Proud Places wins Employer of the Year at the Southwark College Awards

Congratulations to our Proud Places team who won Employer of the Year at the Southwark College Awards last week.

Proud Places team members Ife Davies and Beth Leong were thrilled to win the award, in honour of their hard work and dedication in giving students from Southwark College work experience opportunities, building their skills and confidence.

Amie Fofana, from Southwark College commented, “We’re so grateful for the time, opportunities and encouragement Proud Places has given our students. It’s made a real difference. We look forward to continuing our partnership in the upcoming academic year and building on the great work we’ve done together so far.”

Ife Davies said, “This is our first award from a school that we have been working closely with this year; it’s encouraging for the Proud Places team to know that in helping young people navigate their future every effort counts!

“We started working with Southwark College students in January 2025 and our work continues to grow."

“We have had the privilege of seeing these students grow in confidence, produce amazing work and step out of their comfort zones to speak in public. The Proud Places programme supports students in reaching their full potential by offering alternative ways of learning.

“It was truly inspiring attending their end-of-year awards, learning about each young person’s achievements, and an honour to share the stage with them!”

The Proud Places programme has included site visits to Christchurch Fountain in Southwark and the Surrey Street fountain in Croydon; creative workshops, and careers and presentation skills workshops as well as work experience for Southwark College students.

The programme is supported by the Jones Day Foundation and has involved more than 8,500 people since 2020. Last year we hosted 54 young people for work experience.

Refugee Week 2025: Celebrating Karel Vogel with young refugees

This Refugee Week, we're celebrating the work of refugee artist Karel Vogel, and his ability to inspire today's young refugees.

Refugee Week is the world's largest arts and culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees.

Last year, Heritage of London Trust restored Karel Vogel's Leaning Woman statue in Hammersmith. A beautiful piece of public art, Leaning Woman was commissioned by the London County Council in 1958. Artist Karel Vogel had arrived in Britain from Prague in 1938, escaping Nazism.

As part of the award-winning restoration, young refugees have taken part in Proud Places youth engagement projects, learning more about the artist, the sculpture and the importance of public art and the heritage of Hammersmith.

Young refugees visit the Leaning Woman statue in Hammersmith as part of the Proud Places youth engagement programme

'I found it interesting that the sculptor came to London from Czechoslovakia because World War II started and it wasn’t safe. But now he’s become part of this history and culture,' said Lysander, age 18.

'I really liked visiting the Leaning Woman and learning about Karel Vogel. I found his story really inspiring,' added Assan, age 16.

As well as being inspired by the artwork and learning about the site's history, the students benefitted from engaging in related art projects, including working with clay and testing their skills at stonemasonry. Importantly, the workshops were accessible to everyone who took part, irrespective of language differences.

'People like us who come from other countries know the historical sites in our countries, but it's good to see what's here in the UK so we can learn about different traditions and civilizations,' said Vicky, age 18.

'This art is meaningful to me, because it was made by a refugee,' added Hasti, age 18.

The students from West London college enjoyed their visit to Karel Vogel's statue

This Refugee Week, we're thrilled that thanks to HOLT's restoration work and Proud Places, Karel Vogel's exquisite artwork can continue to inspire young refugees.

Restoration begins on historic Surrey Street drinking fountain

The London Stone Conservation team on site at the historic Surrey Street drinking fountain

Restoration work has begun on the historic Surrey Street drinking fountain in Croydon this week.

This historic Victorian fountain has been out of repair for many years, offering no fresh water for local residents and passers by. We have started work this week on a full restoration project: cleaning, poulticing, repairing joints and returning drinking water to the lion’s mouth, via a new push-button above.

The fountain was originally erected in 1896 and unveiled by the Mayor of Croydon, Frederick Thomas Edridge (1843-1921). Surrey Street is one of the oldest street markets in the UK dating from 1276. This drinking fountain on its junction with Croydon’s High Street was part of the Victorian redevelopment programme to widen the street. Heritage of London Trust’s focus on Surrey Street was one of the catalysts for a major Croydon Council redevelopment and investment programme in the market. The scheme aims to drive growth, reactivate empty shops and spaces so they can be used by culture, arts and community groups and create safer, greener public spaces.

We’re thrilled the historic Surrey Street drinking fountain can be part of this wider regeneration programme.

The project, supported by Croydon Council and the Jones Day Foundation, takes place through June 2025. Local young people will be involved in the restoration through our youth engagement programme, Proud Places.