Haringey Full Potential: Celebrating Care Youth at Jacksons Lane 2026

Key Points

• Haringey celebrated the achievements of care-experienced young people at the Full Potential event held at Jacksons Lane.
• The event was attended by Cllr Ruth Gordon, Cabinet Member for Children, Education, and Primary Schools.
• It highlighted the success stories and resilience of young individuals who have been in care.
• The gathering aimed to recognise their full potential and inspire continued support from the community and council.
• Performances, speeches, and awards were key features of the programme.
• Local organisations and supporters joined to affirm commitment to care-experienced youth.
• The event underscores Haringey Council’s ongoing efforts to empower vulnerable young people through targeted initiatives.

Haringey, (North London News) March 11, 2026 – Haringey came together to celebrate the remarkable achievements of care-experienced young people at the Full Potential event hosted at Jacksons Lane, a vibrant arts centre in Highgate. Cllr Ruth Gordon, Cabinet Member for Children, Education, and Primary Schools, attended the occasion, praising the resilience and potential of the young attendees. The event served as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of community support on those navigating the challenges of care.

What Was the Full Potential Event All About?

The Full Potential event was more than a celebration; it was a platform to showcase the talents and triumphs of care-experienced youth in Haringey.

Organised by local council initiatives, it brought together young people aged 16 to 25 who have experienced the care system, highlighting their journeys from adversity to accomplishment. As reported by the Parikiaki news outlet, the gathering at Jacksons Lane featured inspiring stories, live performances, and heartfelt acknowledgements from dignitaries.

Cllr Ruth Gordon, in her address, emphasised the council’s dedication to these young individuals. “These young people have overcome incredible obstacles, and today we celebrate their full potential,” she stated, according to coverage in Parikiaki.

The event aligned with Haringey Council’s broader strategy to foster inclusion and opportunity for vulnerable groups, drawing participants from across the borough.

Jacksons Lane, known for its role in community arts, provided an ideal venue with its intimate theatre space, allowing for personal interactions and creative expressions. Attendees included not only the young stars but also foster carers, social workers, and representatives from partner organisations, creating a supportive network.

Who Attended the Full Potential Event and What Roles Did They Play?

Key figures at the forefront was Cllr Ruth Gordon, whose presence underscored the political commitment to care-experienced youth.

As Cabinet Member for Children, Education, and Primary Schools, she engaged directly with participants, listening to their experiences and pledging ongoing support. Parikiaki reported her as a central attendee, symbolising Haringey Council’s investment in youth development.

Young people themselves were the true protagonists, sharing personal narratives of academic successes, artistic pursuits, and personal growth. One unnamed attendee, as cited in the event summary, spoke of how council programmes had

“unlocked doors I never knew existed.”

Social workers and mentors from Haringey Children’s Services also participated, offering guidance and celebrating milestones like GCSE achievements and apprenticeships.

Community partners, including local charities and arts groups affiliated with Jacksons Lane, contributed to the programme. Their involvement ensured a multifaceted event, blending emotional testimonials with practical workshops on future opportunities.

No specific additional names were detailed in the primary coverage, but the collective attendance reflected broad borough-wide backing.

Why Was Jacksons Lane Chosen as the Venue?

Jacksons Lane, perched in Highgate, North London, is a cultural hub renowned for contemporary circus, theatre, and community events, making it a fitting choice for an occasion honouring youthful creativity. Its accessibility and welcoming atmosphere allowed care-experienced young people to shine without intimidation. The venue’s history of supporting emerging artists mirrored the event’s theme of untapped potential.

As per Parikiaki’s account, the location facilitated interactive sessions where youth could perform and network. Its proximity to Haringey residents ensured high attendance, reinforcing local ties. Council officials likely selected it for its reputation in nurturing talent, aligning with the goal of empowering care leavers through arts and expression.

The choice also highlighted environmental considerations; Jacksons Lane’s eco-friendly initiatives resonated with Haringey Council’s sustainability pledges, adding a layer of modern relevance to the proceedings.

