Draft:Baytree Centre

Baytree Centre is a non-profit organisation (charity registration number 1175145) for women and girls in Brixton, South London. The centre officially opened in 1991.

History
In 1981, Brixton experienced riots due to widespread unemployment and rampant racial discrimination. In 1982, a small educational group was established in the Moorfields Estate by Father Hugh Thwaites. In 1987, a survey was conducted with Hilary Schlesinger, CEO of Lambeth Accord, to determine the community’s main needs in order to expand the support. The warehouse on Brixton Road was purchased in 1988, and in 1991 the centre officially opened. In 2002, her Royal Highness Princess Anne visited the centre to celebrate Baytree’s 10th anniversary.

In 2017, Baytree, along with other youth-based organisations in Brixton, founded Building Young Brixton, a partnership initiative of local charities. In 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, Baytree delivered food banks, digital services and data to over 500 families in Brixton. In 2021, Baytree joined Ecosystem Coldharbour, a local initiative aimed at preventing youth crime. Ecosystem Coldharbour won the Safer Lambeth Award at the Lambeth Civic Awards 2024.

Baytree is made up of the Youth Service, the Women's Service and the Volunteer Service. The services offer ESOL classes, mentoring, careers workshops and after school activities.