About us
The Winch began on 12th April 1972 when a group of 13 local residents reclaimed and repurposed the derelict Winchester Arms pub. The group repaired the building from the ground up with the support of the local community. The Winchester Project was given official charity status in 1973. Since then we’ve worked with thousands of children, young people and families across Camden to make the hopes and ambitions of our community a reality.
For over 50 years we have been fulfilling a promise to children in our community, to improve their life chances and help them realise their potential. We believe that strong, connected communities help children thrive. At the Winch, change starts with relationships. We build trust, bring people together, and create spaces where everyone belongs.
Our vision
A world where children can learn, grow and flourish, wherever they start in life. Where families feel supported, communities are connected, and every child knows they have a place and a future.
Our mission
We help each child succeed, regardless of their circumstances, by giving them the opportunities and support they need. From cradle to community
When every child thrives, our whole community thrives.
Our values
Joy
Everyone deserves to experience joy; to feel anchored, seen and held by community, and to know they truly matter. We create spaces where people can be themselves, be playful and creative, build friendships and shape what happens next. Joy is a strength that comes from belonging to a community that acts together, where children and adults feel safe, welcome and able to grow.
Care
Care is, and always will be, the foundation of everything we do. We build relationships rooted in commitment, trust and solidarity. We pay attention, act with fairness and continually learn and improve. We strive to be authentic and purposeful, now and in the future.
Courage
We stand up for and alongside our community, and we help each other grow. Courage is hope in action. At the Winch, courage means challenging injustice and taking responsibility. We create the conditions for people to take risks, use their voice and try new things. We support one another to make decisions and be accountable so that we can step into new possibilities, even when it feels uncomfortable or uncertain.
We are committed to transparency and openness. You can view and download our annual accounts, financial statements and reports on how we use our resources to support our work and the local community.