We are a community charity in North Kensington, working alongside children, young people, adults and families. Through advice, education, family programmes and social change, we help people navigate challenges, build confidence, and create new opportunities. We work together for a more connected, inclusive and hopeful future.
WHAT WE DO

ADVICE AND GUIDANCE
Person-centred support to help people navigate housing, benefits, debt, cost of living pressures, digital barriers, referrals and next steps.

FAMILY PROGRAMME
After-school learning, activities, trips and wider support for children, young people and families, building confidence, wellbeing and belonging.

ADULT EDUCATION
Welcoming, high-quality learning in English, maths, digital skills and more, helping adults grow in confidence, skills and opportunity.

SOCIAL CHANGE
Dialogue, youth leadership, community research and partnerships that challenge exclusion and help shape a more inclusive society.
WHAT WE DO

ADVICE AND GUIDANCE
Person-centred support to help people navigate housing, benefits, debt, cost of living pressures, digital barriers, referrals and next steps.

ADULT EDUCATION
Welcoming, high-quality learning in English, maths, digital skills and more, helping adults grow in confidence, skills and opportunity.

FAMILY PROGRAMME
After-school learning, activities, trips and wider support for children, young people and families, building confidence, wellbeing and belonging.

SOCIAL CHANGE
Dialogue, youth leadership, community research and partnerships that challenge exclusion and help shape a more inclusive society.
SUPPORT THAT STARTS WITH PEOPLE
Life has become harder to manage for many people. Rising costs, housing pressure, digital exclusion, stress, isolation and unequal access to opportunity are affecting communities across the UK – and they are felt especially acutely in North Kensington.
At Nova, we respond in a practical, personal and hopeful way. We work alongside people facing immediate pressures, while also helping build confidence, connection and longer-term opportunity. Our support is rooted in trust, relationships and a belief in what people can go on to achieve.
What makes Nova different
Nova brings together two things that are rarely joined up well: vital frontline support and social change.
That means we do more than help people through immediate difficulties. We also create spaces for dialogue, youth leadership, community research, creativity and connection across boundaries. We work with major institutions as well as local residents, helping make inclusion real in practice and ensuring lived experience shapes change.
This joined-up model means our work is both deeply local and outward-looking: grounded in day-to-day realities, while challenging some of the structural inequalities faced by many in North Kensington.
A whole-community approach
The challenges people face do not fit neatly into boxes. Financial stress affects health. Housing pressure affects family life. Digital exclusion limits access to services, learning and work. Confidence, connection and opportunity are all linked.
That is why Nova works holistically. We support people with immediate needs, but we also help build the confidence, skills, relationships and sense of possibility that make lasting change more likely. We work with the whole person and often with the whole household.
Why our work matters now
North Kensington is a place of extraordinary diversity, creativity and resilience - but also of stark inequality. The local realities people bring to Nova reflect wider national pressures too: poverty, insecure housing, rising costs, loneliness, digital exclusion and growing mistrust in systems that can feel hard to navigate or slow to respond.
Nova exists to meet that reality with trusted support and a long view. We help people with what matters now, while working together towards stronger communities and fairer futures.
What makes Nova different
Nova brings together two things that are rarely joined up well: vital frontline support and social change.
That means we do more than help people through immediate difficulties. We also create spaces for dialogue, youth leadership, community research, creativity and connection across boundaries. We work with major institutions as well as local residents, helping make inclusion real in practice and ensuring lived experience shapes change.
This joined-up model means our work is both deeply local and outward-looking: grounded in day-to-day realities, while challenging some of the structural inequalities faced by many in North Kensington.
A whole-community approach
The challenges people face do not fit neatly into boxes. Financial stress affects health. Housing pressure affects family life. Digital exclusion limits access to services, learning and work. Confidence, connection and opportunity are all linked.
That is why Nova works holistically. We support people with immediate needs, but we also help build the confidence, skills, relationships and sense of possibility that make lasting change more likely. We work with the whole person and often with the whole household.
Why our work matters now
North Kensington is a place of extraordinary diversity, creativity and resilience - but also of stark inequality. The local realities people bring to Nova reflect wider national pressures too: poverty, insecure housing, rising costs, loneliness, digital exclusion and growing mistrust in systems that can feel hard to navigate or slow to respond.
Nova exists to meet that reality with trusted support and a long view. We help people with what matters now, while working together towards stronger communities and fairer futures.
OUR IMPACT
2,333 people supported in 2025
88%
increased confidence
89%
improved wellbeing
93%
felt more connected
£5.34
social value per £1 spent
YOUNG PEOPLE SHAPING CHANGE
At Nova, young people are not passive recipients of support. They are leaders, creators and changemakers.
Through youth voice, creative projects, public dialogue and partnerships with major institutions, young people at Nova explore big questions, develop capability and help shape the world around them. From environmental action to community storytelling, they are supported to speak up, bridge divides and imagine what is possible.
Youth Action in Motion
Our Local Environment is the crowning achievement of a year-long journey by Nova’s Youth Voice Group. Watch their story unfold as these young changemakers rise to meet a challenge that impacts the future of our community.
[The Our Local Environment Project], brilliantly supported by Georgia and the wider team, is a shining example of how best to utilise our micro-grants to provide amazing outcomes for young people in the borough!”
– Young K&C
Youth Action in Motion
Our Local Environment is the crowning achievement of a year-long journey by Nova’s Youth Voice Group. Watch their story unfold as these young changemakers rise to meet a challenge that impacts the future of our community.
Youth Action in Motion
Our Local Environment is the crowning achievement of a year-long journey by Nova’s Youth Voice Group. Watch their story unfold as these young changemakers rise to meet a challenge that impacts the future of our community.
[The Our Local Environment Project],brilliantly supported by Georgia and the wider team, is a shining example of how best to utilise our micro-grants to provide amazing outcomes for young people in the borough!”
“Their warm and considerate approach truly makes a difference, particularly during moments when one feels vulnerable or overwhelmed.”
– Adriana, IAG client
“Nova epitomises real, on-the-ground community support and generates an enormous amount of community spirit. Truly inspirational work.”
– Dean, Family Programme parent
“My English has improved tremendously. I am applying for a Teaching Assistant position. I like to meet and chat with people. Nova is the star for me.”
– Carmen, Adult Education learner
“The appreciation for spaces like this that welcome honest conversations and meeting new people; being open to other people’s stories.”
– Jahana, Social Change participant

