“Addiction is a vampire on your shoulder”
The Arsenal Foundation has helped to fund Rehabit, a charity that offers counselling and peer support for local people who are struggling with addiction to alcohol and drugs and who have limited or no funds. Peer supporter Garry Durston, 59 and from north London, tells us about their work
Helping those who are homeless rebuild their lives
The Arsenal Foundation has helped to fund Street Storage, the only charity in the country providing free, safe and accessible storage to people experiencing homelessness. Founder and CEO Rachel Woolf tells us how it works and why our money matters
“Sport is a great way to break down barriers”
The Arsenal Foundation has helped Islington Handball bring their sport to more young people across the borough. Club president Alex tells us how
Good times at the Wellbeing Cafe
The Arsenal Foundation has helped to fund the Wellbeing Cafe at St George’s Church to run exercise sessions for older residents. Cafe co-founder Catherine tells us how our donation is helping local people stay fit, healthy and safer
“I won a scholarship for London Youth Circus”
The Arsenal Foundation has helped to fund Mimbre Youth, a programme run by the female-led Mimbre acrobatic theatre company that offers sessions to local youngsters on Milton Garden Estate. Local youngster Kiki tells us why she loves them
“Children keep coming back week after week”
The Arsenal Foundation has helped to fund The Toy Project, which runs play workshops and gives unwanted toys to children in hospitals, hospices, schools, nurseries and to families in need. One of their key staff members, Jess Doyle, tells us about the art project we supported
Helping children to learn through play
The Arsenal Foundation has helped to fund Make-Do Play, a local community interest company that offers free play sessions for children of all ages. Islington resident Sam tells us how much his daughter Clara loves the sessions for their variety and sheer fun
“People were asking for help with food every day”
The Arsenal Foundation has helped to fund St John’s Kitchen, a soup kitchen and food bank close to Emirates Stadium. Volunteer Ally Nash-Wiggins tells us about their work and why, sadly, demand is growing
“We help young people address trauma”
The Arsenal Foundation has helped to fund the Baobab Centre, a non-residential therapeutic community that offers holistic support to young survivors of human rights abuses seeking refuge in the UK. Baobab director Sheila Melzak, who is 75 and was herself a refugee from eastern Europe, tells us about their work
Giving disabled kids access to sport – and joy
The Arsenal Foundation has helped to fund KEEN London, a charity that runs activities for children with special needs and disabilities in locations across the capital. David Rose, 44 and from London, tells us how it has helped his son Alex
“Many parents are struggling to afford the basics”
The Arsenal Foundation has donated to Choices, a charity that supports women through a pregnancy, pregnancy loss or parenting crisis, and runs Choices Boutique, which provides pre-loved clothing and equipment. Boutique manager Marianne tells us about their work
Helping local people access legal advice
The Arsenal Foundation has helped fund Islington Legal Advice Centre, whose volunteer lawyers help advise and represent those who cannot afford solicitors’ fees or are finding it difficult to get help elsewhere. Mohammed Hibu tells us how the Centre helped his family after the tragic loss of their daughter, Malika
“We are giving girls a voice”
The Arsenal Foundation, in partnership with Islington Giving, has been supporting the Brandon Centre’s Arsenal Girls’ Kicks Programme since 2019, when it first started helping girls in Islington improve their wellbeing, mental and physical health through football. The Brandon Centre’s Clinical Director, Pavlos Rossolymos, tells us about the impact
Octopus: 25 years of community cohesion
The Arsenal Foundation works closely with the Octopus Community Network as part of the Arsenal and adidas No More Red campaign. As they celebrate their 25th birthday, they tell us what they do and how they continue to help community centres reach and support more young people
Making the most of local green space
Arsenal have helped to fund the Well Street Common Summer Festival. Organiser Kay Richardson tells us how our donation helped locals to have fun and reach new heights
“I just didn’t want to be here anymore”
Arsenal supporter Paul was in the crowd when we won at Tottenham earlier this season – and he knows that in any crowd, however jubilant, there may be people who are struggling like he was before he found James’ Place, a charity that offers life-saving help for men in suicidal crisis
A free camp for local kids
Arsenal helped to fund a summer camp at Amberliegh, a local charity that educates the public in art and science. Akunna Nwanna-Skeete tells us how the money helped children have fun – for free
“I can build the life I want”
Arsenal, alongside Islington Giving, have helped to fund a suicide prevention service at Body & Soul, a charity that addresses the life-threatening effects of childhood adversity in people of all ages. Andrea Esposito Diaz, Body & Soul’s Head of Fundraising & Partnerships, tells us about it
“I believe in community and cooperation”
The Arsenal Foundation has helped to fund Well Versed, a poetry and performance group for older people run by All Change Arts. Published poet Anthony M Baker tells us how it has enriched his life
How art helps refugees rebuild
The Arsenal Foundation has helped to fund New Art Studio, a therapeutic art studio for refugees and asylum seekers based in London. Amir tells us how the therapy has helped him to rebuild his life
“I’ve always loved to cook”
The Arsenal Foundation has helped fund the Community Brigade, a six-month training and work experience programme run by social enterprise Cook for Good open to people on or near the Priory Green Estate. Ijeoma Anyanwu tells us how she got involved and the difference it’s making to her future
