Rose Bowl

Open Access Play and Youth Services

Rose Bowl is a purpose built youth centre in the heart of Canonbury, on the edge of St Paul's Park and the New River Estate. Over three floors it has a garden, roof terrace, ball court, music studio, art space and fitted kitchen. The play and youth provision is for children and young people aged 8 - 21. We provide a fun, friendly and inclusive environment aimed to build resilience, aid social skills, and improve physical and mental health.

We are open during the school term and holidays at different times for our various age ranges. All our services are free of charge and we welcome people from all backgrounds and areas. Activities include arts, crafts, cooking, outdoor play and gardening, sports, music production and general play and youth sessions.

Staff at Rose Bowl also have a wealth of experience supporting young people with career advice and guidance. In addition to mentoring, we provide exposure to industry skills gaps and identify entry requirements and pathways. We work alongside Islington Council’s careers team as well as other training providers.

Targeted Wellbeing Services

We operate three early intervention pathways for young people with mild-to-moderate wellbeing issues and/or emotional based school avoidance. This involves receiving direct referrals via specific GP surgeries, social care teams, NHS departments and schools. Children and young people are assisted with personal plans that combine direct delivery, on-line tools and integrated services including pre and post-clinical intervention support.

We also work closely with other Islington youth support sevices who are part of our prgramme. These include Pulse, Abianda and Islington Drug and Alcohol Advice Service.

History and Funding

Rose Bowl was first opened in 1978 and named after Ron Rose, a popular community worker. It was redeveloped in 1999 and again in 2010. Rose Bowl is rooted in its immediate community. It is supported by the local fundraising group Friends of the Rose Bowl, who match the Islington Council's contribution to its running costs. The centre is also funded through income generated by hiring out the spaces at Rose Bowl and Lift to local businesses and organisations when they are not being used by young people.

Management

Rose Bowl is managed by Isledon Arts a community interest company.