2,600+ advice sessions
Helping 640 people access vital support and find work.

More than 1,100 activities
With families and children, bringing learning and joy to 1,500 people.

95% pass rate
In adult basic skills, boosting everyday confidence and capability.

95% of parents and carers
Reported improved children’s learning and wellbeing.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION

IMPERIAL COLLEGE AWARDS 2022
Inspirational Partner of the Year

YOUNG K&C ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 2024
Best Work Supporting Training and Education for Young People

MAYOR’S AWARDS 2025
Outstanding service to the borough in the category of Voluntary and Community Sector Organisation

YOUNG K&C ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 2025
Best Work Supporting Training and Education
&
Special Mention: Best Work Empowering Youth Voice
AWARDS & RECOGNITION




IMPERIAL COLLEGE AWARDS 2022
Inspirational Partner of the Year
YOUNG K&C ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 2024
Best Work Supporting Training and Education for Young People
MAYOR’S AWARDS 2025
Outstanding service to the borough in the category of Voluntary and Community Sector Organisation
YOUNG K&C ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 2025
Best Work Supporting Training and Education
&
Special Mention: Best Work Empowering Youth Voice
“We are inspired by your success and contribution to our college mission to achieve enduring excellence in research and education for the benefit of society.”
– Imperial College Awards 2022
“Nova have consistently gone above and beyond in holistically supporting residents; making a profound and lasting difference in their lives, especially through their employment support programme, health and wellbeing activities…Through their compassionate, empathetic and comprehensive approach, Nova truly sets the standard for community care and support.”
– Mayor’s Awards 2025
“For fostering personal development and strengthening community ties through inclusive and varied educational activities…the nominations told the story of a truly holistic approach to education, supporting both the child and their wider family.”
– Young K&C Achievement Awards 2025


