About Reedham Children's Trust
Reedham Children’s Trust is Croydon’s oldest dedicated children’s charity, supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged children, young people and families through local partnerships, practical help and long-term commitment to opportunity.
Croydon's oldest dedicated children's charity, established in 1844
Current partnerships support over 4,000 local young people per year
Registered charity number: 312433
Working with schools, voluntary organisations and community partners across Croydon.
A LONG-STANDING CHARITY WITH A MODERN ROLE
We are one of Croydon’s longest-standing children’s charities.
Our history goes back to 1844, but our work today is focused on the needs of children, young people and families now. We no longer operate in the same way we did historically. Instead, we use our legacy, relationships and resources to support local organisations that are already working directly with vulnerable children and young people.
This makes us both historic and current: a charity with deep roots, but a modern partnership-led role in Croydon.
A CHARITY WITH DEEP ROOTS IN CROYDON
A CHARITY WITH DEEP ROOTS IN CROYDON
Reedham’s history is a major part of its identity.
Our charity began in the nineteenth century and developed through different periods of children’s support, education and care. Its work has changed significantly over time, from its historic roots as a school and orphanage to today’s partnership-led model.
That history matters because it shows Reedham’s long commitment to children and young people.
But we are not only a historic charity. We are a modern Croydon charity using our legacy, relationships and charitable purpose to support current local need.
WHAT MAKES REEDHAM DIFFERENT
Our strength is not only in direct support. It is also in how we work with trusted local partners.
Rather than trying to deliver every service ourselves, we work with organisations that already understand children, young people, families and communities in Croydon.
This allows us to support focused projects that respond to real local need.
Partnership-led
Locally focused
Practical and Responsive
Youth-centred
Built around trust
Focused on long-term impact
WHY REEDHAM WORKS THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS
The charity works with schools, voluntary organisations, grassroots groups and youth providers because these organisations are often closest to the children, young people and families who need support.
This approach helps Reedham:
• Back organisations with local knowledge.
• Support work that is already trusted by young people.
• Respond to specific gaps in provision.
• Strengthen Croydon’s wider youth and community support network.
• Fund practical projects rather than duplicate existing services.
• Keep adapting as local need changes.
Reedham’s role is to help good local work happen, grow and reach more young people
OUR VALUES
Reedham’s work is guided by a clear belief: every child and young person should have the chance to feel safe, supported and able to reach their full potential.
Child-centred
Children and young people are at the heart of Reedham's purpose.
Local
Reedham is rooted in Croydon and focused on the needs of local communities.
Practical
Support should respond to real barriers, not just broad intentions.
Collaborative
Reedham works through trusted relationships with partners who understand young people and families.
Respectful
The charity recognises the dignity, complexity and potential of every child, young person and family it supports.
Long-Term
Reedham's history is long, and its commitment to children and young people continues.
WHO REEDHAM SUPPORTS
We support vulnerable and disadvantaged children, young people and families across Croydon.
This includes children and young people affected by:
• Poverty
• School exclusion risk
• Social isolation
• Barriers to education
• Low confidence
• Mental health and wellbeing challenges
• Family hardship
• Housing insecurity
• Refugee or asylum-seeking status
• Youth homelessness risk
• Lack of access to safe spaces or positive activities
We also support local partners, schools and voluntary organisations that are working directly with children and young people across the borough.
OUR CURRENT WORK
Reedham’s current work includes a range of partnership-led projects and programmes.
Youth Innovation and Projects
Reedham invests in local projects that test new ways of supporting vulnerable young people across Croydon.
Community Based Youth Hubs
Reedham supports safe spaces, mentoring, food, activities and trusted adult support through youth hub-based programmes.
Croydon Schools Engagement Programme
In partnership with Legacy Youth Zone, Reedham supports young people who are at risk of exclusion, expulsion, social isolation or already in alternative education.
Croydon Safe Space Project
In partnership with Good Food Matters, Reedham supports socially disengaged young people through safe activities, food, life skills and mentoring.
Young Refugees and Family Support
In partnership with Croydon Refugee Day Centre, Reedham supports families in emergency and dispersal accommodation with practical help and links to local services.
Youth Homelessness Prevention
In partnership with Keep It Moving CIC, Reedham supports young people at risk of homelessness through housing advice, family support, mentoring and employability support.
OUR TEAM AND TRUSTEES
Reedham Children’s Trust is governed by its trustees and supported by a professional staff team.
The team brings experience across education, fundraising, child protection, finance and community engagement.
Together, the staff team and trustees help Reedham manage its charitable responsibilities, support local partnerships, steward donations and keep children and young people at the centre of the charity’s work.
Why Support reedham
Supporting Reedham helps continue over 180 years mission of helping vulnerable children and young people.Your donation, fundraising, partnership or project support can help Reedham fund practical help, trusted youth projects, safe spaces, school engagement work, family support and new opportunities for young people across Croydon.
FAQ
What is Reedham Children's Trust?
Reedham Children’s Trust is a registered charity supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged children, young people and families in Croydon.
How long has Reedham existed?
Reedham was established in 1844 and has supported vulnerable children and young people for over 180 years.
Is Reedham still connected to its historic school or orphanage work?
Reedham’s history includes historic school and orphanage roots, but the charity’s current work is partnership-led and focused on supporting children, young people and families through local projects and organisations in Croydon.
Who does Reedham support today?
Reedham supports vulnerable children, young people and families across Croydon, including those affected by poverty, exclusion risk, isolation, homelessness, family hardship, refugee status or barriers to education.
How does Reedham deliver support?
Reedham works with schools, voluntary organisations, grassroots partners and youth providers to fund and support targeted projects.
How can I support Reedham?
You can donate, fundraise, become a corporate partner, support a project, leave a gift in your Will or contact Reedham to discuss partnership opportunities.