A film club for older residents
The Arsenal Foundation has helped to fund Emmanuel Film Club, a social cinema gathering for older residents held weekly at Emmanuel Hornsey Road Church. Club regular Anna tells us about it
Bringing joy to people with dementia
The Arsenal Foundation has helped fund Park Theatre’s Reminiscence Group for people with dementia. Stephen Whittle, 84, tells us how the sessions have helped him and his wife Brenda, 82, over recent years
A party to raise Foodbank funds
The Arsenal Foundation has helped to fund a street party in Hungerford Road near Emirates Stadium this summer to raise money for Islington Foodbank. One of the organisers, Annette Witheridge, tells us about it
Helping locals who lose loved ones
The Arsenal Foundation has helped to fund north London’s CCIWBS Bereavement Service, which offers counselling for adults who have experienced loss. Counsellor David, who lives in Camden, tells us about their invaluable work
Kitting out Gillespie School
The Arsenal Foundation has helped nearby Gillespie Primary School buy new sports equipment and football kit. PE teacher Hassan tells us how it has helped children improve their skills and grow as individuals
A food bank for the community
The Arsenal Foundation has helped to fund the food bank at the Church of the Sacred Heart near Emirates Stadium. Volunteer and committee member Philip Ward tells us how the service has grown to help more people during difficult times
“We need communities to work together”
The Arsenal Foundation has helped to fund Celebrate Islington, a festival at the Islington Assembly Halls that aims to recognise the borough’s rich diversity. Among the performers on stage were Sally and Theresa, who tell us about the day and why it matters
Spreading smiles for poorly children
The Arsenal Foundation has helped to fund Spread a Smile, a charity that provides hospital visits, outings and events for children and their families during long hospital stays. Mum Gemma tells us how they helped her whole family when her daughter Amelia, now 11, was fighting a brain tumour
“It isn’t just about winning”
The Arsenal Foundation has helped to fund In Tune FC, a local football club supported by Cycling Club Hackney for people suffering from isolation or mental health issues. Co-founder Michelle Binney tells us how it has helped her and many others
Stephen Lawrence Day
April 22 is Stephen Lawrence Day, and the legacy of the teenager who was stabbed to death on this date in 1993 is kept alive by Arsenal’s No More Red charity partner The Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation. Esther Ope Elias, aged 18, tells us how the foundation has inspired her to help change society
Making life easier for poorly children
The Arsenal Foundation has helped to fund React, a charity working to improve the quality of life for terminally ill children living in financially disadvantaged households through the provision of essential equipment and aid. Conor O’Donnabhain tells us about their work
“Music brings positive benefits”
The Arsenal Foundation has helped to fund Music in Hospitals & Care, a charity that brings live music to people in hospitals and other healthcare institutions. Sarah Northall tells us how the money has helped
Tackling food poverty with Bags Of Taste
The Arsenal Foundation has helped to fund Bags Of Taste, a social enterprise that tackles food poverty. Local resident Michael tells us how it has given him new-found confidence in the kitchen – and saved him money
Local youngsters hit the slopes
The Arsenal Foundation has helped Urban Hope, a local charity that provides drop-in sessions and support in schools for youngsters, send two youngsters to learn how to become ski/snowboard instructors. Urban Hope’s Mathew Barber tells us how it happened
Helping older residents to see the sights
The Arsenal Foundation has helped to fund St Luke’s Community History Group, which organises trips to landmarks and museums for older people. Local resident Jean Chapman tells us about some her personal highlights
Pedal Power at the Emirates
The Arsenal Foundation has helped to fund Pedal Power, a north London cycling club for people with disabilities that runs sessions on the podium outside Emirates Stadium and in Finsbury Park. Nina tells us how the sessions helped her recover mentally and physically after a serious accident, and how she now volunteers for the club to give something back
“It feels good that Arsenal cares”
The Arsenal Foundation has helped to fund local charity Young & Inspired’s Flying Colours project, which helps disadvantaged young people deal with mental health challenges through art therapy. Jenny tells us about it
How we’re helping children with trauma
The Arsenal Foundation has helped to fund Family Futures, a not-for-profit adoption agency, fostering agency and therapy centre. Mum Amanda tells us how their work has helped her adopted children after a traumatic start to their lives
A star at the Special Olympics
The Arsenal Foundation have helped to fund Safe Haven Basketball, an inclusive London-based basketball club for people of all abilities aged 14 to 25. Grace Colverd tells us about the club she founded with her mum and how it took her to Berlin for the Special Olympics this June
Helping the homeless through art
The Arsenal Foundation have helped to fund the Museum Of Homelessness, a community-driven social justice museum created and run by people with direct experience of homelessness. Internationally award-winning artist, educator and activist David Tovey tell us how the charity has helped him
Helping an Arsenal fan with dementia
The Arsenal Foundation have helped to fund WeSwim, a charity that delivers swimming sessions for people with physical and learning disabilities. Linda O’Leary reveals how the sessions have helped her husband, John, who is no longer as active as he once was since being diagnosed with Posterior Cortical Atrophy.
