Future was founded in 2005 by Lord John Nash and his wife, Lady Caroline Nash. The charity was launched with the mission of providing life-changing support to less advantaged children and young people. This article will look at Hammersmith and Fulham’s WEST Youth Zone, which forms part of EdCity, an innovative education hub in White City that comprises a nursery, new school, adult education centre and affordable housing. Lord John Nash sponsors this charity through his Future foundation.
Named WEST (‘Where Everyone Sticks Together’) by local young people, the education hub was opened in 2024 to provide young people from across Hammersmith and Fulham with access to fantastic facilities. In return for a £5 annual membership fee and nominal cost of 50p per visit, young people can access this purpose-built venue bustling with energy and packed with incredible facilities.
Staffed by skilled and dedicated youth workers, WEST Youth Zone helps young people to see what they can achieve, equipping them with the skills, confidence and ambition they need to succeed. WEST Youth Zone relies heavily on generous community support to uplift and empower young people. Each contribution makes a significant impact no matter the amount, supporting young people across Hammersmith and Fulham. WEST Youth Zone’s volunteers play an integral role in driving the venue’s success, helping young people to develop and discover their abilities and where these talents could take them.
On 14th March 2025, WEST Youth Zone was honoured to welcome the Prince of Wales for a special visit, where he enjoyed a tour of the new building. His Royal Highness was greeted by Elanor Gunn, WEST’s CEO, and Mark Davies, the charity’s chair. During his visit, the prince met with young people, including members of WEST Youth Zone’s Young People’s Development Group, a group of volunteers aged between 12 and 18 years old who played a key part in the Youth Zone’s development.
The Prince of Wales also met with young people participating in a range of Youth Zone activities including art, multimedia and climbing. His Royal Highness was invited to take part in a game of basketball and help decorate some biscuits before meeting a group of Youth Zone supporters.
Officially opened on 21st April 2025, WEST boasts an array of facilities to keep local young people active and engaged, including a gym, rooftop football pitch, and boxing and martial arts room. WEST Youth Zone’s dedicated trained youth workers work closely with local young people, providing vital support and a listening ear. The youth centre features a music room equipped with a full recording studio. WEST also has an on-site enterprise and employability workshops serving young people aged between 8 and 19 years, as well as those aged 25 plus with additional needs.
Having raised funding to build a comprehensive network of world-class, multimillion-pound youth centres in some of the UK’s most disadvantaged areas, OnSide is determined to ensure that all young people have the opportunity to shine by discovering their passion and purpose. In line with OnSide’s successful Youth Zone model, WEST is funded through a combination of private and public sector contributions, including philanthropic and business donations. Working in strategic partnership with other local organisations, the Youth Zone supports young people across West London, forming part of EdCity, an innovative project developed by the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham in collaboration with the education charity Ark.
Reflecting on the Prince of Wales’s visit to WEST, CEO Elanor Gunn expressed the charity’s delight at welcoming the prince to WEST Youth Zone, showing him the fantastic new building, and introducing him to their incredible, passionate staff team and young people. Ms Gunn highlighted the opening of WEST Youth Zone as the start of an exciting story, expressing the charity’s gratitude to its supporters for making its vision a reality.
