Godwin Lawson Foundation

06/06/2026

We are utterly heartbroken by the tragic death of Henry Nowak.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Henry’s parents, family, friends and the wider community who are now facing an unimaginable loss.

At times like these, words never feel enough. There is nothing that can truly ease the pain of losing a child, and our hearts go out to everyone who knew and loved Henry.

As a Foundation established in memory of Godwin Lawson, we know only too well the devastating and lifelong impact that violence has on families and communities. Every young life lost is one too many.

While we mourn Henry’s death, we must also be prepared to learn from it. Difficult questions need to be asked, and where lessons can be learned, they must be. This includes all agencies involved, including the police, local authorities, schools, community organisations and wider society. We owe it to Henry, his family and every young person to understand whether more could have been done and how future tragedies can be prevented.

Now is a time for compassion, reflection and action.

Henry’s life mattered. He will not be forgotten.



Pic - family handout to media

20/05/2026

Twelve years on, we pause to reflect, give thanks, and look ahead.

The Godwin Lawson Foundation was established to honour the memory of Godwin Lawson, who heroically lost his life protecting his friends from a knife attack. Today, GLF continues to stand as a beacon of hope, committed to empowering young people and helping build safer, stronger communities.

For over a decade, our mission has remained clear — to help young people move away from the dangers of gang violence and towards opportunity, confidence, purpose and positive futures.

As we reflect on this journey, we want to pay tribute to our founding trustees and past board members whose leadership, commitment and belief helped shape the Foundation into what it is today. Your contribution has created lasting impact for countless young people and families.

We also remember with heartfelt gratitude the late Richard Taylor OBE, whose legacy remains woven into the story of GLF.

As one chapter closes, another begins. We are proud to welcome our new trustees:
Olaide Oboh, Keziah Lawson, Joseph Akwaboa and Jordan Mattis, joining existing trustees Anna Christensson and Dr Margaret Thorli.

Together, they bring a wealth of experience across youth development, governance, social impact, law and community engagement as we continue our work with renewed purpose and ambition.

Thank you to every supporter, volunteer, trustee, partner and young person who has been part of the GLF journey over the past 12 years.

The work continues.

20/05/2026

As part of Knife Crime Awareness Week 2026, young people came together through a partnership between the Godwin Lawson Foundation and Tottenham Hotspur’s Kicks programme to have honest and powerful conversations around knife crime, joint enterprise, peer pressure, decision-making and the lasting impact violence can have on individuals, families and communities.

The session led by Yvonne and Demari from Jellot youth club encouraged young people to think about consequences, influence and the importance of making positive choices, even under pressure.

Most importantly, all 30 young people made a pledge not to carry a knife.

Change starts with education, opportunity, trusted conversations and giving young people the confidence to choose a different path.

Huge credit to everyone involved in creating a safe and impactful space for these discussions to happen.

21/04/2026

Discussing the recent research of Knife crime 2 school aged children die in a month from knife crime horrifying @ channel 5 with Dan Walker TV
Children from adverse childhood experiences more at risk

21/03/2026

Last week, the Godwin Lawson Foundation hosted the Youth Echo Showcase at Haringey Sixth Form College — thank you for having us and for providing such a brilliant space.

Delivered in partnership with The Bridge Renewal Trust and NLPC Ltd, with funding from City Bridge Foundation, this project brought together young people to do something powerful — use their voices.

Youth Echo is about creating safe spaces for young people to speak up and challenge the systemic issues they face. What we heard was honest, moving and thought-provoking.

Contributions covered everything from feminism and Islamophobia to disability awareness, cancer, the education system, SEND needs and more — alongside some truly inspiring performances.

The energy in the room was something special. It was a real reminder of what happens when communities come together with purpose.

A huge thank you to the incredible team, the young people, their families and friends, partners, and councillors who supported the event — it genuinely meant a lot.

More to follow...

15/03/2026

Mother’s Day is not one story. It is many.

Today we celebrate the women who raise us, guide us, support us and stand beside us in ways that shape who we become.

To the mums who are in the thick of it — juggling a hundred things, carrying the invisible load, showing up every day even when it’s exhausting. You are extraordinary.

To the carers, step-mums, grandmothers, aunties, sisters and friends who step into a mothering role. Love doesn’t always come with a title, but its impact is just as powerful.

To the women who nurture others through kindness, mentorship and quiet support. The way you care for people matters more than you probably realise.

To those who long to be mothers, those who have experienced loss, and those who find today difficult — you are seen.

And to the mums who are no longer with us but who live on in our memories, our habits, our words and the way we care for others. Their love never really leaves.

However today looks for you — whether it’s joyful, reflective, complicated or quiet — I hope you feel appreciated.

Because motherhood, in all its forms, is one of the most powerful forces in the world.

Happy Mother’s Day 💛

14/03/2026

09/03/2026

08/03/2026

Today, on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength, leadership and resilience of women in our communities.

At the Godwin Lawson Foundation, we see every day the impact women have when they are given the space, support and opportunity to lead. From community advocates and entrepreneurs to mothers, carers and young women finding their voices, women are shaping stronger, fairer communities.

International Women’s Day is not only a moment to celebrate achievements. It is also a reminder that many women still face barriers — whether that is access to opportunity, representation in leadership, or feeling heard and valued in society.

Our work is grounded in the belief that when women are supported, communities thrive.

We are proud to work alongside incredible women who are driving change, mentoring others, building businesses, supporting families and strengthening neighbourhoods across London and beyond.

Today we say thank you to the women who inspire us, challenge us and lead the way forward.

Let’s continue working together to ensure that every woman and girl has the opportunity, confidence and support to reach her full potential.

Happy International Women’s Day.

04/03/2026

Youth Echo Showcase Event – Celebrating Young Voices

The Godwin Lawson Foundation invites you to an inspiring evening showcasing the voices, ideas and leadership of young people.

📅 Thursday 12 March 2026
📍 Haringey 6th Form College, White Hart Lane, Tottenham, N17 8HR
⏰ 6pm – 9pm

The Youth Echo Showcase Event brings together young leaders who are using their voices to speak about the issues affecting their lives and communities.

Expect powerful stories, inspiring speeches and an opportunity to hear directly from the next generation of leaders.

This event celebrates the message:

Young leaders. Powerful voices. Inspiring stories.

🎟 Free tickets available – scan the QR code on the poster to register.

Come along, support the young people taking part and be part of a positive conversation about the future of our communities.