelong belonging.

2005

Trust Established

Providence House Trust is formally constituted, securing the charity’s governance and long-term future.

2013

Honouring the Founder

Elizabeth Braund dies aged 91. At her funeral, the boys she once welcomed take it in turns to fill in her grave, a quiet measure of what she built.

2014

Fifty Years

Providence House marks half a century of service and is profiled by The Observer as proof that the youth club, far from being an outdated idea, still matters.

Late 2010s

A Creative Push

A new chapter of leadership opens up the offer into media, music, and the creative arts, giving young people fresh pathways to find their voice and showcase their talent.

Today

Backing Young London

Providence House continues to back young Londoners through trusted relationships, consistent presence, and practical opportunity, building on more than sixty years of service to Battersea.