We’ve supported Carney’s Community over several grants since 2016, helping to launch new initiatives.
While boxing is Carney’s main platform for engagement, alternative interventions are offered for the less sporty, including music, education and business counselling. The model works and we’re pleased to award a further grant of £12,000 p/a over the next 2 years (2026-8).
About Carney’s Community
We support young people living in and around Wandsworth, targeting ages 11-30 facing extreme challenges including criminal justice system involvement or care experience. Carney’s works differently by providing long-term, consistent, unconditional support with empathy; a safe space and activities including boxing, bike workshops, employment support, studio sessions, mentoring and key work.
Inspired by boxing legend Mick Carney, the charity was founded in his name after his passing in 2011, building on work led by our co-founders. Our work is underpinned by intensive one-to-one key work for young people facing the greatest barriers to achieving their goals, each young person is assigned a dedicated key worker who walks alongside them as an advocate.
- For our young people we strive for equality and aim to:
- Improve Physical and Mental Health
- Improve Education, Skills and Employability
- Improve Community Engagement
- Reduce Offending and Reoffending
We aim to create a “virtuous cycle”: while support is free of charge, we ask that when young people are ready, they channel the positivity they have received into others. As a result, many go on to volunteer, mentor, join our staff team or even set up their own community initiatives. Former participants make up the majority of our workforce. They provide the most authentic role models, people who genuinely understand the challenges our young people face and who show what is possible.
Website: www.carneyscommunity.org
