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Founded in 1884 as the Rugby Clubs, The Rugby Portobello Trust (RPT) is P3’s children’s, youth and family support charity based in North Kensington. It offers a wide range of activities that help young people build confidence, broaden their horizons and realise their potential.
Its programmes span educational support, art sessions, music, sports, mental health services, mentoring and employment hubs, all designed to equip young people and their families with the skills they need to build happier, more secure futures.
At the heart of RPT are the volunteers who give their time, energy and skills to families and young people all over North Kensington. A close-knit community, most of RPT’s volunteers are people that were once supported by the charity.
Yeşim’s journey with RPT started in 2017, when she came seeking support for her son when they were staying in the local woman’s refuge.
After surviving years of domestic violence, Yeşim wanted to rebuild her life and give her son a chance to thrive. Referred to RPT by her son’s social worker, she found the support she needed to heal her own trauma and help her son find stability and hope.
Joining Magic Mums changed everything. Yeşim learned valuable life skills, gained confidence, made close friends and completed her Level 2 qualification in Childcare and Early Years Education. And she didn’t stop there — she went on to earn her Level 3 qualification and began volunteering, using her own experience to support other local families.
Today, Yeşim is still part of Magic Mums, but now as an assistant helping to run the programme and the incredibly valuable Community Cupboard, which distributed donations of clothes and supplies to local families in need. She’s giving back to the same community that once lifted her up, and she’s clear about what keeps RPT’s doors open: local support and donations.
“Your help makes people happy, and that happiness spreads. Life-changing support from RPT reaches people when they need it most”, she says.
With tears in her eyes, Yeşim remembers the day she left everything behind to escape a violent marriage. “I didn’t take anything for myself: no clothes, nothing. I just got up and left with my son. We had one bag with his special toys. That was it.”
Years later, she’s proud to stand strong, not just as a survivor, but as part of the RPT team. “RPT has a special place in my heart. [It] really helped me and my son.”
Her highlight? Helping others find the same support and strength. “RPT is one big family, and our doors are always open for anyone who needs us.”
Reniece has been part of RPT since she was 13. Eight years later, she’s now a dedicated volunteer, using her own journey to inspire other young people in her community.
Introduced to RPT by her friends, Reniece first came along to play basketball and stayed for the sense of belonging. But she admits she didn’t always make it easy for herself.
“Before RPT, I was a rebel. I’d get into trouble in school and outside it. Even here, I was testing boundaries at first”, she laughs. But the youth workers didn’t give up on her; they built trust and gave her consistent support, and over time, she saw her behaviour shift for the better.
As she got older, Reniece didn’t want to leave the place that had helped her grow. So, she turned to volunteering, staying part of the RPT family and learning new skills through youth work training.
“RPT has helped me so much, from making friends when I was young to getting my Youth Worker Level 1 [qualification]. I used to be so shy, now I love showing my skills to other young people and showing them what RPT taught me.”
Today, Reniece volunteers with RPT five days a week. Her favourite part is seeing young people flourish with the same support she once needed.
“I love talking to young people and catching up with them. I see myself in them. RPT taught me communication skills and confidence, now I pass that on.”
For Reniece, youth work at RPT is life-changing for everyone involved. “A place like RPT keeps young people off the streets and helps build a real future. It’s more than youth work: it’s life support.”
Thanks to people like Yeşim and Reniece, The Rugby Portobello Trust continues to be a place where young people and families can thrive. Find out more or support RPT by visiting their website.
*Please note all images used in this article are stock images to protect the anonymity of our volunteers and the people we support.
