Heatham House is one of the biggest and busiest youth centres in London. Situated in the heart of Twickenham on Whitton Road, 50 yards from Twickenham train station, Heatham House is one of the five youth centres in the Borough run by Richmond Youth Service.

It offers a wide range of social and educational opportunities for young people aged 13 to 19. Young people have the opportunity not only to socialise and get away from the pressures of life, but to become involved in many exciting projects and events.

There is a strong focus on music and performance, which helps inspire young people. Over 50 bands have performed at Heatham House in the last year alone.

Members have access to practice facilities, a 16-track digital recording studio and a large hall in which monthly performances of amateur bands are held. The facilities give many teenagers opportunities that might be otherwise inaccessible.

As well as music, there are also one-off and regular workshops in streetdancing to filmmaking, drama to DJ-ing and MC-ing.

The large hall converts into a small skatepark on Monday and Thursday nights, with ramps and rails designed and built by members themselves.

Many of the older members go on to become volunteers at Heatham. They are trained in team building, first aid, fire safety, drugs and alcohol awareness, customer service, and dealing with conflict situations.

If you are aged between 13 and 19, visit Heatham House after 7.30 pm on a Tuesday or a Thursday night, when you can chat with members and youth workers and find out exactly what’s on offer for the £2 a year membership fee.