Welcome to the Center of Excellence

At the heart of the Grahame Park Estate in Barnet, you’ll find the Somali-led Community hub – The Center of Excellence — a community space built by the people, for the people.

Established in 2022, the Centre has more than doubled its reach and levels of engagement each year, with over 1,600 people supported in 2024 alone.

offer what local people need — a safe and welcoming drop-in space, and personalised support including advocacy, translation, and guidance to help people navigate challenges like homelessness, school exclusion, or accessing public services.

More than just meeting immediate needs, we’ve created innovative, culturally rooted programs that help people heal, build confidence, and strengthen intergenerational ties — so we can all grow and thrive, together, in Grahame Park and beyond.

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Families Supported

Programs Offered

Years of Service

Community Partners

About Center of Excellence

Our mission is to empower individuals and families from diverse backgrounds by providing accessible services, educational opportunities, and community support that promotes integration, personal development, and social cohesion.

We work tirelessly to break down barriers and create pathways to success for everyone in our community, regardless of their starting point.

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Our Core Services

We offer comprehensive support services designed to meet the diverse needs of our community members.

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Community Support

Building stronger communities through connection and mutual support.

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Education Programs

Empowering through learning opportunities and skill development.

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Integration Services

Supporting successful integration into UK society and culture.

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Youth Programs

Investing in the future through youth development and mentorship.

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Our Vision

To be a cornerstone in the community, fostering intergenerational ties, improving access to essential services and nurturing local pride and leadership. We strive to be the trusted community hub where individuals and services providers can come together to support the community’s growth and well-being.

• Confront Inequality – To challenge the barriers faced by marginalised communities by promoting inclusion, dignity, and open conversations—ensuring no one is left behind.

• Cultivate Change – To encourage individuals and families to embrace growth, build confidence, and access opportunities that strengthen both their lives and their community.

• Elevate Potential – To nurture local talent and leadership by creating inclusive, culturally aware spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Our Mission

Be a community hub supporting individuals and communities to improve their quality of life through social change and connection to local services.

Everything we do is rooted in shared experience and purpose.

We exist to:

• Challenge Stigmas – We aim to break down the stigmas surrounding mental health within our community, creating a more open, supportive environment.
• Motivate Transformation – We seek to inspire our community to embrace new experiences that lead to personal and collective growth.
• Empower Excellence – By creating opportunities and providing resources, we empower individuals to flourish and reach their own definitions of excellence.