Harrow Change Makers

Harrow Change Makers (HCM) is a grant programme that supports local projects tackling the social challenges young people face in Harrow.

Since 2018, the HAY Harrow Report has been the borough’s flagship youth‑voice survey, run biennially to capture what matters to Harrow’s children and young people. The latest HAY Har­row 2025 Report captured the views of almost 8,000 young people (aged 9‑18) and identified five priority themes. into free, locally‑tailored activities.

The Harrow Change Makers (HCM) grant translates those insights into free, Harrow-based activities that directly address digital wellbeing, mental health, physical activity, safety, and future aspirations.

HCM is supported by a collective of funders from the business, charity, and statutory sectors, alongside individual and private donors.

HAY Harrow Report 2025

Harrow Social Change Logo



Five Key Themes

The HAY Har­row 2025 Report centres its analysis around five interconnected themes that capture what matters most to young people in Harrow today


Digital Wellbeing

Young people in Harrow spend large amounts of time online; while it offers connection, excessive use raises safety and mental‑health risks. Vulnerable Groups. Non‑binary pupils, those with SEND, asylum‑seekers, and those facing food insecurity tend to spend more time online, have more frequent contact with strangers and face a greater likelihood of unwanted sexual solicitations.

22%
have daily or frequent online contact with people they have never met in real life
16%
of KS3 students say their phone/tablet sometimes wakes them up at night
11%
have received images or messages that made them feel uncomfortable or upset.

Mental Health

Young people in Harrow generally feel supported and capable of coping, yet a substantial minority struggle with anxiety, depression and low life‑satisfaction. The HAY Harrow data shows that 65 % of respondents “often” or “sometimes” feel down or depressed, rising to 19 % among KS4‑5 students who “often” feel depressed. Vulnerable Groups report higher levels of depression, anxiety and difficulty coping. These circumstances make them far more likely to need targeted support.

75%
of young people say they feel loved
48%
48 % of non‑binary respondents “often” feel depressed
17%
of all young people feel anxious or nervous

Physical Health

Overall, 83 % of young people rate their physical health as good or excellent, yet only 36 % meet the national recommendation of at least one hour of activity per day. Barriers such as cost, safety concerns and lack of welcoming environments limit participation. Vulnerable Groups encounter the greatest obstacles to sport and exercise, resulting in lower activity frequencies and poorer related health outcomes (e.g., dental attendance).

45%
of KS2 pupils meet the daily activity target
32%
of secondary age school students feel they do not receive enough information at school about adolescence and body change
22%
say they do not get enough sleep to feel awake and focused at school/college

Safety

The majority feel safe at home and in school, yet bullying, harassment and occasional physical confrontations remain concerns, particularly for certain sub‑populations. Vulnerable Groups report higher incidences of bullying, sexual harassment and overall feelings of unsafety.

90%
feel safe at home “all the time”
33%
of KS2 students had seen someone else being bullied
12%
of KS4‑5 and college students report experiencing sexual harassment

The Future

Young people generally feel hopeful about their futures and have some sense of career direction, but optimism and access to tailored guidance vary widely. Vulnerable Groups are markedly less optimistic and report receiving insufficient career advice or support.

42%
of non‑binary youth feel unsupported in considering future options
39%
of KS5 & college students are more interested in apprenticeships and practical training than going to university
21%
of young carers feel unsupported in considering future options

HCM 2026 Funded Activities


What's the impact of the Programme?

39
Organisations funded
£412,306
Grants awarded

Harrow Change Makers 2025 Report

25/11/2025

This report reflects the powerful stories of resilience, creativity, and connection made possible by the outstanding work of our local delivery organisations, and by the unwavering support of our funding partners.

Harrow Change Makers 2024 Report

05/03/2025

This impact report highlights the impressive results achieved by our service delivery organisations. Through tailored support, this programme has made a significant difference in the lives of young people.

What happens when young people are heard

11/12/2025

The Harrow Change Makers initiative brings together a group of committed local donors who pool their resources, insight, and passion to create meaningful change for young people in Harrow.

Harrow Change Makers in practice: Nathan’s story with Ignite Youth

03/12/2025

Harrow Change Makers is a local funding partnership that backs projects shaped around the real concerns of young people in Harrow. Through the programme, funders support organisations that help children and young people stay safe, improve their wellbeing and stay connected to education and opportunity.

Harrow Change Makers: Local partners unite to support young people

02/10/2025

A group of local partners, supported by Young Harrow Foundation, have come together to fund community projects for children and young people in Harrow. The next round of Harrow Change Makers will open on October 2nd 2025, putting £170,000 into locally delivered programmes responding to the needs expressed by young people.


FAQs

  • Who can apply for funding?

    Signed-up members of the Young Harrow Foundation can apply for the Harrow Change Makers Grant Programme.

  • How long has the programme been running?

    We are now two years into a three-year programme that first launched in 2023, with funded activities delivered by grantees in 2024.

    Read more in our impact report here:

  • What is HAY Harrow?

    HAY Harrow is a vital report that captures the latest data and information from professionals and young people about what it's like growing up in Harrow in 2025.


Organisations Involved

Partner with us

A strong group of partners already supports Harrow Change Makers, and there is room and a need for more. Residents, funders and local businesses who want to invest in Harrow’s future are welcome to get in touch.

Send us your interest