I Can BecauseYou Can.And Together, We Can.
Hold It Down CIC supports young people aged 12–25 and older adults through creative, wellbeing, and intergenerational programmes across South London.
We create safe, culturally rooted spaces where people can express themselves, build confidence, and connect across generations.
Est. 2022
Croydon, South London
Culturally rooted, community driven
Hold It Down Community Interest Company (CIC) is a Croydon-based organisation that creates culturally rooted, intergenerational spaces to build emotional wellbeing, confidence and connection across families and communities.
Our work combines sport, creative expression, dialogue and mentorship to strengthen relationships, promote positive identity and support long-term resilience. We work with children, young people, parents, fathers, carers and elders.
Our work is rooted in trust, co-production, and accessibility. We activate familiar community spaces to make engagement feel safe, inclusive, and relevant — designing projects with and for the people we serve, particularly young people from Black and minoritised backgrounds.
I can because you can
and together we can
We meet young people where they are — not to control behaviour, but to heal the root causes of disconnection by affirming identity, restoring dignity, and creating spaces of belonging.
Who We Serve
Young people aged 12–25, particularly those who have experienced the justice system, exclusion from school, or systemic disadvantage. We also work closely with families — mothers, fathers and carers — recognising that long-term transformation requires intergenerational healing.
Strategic Aim
To reduce disconnection and exclusion by co-producing emotionally intelligent, culturally relevant support with young people, equipping them with the tools, networks, and healing spaces they need to re-engage with their families, communities, and futures.
Our Vision
A world where young people, no matter their past, are empowered to lead their healing and shape their communities. We believe when young people recognise their potential and build resilience, they can transform their lives.
Why It Matters
Founded in direct response to the unmet needs of young people in Croydon navigating exclusion, broken systems, and deep emotional wounds. Our programmes heal the root causes of disconnection by affirming identity, restoring dignity, and creating spaces of belonging.
Designed to inspire, connect and empower
Each project responds directly to the needs of our community, giving young people and families the tools to grow in confidence, creativity, and resilience.
Roots & Wings
A celebration of fatherhood, family, and intergenerational connection. Roots & Wings brings fathers, children, and families together through sports, workshops, and shared experiences that strengthen bonds and create lasting memories.
It’s about planting roots of love and giving wings of confidence to future generations. The programme now forms the foundation for longer-term intergenerational and male mentorship work across Croydon.
Echoes of Us
A powerful journey for fathers, sons, and mentors. Explores masculinity, emotions, and the bonds that unite generations through workshops, open conversations, and creative activities.
Voices Together
Using storytelling, creativity, and performance to give young people a platform to be heard. Develops leadership, communication, and digital media skills while celebrating identity.
Talk Di TingZ
Our youth-led podcast offering a safe space for young people to discuss real issues — identity, relationships, and emotional wellbeing. Building a culture of openness where young people lead the conversation.
Our Voices, Our Stage
A platform for advocacy, performance, and youth leadership. From spoken word to performance showcases, equipping young people with the tools to inspire audiences and influence change.
Other Initiatives
Mentoring
One-to-one and group support (10–17 years)
Entrepreneurship
Work experience & career pathways (14–17 years)
Workshops & Retreats
Life skills, wellbeing & personal growth
Sports & Football
Teamwork, discipline & confidence
Family Support
Loving Yourself & The Gents Network
Where community comes alive
From family fun days to youth-led podcast sessions, our events bring people together to connect, heal, and celebrate.
Roots & Wings Family Fun Day 2025
Approximately 300 people attended, including around 100 fathers and male carers, 100 children and young people aged 5–24, and a wider group of mothers, grandparents, volunteers and community members.
Highlights
- Father-and-child races & traditional family games
- Football & athletics challenges
- Dance and spoken-word performances
- Facilitated men's discussion on vulnerability and love
Impact
Talk Di TingZ — Youth Podcast Sessions
A youth-led safe space to discuss identity, relationships, and life issues. Young people lead the conversation, building emotional literacy and driving cultural change through truth-telling and respect.
Highlights
- Youth-led podcast recording sessions
- Open discussions on identity & relationships
- Building emotional literacy through dialogue
- Guest speakers from the community
See all 2 events and photo galleries
Every story matters.
Every voice counts.
Hold It Down gave my family a space where we could just be ourselves. My son found his voice through the workshops, and I found a community that truly understands us.
Community Parent
Roots & Wings Participant
For the first time, I felt like someone actually cared about what I had to say. The mentors here don’t just talk at you — they listen, they understand, and they push you to believe in yourself.
Young Person
Youth Programme Member
This isn’t charity — it’s community. Hold It Down is built by people who’ve lived it. That’s what makes it real. That’s what makes it work.
Local Volunteer
Community Member
Meet the team
Hold It Down CIC was incorporated in 2022 and is legally committed to benefiting the community.
Marcus Jack
Director, Communications & Programme Lead
Laverne John
Director, Creative Lead
Governance
Hold It Down CIC is a legally incorporated Community Interest Company, governed by directors committed to transparency, accountability, and meaningful community impact. All decisions prioritise the wellbeing of the communities we serve.
Support Hold It Down
Your support helps us deliver free and accessible creative, wellbeing and intergenerational programmes across South London.
Donate
Support workshops, materials and safe spaces for young people and families.
Partner With Us
Collaborate with Hold It Down to strengthen impact across South London communities.
Volunteer
Share your time, skills or lived experience to support our programmes.
In-kind Support
Contribute space, equipment or professional expertise to empower our work.
Moments that matter
Highlights from our community events — real families, real connections, real impact.
Our Team
Family Fun Day
Celebrating Achievement
Creative Activities
Families Together
Dance & Performance
Award Winners
Men's Discussion
Talk Di TingZ
Sports & Football
Community Partners
Creative Workshops
Watch highlights from our Roots & Wings Family Fun Day 2025
Ready to be part of the movement?
Whether you’re a young person looking for a safe space, a family seeking community, or someone who wants to support grassroots change — we want to hear from you.
Get In Touch
We’d love to hear from you. Whether you want to join a programme, volunteer, partner with us, or just learn more — reach out.