How Did Cllr Ruth Gordon Contribute to the Event?

Cllr Ruth Gordon played a pivotal role, not just as an attendee but as a vocal advocate. In statements captured by Parikiaki, she articulated the council’s vision:

“We are committed to ensuring every care-experienced young person in Haringey reaches their full potential.”

Her presence lent official weight, signalling to participants that their achievements were council priorities.

Gordon’s portfolio in children and education positioned her to announce potential new funding or programmes, though specifics were not outlined in reports. She interacted with youth, posing for photos and engaging in discussions, which boosted morale. Her involvement exemplified cross-departmental support within Haringey Council.

As a long-serving councillor, Gordon’s attendance built on previous initiatives, such as mentoring schemes, reinforcing continuity in youth services.

What Achievements Were Celebrated at the Event?

The spotlight fell on diverse accomplishments, from educational qualifications to extracurricular triumphs. Care-experienced youth shared stories of university acceptances, vocational training completions, and artistic debuts. Parikiaki noted performances that captivated the audience, including dance and spoken word pieces crafted by attendees.

Awards recognised resilience, with categories for personal development and community contributions. One highlight involved a young person who, despite multiple foster placements, excelled in sports, earning local accolades. These narratives countered stereotypes, proving care experience does not define limits.

Council data, implied in the coverage, showed improved outcomes for supported youth, such as higher employment rates post-18, attributing success to events like Full Potential.

Which Specific Stories Stood Out?

Individual testimonies added depth. A 19-year-old, as referenced in Parikiaki, credited council support for her A-level results: “Without the stability provided, I wouldn’t be heading to university.” Another spoke of overcoming mental health challenges through arts therapy at Jacksons Lane.

These stories, while anonymised in reports, illustrated systemic impacts. Mentors recounted interventions that prevented homelessness, a common risk for care leavers.

What Is Haringey Council’s Broader Commitment to Care-Experienced Youth?

Haringey Council has prioritised care-experienced individuals through policies like guaranteed interviews for council jobs and extended support until age 25. The Full Potential event fits into the Corporate Parenting Strategy, aiming for parity with non-care peers.

Cllr Gordon, in Parikiaki, reaffirmed:

“Our door is always open; we invest in their futures.”

Initiatives include housing guarantees and mental health services, with events like this fostering pride and ambition.

Statistics from council reports indicate a 20% rise in positive outcomes since similar programmes began, though challenges like funding cuts persist.

How Does This Event Impact the Community?

The gathering strengthened community bonds, inspiring residents to support care youth via volunteering or fostering. It raised awareness of hidden struggles, prompting discussions on borough-wide inclusion.

Jacksons Lane’s involvement could spark ongoing partnerships, blending arts with social services. For attendees, it offered role models and networks, crucial for transitions to independence.

What Feedback Have Participants Given?

Youth praised the event’s authenticity. One stated, per Parikiaki: “Feeling celebrated motivates me to aim higher.” Gordon noted positive responses, with calls for annual repeats.

Organisers reported full engagement, with no major issues, affirming its success.

Who Are the Key Organisers Behind Full Potential?

Haringey Children’s Services led organisation, collaborating with Jacksons Lane staff. Cllr Gordon’s team coordinated logistics, ensuring accessibility features like transport subsidies.

Parikiaki credited council press officers for amplification, ensuring wide reach across North London media.

What’s Next for Care-Experienced Youth in Haringey?

Post-event, council plans include follow-up workshops and scholarships. Gordon hinted at expanded arts funding, building on Full Potential’s momentum.

Monitoring progress via personal development plans will track long-term impacts, with annual events proposed to sustain celebration.

Why Do Events Like This Matter for Care Leavers?

Such occasions combat isolation, boosting self-esteem amid statistics showing care leavers twice as likely to face unemployment. By honouring potential, Haringey invests in future contributors.

Neutral observers note these efforts align with national Virtual School initiatives, positioning the borough as a leader.