IKEA creates a brighter future for Harrow youth

A person cutting a ribbon in front of a store for the opening. Two IKEA co-workers stand on the sides of a shop window.

News27 July 2024Last edited: 5 June 2025

IKEA is thrilled to announce the completion of a major refurbishment project at Ignite Youth, a local charity dedicated to empowering young people to re-engage with education, find employment, or move away from anti-social behaviour.

Funded by five London stores – Croydon, Greenwich, Hammersmith, Lakeside andWembley – the centre has been transformed into a vibrant and inspiring space where young people can thrive.

As part of IKEA’s ongoing commitment to creating positive change in its communities, IKEA has installed a new kitchen, redecorated throughout and furnished the space with furniture and home furnishing accessories. In addition to the refurbishment, the retailer has provided 30 ‘Back-to-school’ kits including lunch boxes, colouring in accessories, and more, to support young people’s return to education later this year.

A room with blue walls, a black leather sofas, blue desk chair, patterned rug in grey and white.

A room with orange walls, white storage cabinets, grey floors and black sofas.

A room with beige walls, a wooden desk with a big screen on it, various red bags throughout.

An office with black desks and storage, lit up with blue neon lights.

“

At IKEA, we believe that everyone deserves a space that reflects their personality and aspirations, and we are delighted to have created a welcoming environment for the young people who rely on this vital service.

”

Mike HawkinsLondon Area Manager, IKEA UK

This project aligns with IKEA’s long-term partnership with Shelter, which aims to tackle the housing emergency in the UK. Ignite Youth, a valued referral partner of Shelter, plays a crucial role in providing young people with the skills and resources to make positive choices and transform their lives, helping them move away from negative influences and set goals for the future by creating a safe and inspiring space in the heart of the Roxbourne ward, a neighbourhood facing high deprivation.

Siw people sitting on a black sofa in a room with multi-coloured walls. They are looking at the camera.

Donna John, Chief Executive Officer, Ignite Youth said: "For the young people who rely on our charity, this newly refurbished space represents more than just a physical transformation - it symbolises opportunity and a brighter future. Thanks to the incredible generosity and hard work of Shelter and IKEA London, our community now has a vibrant, welcoming environment where young minds can thrive. This renovation is not just an investment in our facilities, but an investment in our future leaders, dreamers and changemakers. On behalf of everyone at Ignite Youth, I extend my deepest gratitude for this heartfelt contribution that will positively impact lives for years to come."

A person wearing a yellow tshirt and blue trousers pours black paint into a tray. Black walls behind.

An office with multi-colour walls and beige desks and black desk chairs.

The successful completion of this project would not have been possible without the incredible co-worker support of IKEA co-workers across London stores as well as the IKEA Service Office.

Mike Hawkins ended: "We extend our sincere thanks to Our Homes Matter and TaskRabbit for their contributions."

About IKEA

IKEA offers well-designed, functional, and affordable, high-quality home furnishing, produced with care for people and the environment. There are several companies with different owners, working under the IKEA Brand, all sharing the same vision: to create a better everyday life for the many people.

IKEA was founded in Sweden in 1943, and first opened its doors in the UK in Warrington in 1987. Today we have 20 full sized stores, one city store, one Order and Collection Point, and three Plan and Order Points.