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Programs

Putting families at the heart of our work

Our programmes support families, youth, ex-offenders and communities through practical help, skills development and direct community-level support.

Families and children at MACWO

Families and School

“Putting families at the heart of our work”

Challenges outside the classroom can significantly affect a child’s learning and development. At MACWO, we work closely with families to create lasting, positive change that benefits both children and their caregivers.

Our goal is to help children get the most out of their education by fostering stable and nurturing home environments. We support families facing a wide range of issues, including housing difficulties, financial concerns, and navigating council or local authority services. At the same time, we provide pastoral care to children within schools.

MACWO youth taking part in homework club and activities

Youth Work

“Supporting & developing the youth of London”

At MACWO, we are dedicated to supporting Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) youth communities across London. Our young people face significant challenges, including youth violence, mental health struggles, wellbeing concerns, extremism, and the influence of drugs and gangs.

To address these issues, we advocate for and deliver a range of youth-focused programmes across our centres. These initiatives provide advocacy, education, and practical solutions tailored to the unique experiences of our youth communities.

Health and wellbeing support at MACWO

Health and Well-being

“We are here to help, you can always talk to us”

At MACWO, we are dedicated to raising awareness about mental health across London. Taking care of our mental wellbeing is vital—it influences how we think, feel, and connect with the world and those around us.

Mental health challenges can feel overwhelming and affect daily life. They may leave someone feeling numb, disconnected from loved ones, unable to cope, or uncertain about the future. We are here to support anyone experiencing these feelings.

Skills training at MACWO

Skills Training

“We want to help you gain skills”

At MACWO, we believe that building skills and gaining training opportunities are key steps toward independence and success. Whether you’re looking to improve your employability, develop new talents, or boost your confidence, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Our programmes offer practical workshops, mentoring, and access to training courses designed to meet your individual needs. From job readiness and computer skills to communication and personal development, we provide the tools and guidance to help you grow.

Ex-Offenders workshop – rehabilitation, support and positive change at MACWO

Ex-Offender Support

“Working closely with ex-offenders, prisons and families”

Since 2010, the Mother & Child Welfare Organisation (MACWO) has been committed to supporting people as they transition from prison back into the community. We work with individuals from all walks of life, aiming to reduce reoffending and help build more stable, hopeful futures.

In the UK, between a quarter and a third of people released from prison reoffend within just one year. Many face complex and deeply rooted challenges—social, emotional, and economic—that can make lasting change feel out of reach.

Outdoor and community programmes at MACWO

Residential Trips

“Outdoor residential experiences that build confidence, independence and leadership”

Our residential trips give young people the chance to step away from everyday life, experience the outdoors and build confidence, independence and teamwork skills through structured adventure activities.

Working in partnership with London Youth, we create safe, supportive residentials that are especially powerful for young people who may not otherwise have access to these kinds of life-changing experiences.

Residential Trips

Outdoor residential experiences that build confidence, independence and leadership.

Residential trips provide young people with the opportunity to step outside their everyday environment and experience learning, adventure, and personal development in a completely new setting. These trips are designed to help young people build confidence, independence, teamwork, and leadership skills while taking part in exciting outdoor activities.

For many young people in London, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, opportunities to travel, explore nature, and participate in structured outdoor programmes can be limited. Residential trips help bridge this gap by offering safe, supportive environments where young people can challenge themselves, develop new skills, and form lasting friendships.

Through outdoor learning, problem-solving challenges, and team-building activities, participants are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones and discover their potential. Residential programmes also promote resilience, communication, and cooperation, helping young people grow both socially and personally.

At MACWO, we organise residential trips in partnership with London Youth, providing young people with access to two of their outdoor learning centres: Hindleap Warren and Woodrow High House. These trips give participants the chance to take part in a range of adventure activities while experiencing the benefits of outdoor education.

Hindleap Warren Residential Trips

Hindleap Warren is an outdoor education centre located in the Ashdown Forest in East Sussex, set within over 300 acres of woodland. The centre welcomes around 10,000 young people every year and provides residential experiences designed to challenge and inspire.

During the residential trip, participants stay on-site in shared accommodation and take part in a full programme of outdoor activities led by qualified instructors. A typical residential trip lasts 2–4 days, with a structured schedule including outdoor activities during the day and social activities in the evenings.

Activities may include:

  • High ropes courses and Jacob’s ladder
  • Zip wires, abseiling and climbing
  • Archery, bushcraft and survival skills
  • Orienteering, navigation and obstacle courses
  • Canoeing or water sports, underground tunnels and night walks

These activities encourage young people to step outside their comfort zones, build resilience, and work together as a team while enjoying nature and the outdoors.

Woodrow High House Residential Trips

Woodrow High House is located near Amersham in the Chiltern Hills and is based around a 17th-century manor house set within more than 20 acres of grounds. The centre offers a wide range of outdoor adventure and team-building activities, helping young people develop independence and confidence.

Activities may include:

  • Jacob’s ladder and high ropes challenges
  • Leap of faith climbing activities
  • Archery and mountain biking
  • Team-building obstacle courses and problem-solving challenges
  • Orienteering, environmental exploration, bushcraft and shelter building

The centre also provides indoor sports facilities, games rooms, and communal spaces where groups can relax and reflect after a day of outdoor adventure.

Impact of the Residential Trips

These residential trips provide life-changing opportunities for young people. By stepping away from their usual environment, participants develop greater confidence and independence, stronger friendships and social connections, and improved resilience and problem-solving abilities.

For many participants, this is their first time experiencing outdoor adventure or staying away from home, making the experience both exciting and transformative.

Advice and mediation session at MACWO

Advice & Mediation

“Understand what’s bothering you and explore your options”

Many families come to us feeling overwhelmed by conflict, separation, or disputes with schools, landlords, or services. Drawing on our impact-report work, this programme offers counselling, practical advice, peer-support groups and access to trusted legal and mediation partners so issues can be resolved fairly.

We also advocate on behalf of families—writing letters, making phone calls and helping them communicate with schools, council services, debt agencies and utility companies—so they feel heard and know their rights.

Community outreach and information event with local partners

Community Outreach

“Bringing information, services and support into the heart of the community”

Inspired by the outreach and information work in our impact report, this programme connects people to public services and vital information. We run information-sharing meetings on mental health, addiction, obesity, immigration and vaccinations, and help people access GP, NHS, education, benefits and apprenticeships.

Through one-to-one advocacy, referrals and community events, we bridge the gap between statutory services and residents—reducing mistrust, tackling misinformation and ensuring people understand their rights and where to go for support.

Mother and Child Welfare Organisation logo

Mother and Child Welfare Organisation (MACWO) is a London-based charity set up to provide support for vulnerable mothers and young people across our capital.

Contact

Shepherd’s Bush
202 Uxbridge Road
London W12 7JP

Wandsworth, Putney
5-7 Disraeli Road
London SW15 2DR

Wandsworth, Battersea
Cromwell House Community Hub
SW11 5HW

Phone: 02082489755

Email: info@macwo.org

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Registered charity number 1156832.

Company number 08479121.