Fond Farewell to Our Barn Youth Club at Redlees
With heavy hearts, Our Barn Community announces the closure of its much-loved Youth Club at Redlees, which will come to an end in March 2026.
Founded in 2012 as Our Barn’s very first project, the Youth Club was named by its members and rooted in its unique home — the cabin in Redlees, tucked behind its walled postcode. For over a decade, Sunday from 3 pm–6 pm, in all weathers, that magical space brought together nature and young people in a sanctuary where friendships flourished, creativity thrived, and the community came alive.
For some members, Redlees held childhood memories of attending the 1 O’Clock Club, before returning years later as young adults seeking independence, expression, and connection. The Youth Club became a place of growth — a journey of youth development, confidence, and lifelong friendships.
Born in the spirit of London 2012, the club carried its own small torch of hope, inspired by the Olympic legacy and delivering something truly epic for Hounslow. Members and staff embraced every opportunity — from attending Billy Ocean’s concert in Redlees Park (a gift from the Rugby World Cup) to performing at RichDance at the Hammond Theatre and Hounslow Has Talent. BarnFest became a local legend, with Isleworth’s birds never short of a song as bands and young performers took to the Basement Door stage.
Yet beyond the big events, it was the steady rhythm of Sunday Club that mattered most. A space to learn, to lead, and to believe. Supported by the Jack Petchey Foundation, young people embraced the ethos: If you think you can, you can. Together, youth and workers developed side by side, building skills, confidence, and joy.
The Youth Club was also a place where vital life skills were nurtured week after week — through shared café time, preparing and serving refreshments, making good choices, practising communication, and learning the quiet confidence that comes from responsibility. Each session gently closed with time for reflection: moments of gratitude, celebration, and Jai Chi that grounded the energy of the day. It was never just a club; it was preparation for young adult life.
Music and art workshops led by talented artists inspired many of Our Barn’s own creatives, whose artwork and talents have proudly been shared with the wider community.
The decision to close has not been taken lightly.
The Youth Club was established during the groundbreaking “Aiming High for Disabled Children” initiative, introduced in 2008 with ring-fenced Short Breaks funding intended to recognise that need is lifelong. Founding parents Judith, Lesley and Karen Adams invested years contributing to its design, particularly for post-16 provision. When Kelly and David came on board, it was clear the project was in safe hands.
Each year since, funding renewal has been met with relief and gratitude. However, the commissioning framework has now shifted to an Under-18s Children’s Services budget. Our Barn Community has made the difficult decision not to submit a tender for the next funding cycle.
Karen Adams, Founding CEO of Our Barn Community, said:
“Our Barn would not have existed at all without this initial project, and it will remain in our DNA. We are incredibly proud of what has been built at Redlees — the friendships, the growth, the music, the laughter. It is a sad day, but also a moment of reflection and gratitude.”
Our Barn Community will continue its weekday activities at Blondin Park Community Pavilion, where the team is happily settled. Plans are already forming for what will evolve next, and the organisation is encouraging Kelly and David to develop their emerging arts-based initiative, Lantern Arts CIC, with the same energy and high standards that defined the Youth Club.
Heartfelt thanks are extended to Jo Dawson at Hounslow Council for her years of support, to Phil Hopkins for his leadership during the original Aiming High initiative, and to every young person, parent, and carer who has been part of the journey.
An invitation to the final farewell session in March will be shared soon. If you would like to be on the VIP Guest List, please email David.Roughan@ourbarn.org.uk.
While this epic chapter closes, the spirit of Our Barn — born in Redlees — will continue to grow & evolve.
Gooooo Our Barn.
