The Attlee Foundation

The Attlee Foundation was established in 1967 to benefit people disadvantaged by poverty or lack or opportunity, in particular young people - and in so doing, to build on Clement Attlee's life achievements and work.

Clement Attlee initially volunteered and then became a paid youth/social worker in the Spitalfields area in Tower Hamlets in the East End of London.  His experience of the issues facing communities and young people he worked to support completely changed his outlook on life.  He created new opportunities that helped to improve their lives and that of the community and built on this as a MP and Prime Minister.  

Foundation News

Olympic Medalist Visits Attlee Centre

Sarah Winckless, Olympic Bronze medalist and double world champion rower joined a Saturday Club at the Attlee Youth and Community Centre in February.  Sarah, who has represented Great Britain at three Olympics, talked about her experiences to over 30 young people and led on sporting team games.  The session provided a unique opportunity to learn about and participate in training sessions for this elite sport.  The enthusiasm and excitement of the young people motivated Sarah to return later in the Spring to run further workshops and hopefully support mentoring work with the Attlee members. For more details, contact Ben Read, Sports Development Worker on 0207 375 3212.

Attlee Means Business - 2010

In March 2010 the Attlee Foundation will be launching its new project to support young people to develop social projects or enterprises that support thier local community. The project will include a 'Then & Now' session exploring current social activities with projects that Clement Attlee helped to developed as a young man and later as Prime Minister. 

The Attlee Means Business project aims to inspire the next generation of young people by supporting them to develop the skills of leadership, problem solving and team working in order to heighten their aspirations and future employment choices whilst contributing to the quality of their local neighbourhood.

The pilot project will be supported by City businesses including Deutschebank and East London Business Alliance and will work, initially, with students from Cambridge Heath School Sixth Form College in East London.  Students will have the opportunity to present their enterprise ideas to a panel who will offer a cash prize to the winning project.  For further details please contact Tracey Fletcher on 0207 183 0093.

Attlee Foundation Healthy Living Project

In March 2010 the NHS Tower Hamlets has given support to the Attlee Foundation's Healthy Living Project that aim to tackle tackle the issues of poor health and well being of children and adults - particularly in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets Spitalfieds and Banglatown ward.

Child obesity in Tower Hamlets is higher than the average for London and England and the third highest in the country amongst reception aged children.  The NHS Tower Hamlets report 'Time for Health (2008-2009) states that only 17.7% of adults take the recommended 30 minutes of physical activity three times a week.  The borough also has the highest levels of death from cardiovascular disease. 

The Attlee Youth & Community Centre is based in the heart of a community in great need and deprivation.  Working with  partners such as local schools, Thames Gateway, Street League and the London Borough of Tower Hamlets authority, we shall be creating a programme of healthy living and awareness that caters for all ages.  Our community programme around sporting and physical activities also caters for all ages and ability levels, and offers social networking opportunities for local residents to support a group effort in improving their health & well being.