The magnetic pull towards Christmas is palpable; shop windows along Westbourne Grove are bare, awaiting their glitzy and welcoming festive adornments. But Christmas will not be merry for many young people within a short distance of these fairy lights.

Notting Hill is a tale of two cities, the ever-fashionable W11 and the socially deprived areas further north, within W10.

It is here that the Rugby Portobello Trust makes a real difference to our community, by enriching the lives of young people and providing a positive alternative to a life of social exclusion. Every year, some 800 young people walk through the doors of the RPT centre in Walmer Road, many of them dealing with exceptionally difficult personal circumstances.

They are offered practical support, which includes vocational courses, an array of activities, one-to-one mentoring and housing. This is all delivered by an extraordinary group of committed volunteers.

As a registered youth, education and housing charity, fundraising is key to continuing and developing their work. This year, there is a drinks party & shopping night on Tuesday 22nd November between 6pm – 9pm, and a Christmas Fair on Wednesday 23rd November between 9am – 4pm. The venue is the 20th Century Theatre, 291 Westbourne Grove, W11.

Tickets are priced at £25. We’ll be there manning our stall, and hope you can make it too.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, email lucy@rpt.org.uk.