“The club is so much fun”
The Arsenal Foundation has helped to fund Crown & Manor’s Junior Club for young boys aged seven and up. Artie, aged 11 from Islington, tells us about it
“We learned about consent”
The Arsenal Foundation has helped to fund workshops by Let Me Know, an education charity that works with young people to prevent domestic violence, relationship abuse and sexual assault. Akos, 17, from Islington, tells us about the workshop he attended
“Fencing has helped me as a footballer”
The Arsenal Foundation has helped to fund Fence Club 43, a club that delivers fencing classes for children both at its club based in Islington and within schools across London. Club regular Hugo, aged 11, tells us about it
Arsenal at the Amputee World Cup
The Arsenal Foundation helped Helder Silva, one of our longest-serving Arsenal Amputee footballers, represent England at the Amputee World Cup. Here’s how he and the Three Lions got on…
Caribbean history comes to life
The Arsenal Foundation has helped Sweet Patootoe Arts, a non-profit arts organisation that creates historical and contemporary films and documentaries around black heritage, launch a new project with the help of Mildmay Community Centre. Mildmay centre manager Teena Phillips tells us about it…
“I was always chasing a win”
The Arsenal Foundation has helped the Mossbourne Federation buy a new rowing boat for its pupils. Dedicated rower Danny Shaw tells us how it helped his training and more
Helping children walk tall
The Arsenal Foundation have helped Richard Cloudesley School buy an Innowalk, a device that helps children with special needs including cerebral palsy walk in an upright position. Here we find out from the school how the machine has benefitted pupils in a variety of ways
“I’m proud that I've changed”
The Arsenal Foundation has helped Rathbone Amateur Boxing Club deliver sessions to get youngsters in Camden active, and aspiring boxing coach GP was proud to deliver those sessions. “I was of no benefit to the community when I was younger, butI’m proud that I've changed,” he reflects
“Yoga helps mentally and physically”
The Arsenal Foundation has helped Islington’s MahaDevi Yoga Centre create a fund for families in need to either subsidise their sessions or to offer the first three classes for free. Emma, from Camden, tells us how it has helped her daughter Tyler
“We support people to rebuild lives”
The Arsenal Foundation has helped Shelter From The Storm give homeless people a safe space to sleep in. General manager Matt Conlon tells us how…
“We rely on the support of Londoners”
London’s Air Ambulance delivers rapid-response care to critically injured people in London. Outreach manager Rhiannon tells us how The Arsenal Foundation and Arsenal in the Community have helped to fund the charity and engage local youngsters with its work
“I insist on enjoying the time I have left”
David Williams, 37, has terminal brain cancer – but refuses to bow to it. Here he reveals how he enjoyed a very special day at Emirates Stadium last season through the Willow Foundation, and how Eddie Nketiah and a Gunners legend made him both laugh and cry…
Arsenal help fund knife crime film
The Arsenal Foundation has helped to fund Ambitious Academy, a community mentoring and education programme based at the Elthorne Estate, make a film called Chance The Movie. Actor Daniel Phelan tells us about it – and you can watch the movie here
Helping girls with their mental health
Local mental health charity the Brandon Centre sends a psychotherapist to The Arsenal Hub one day a week for youngsters taking part in our Arsenal Girls Kicks programme. Pavlos Rossolymos, head of mental health at the Brandon Centre, tells us about it
Great Ormond Street’s anniversary
The Arsenal Foundation helped to fund a new Lung Function Unit at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), which was opened by Arsène Wenger in 2012. We hear from two people with close links to the unit as it celebrates the tenth anniversary of its renovation – including mum Juliet
“It was a very challenging time”
Arsenal’s emergency Covid fund helped the Margins Project at Union Chapel to support homeless people during the pandemic. Volunteer Archie Powell tells us about the charity’s work
Helping children deal with grief
The Arsenal Foundation has helped to fund the CARIS Bereavement Service, which works with children who have lost a loved one, run a programme known as Rucksack. Counsellor Maire Hemmingway reveals how she helps children come to terms with loss
Helping to feed those in need
Arsenal’s emergency Covid fund helped The ARC Centre to set up a local food bank for those struggling during the pandemic. The charity’s creative director Damien Brown tells us how it was converted from community centre to food hub
A big STEP on and off the pitch
The Arsenal Foundation has helped fund STEP Football, a local team for adults with learning disabilities. Patrick Murphy is a long-standing regular who now does more than just play football…
Off the streets and on the ball
Street Child United is a charity that connects street children by hosting international sporting events. Sam and Liya, from Islington, both took part in the Street Child World Cup – with help from The Arsenal Foundation
“The club never saw my work as fan art”
Artist Stazzy reveals how The Arsenal Foundation changed his life and how our work continues to help him help others
