The Winch

Our mission is to help each child succeed, regardless of their circumstances, by giving them the opportunities and support they need.

We are based in Swiss Cottage and have been working with children and young people for 40 years! Come say hi if you used to come here!

06/10/2026

This Black History Month, we reflect on the work of our dedicated employees, our contributions to the community, and the incredible achievements of our young people. Let's celebrate diversity, educate ourselves, and stand together.
hashtag

01/10/2026

⏰ 4 DAYS LEFT TO APPLY! ⏰

Got an idea to make your neighbourhood greener? The Winch's Good Neighbourhood Project is offering £1,500 in seed funding + support to turn Citizens’ Assembly recommendations into real action! 🌳

🌱 3 groups will be selected

📅 Deadline: Midday, Monday 5th October

👇 See our recommendations and apply now! via link in our comments

29/09/2026

🎉 90 YEARS OF BELSIZE COMMUNITY LIBRARY! 🎉

We could not be prouder to stand alongside our incredible community, dedicated volunteers, and local partners as we celebrate 90 years of Belsize Library!

Opening back in 1937 as a public library, this landmark building has stood at the heart of our neighbourhood for nearly a century. When the library faced closure in 2012 due to council funding cuts, the Winch stepped in to save it—taking over management and transforming it into a vibrant, community-run hub powered by local charity, passionate volunteers, and neighbourhood support.

Now, we're celebrating nine whole decades of history and community with a special season of festivities!

Here is how we’re starting the party:
🥂 The Grand Launch Evening📅 Thursday, 15th October 2026 | 6:30 PM – 8:15 PM

Join us for live music, complimentary light refreshments, and talks from guest speakers including Victoria Coren Mitchell, Tulip Siddiq MP, Councillor Tom Simon, and our CEO, Rashid Iqbal

90th Anniversary Exhibition📅 October 2026 – March 2027 (During opening hours)

Explore the rich history and architecture of the library, featuring a specially produced 90th-anniversary short documentary film! Plus, look out for author talks, and neighbourhood gatherings coming up all season long!

👉 To view the full event schedule and register for the launch, visit the link in our comments

25/09/2026

Looking after our community’s children doesn’t start when they walk through our doors it starts the moment the school bell rings!

Every afternoon, our dedicated play team walks children safely from local schools straight to the Winch After School Club. Safe walking routes and trusted staff mean parents can have complete peace of mind knowing their children are in caring hands every step of the way.

This daily pick-up embodies what we stands for:
❤️ Safety & Trust: Creating a secure, supportive environment from school gate to play space.
🌟 Community & Connection: Walking, talking, and building strong relationships outside the classroom.
🎨 Play & Growth: Giving children the space, freedom, and play opportunities they need to unwind, learn, and thrive after a busy school day.

Find out more about our work www.thewinch.org

23/09/2026

Building a greener Swiss Cottage & South Hampstead.

Following our local Citizens’ Assembly, residents across the neighbourhood have been hard at work turning climate action ideas into reality from community gardens and surplus food networks to active travel schemes!

A big thank you to the Ham & High for featuring our Good Neighbourhood Project and highlighting the grassroots environmental work happening right here in our community.

Want to see what we're currently up to, get involved, or support our ongoing work?

👉 Visit The Winch website to learn more about all our work www.thewinch.org
📖 https://www.hamhigh.co.uk/news/26515794.residents-invited-launch-green-projects-hampstead/

17/09/2026

Belonging doesn’t always mean jumping straight into the action—sometimes it just means having a safe place to be yourself, at your own pace.

Our doors are open to every young person. Whether you’re ready to dive into activities or just need a quiet space to reset, you are always welcome here.

✨ Visit the link in our comments to learn more about our Youth Club and how we support local young people!

15/09/2026

Welcome Tony, our new Head of Youth at The Winch!

Tony comes with a huge passion for youth work and is excited to support our team in continuing to deliver high-quality support to young people across Camden. He’s especially looking forward to connecting with our partners, staff, community members, and—most importantly—our local youth.

Fun Fact: When Tony isn't leading youth initiatives, he’s a practicing dance artist who loves teaching, performing, competing, and choreographing!

Join us in giving Tony a warm welcome in the comments below! 👇

11/09/2026

Warmest wishes to all our Jewish friends, neighbours, and community members celebrating Rosh Hashanah!

May this new year bring you and your family good health, happiness, and abundant sweetness.

Shanah Tovah U'Metukah from everyone at The Winch! 🍎🍯✨

09/09/2026

Planning your child's Birthday Party?

Now’s the perfect time to get ahead and book your celebration with us! Whether you're after a bright and playful space like our Playroom, a cool and creative setting like The Basement, or the charm of Belsize Community Library, we’ve got the perfect venue for your child’s big day. Located in Swiss Cottage and Belsize Park, our rooms can comfortably host 8 to 50 guests. Best of all, every booking helps support our work with children, young people, and families in the local community. Don’t miss out, secure your space now!
Book now via the link in our comments

04/09/2026

What an unforgettable summer with the Winch youth

From checking out artefacts on our museum trip to kicking back on movie day and bringing the competitive spirit for sports day, these past weeks have been packed with non-stop core memories.

Huge thank you to everyone who made this summer so special.

Address

The Winch, 21 Wi******er Road
London
NW33NR

Website

http://www.thewinch.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Winch posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organisation

Send a message to The Winch:

Featured

British DJ & MC Academy
The grangeway
Hephzibar Foundation