12 May 2025
On 12th May, St Andrew’s was once honoured to host HRH The Duke of Edinburgh Prince Edward, who, visited the Club for the second time in three years.
The Duke’s visit coincided with Mental Health Awareness week. It was a wonderful opportunity to highlight the Club's commitment to promoting positive mental health and the importance of young people have a safe space to access activities that support their overall well-being.
During his visit, The Duke of joined in with the Club’s activities: he picked up a controller for a quick game of PlayStation, got stuck into baking in the kitchen as part of the weekly ‘Bake and Share’, sat down for some mindful colouring and essential oil mixing and met the under 9’s football team.
The Duke visited went on to visit Club’s new Sensory and Well-Being room, where he attentively listened to George Vachtsevanos, a Specialist Mental Health Youth Worker, commissioned via MIND and who is based at the Club once a week. George shared his experience of supporting young people at the Club with activities that promote positive mental health such as group well-being workshop and interpersonal therapy.
Throughout his visit the Duke spoke with young people and Youth Workers who were excited to meet the Prince, enthusiastically speaking about their journey at St Andrew’s and what the Club means to them.
Following the tour of the Club the Duke joined a drinks reception and CEO Sarah Nicholls spoke about the vital role St Andrew’s play in supporting young people to understand the importance of maintaining positive mental health Sarah said:
“ A sense of belonging is not just beneficial—it’s essential. Feeling connected to a community has profound effects on mental health. It gives young people a sense of identity, reduces isolation, and builds resilience. It fosters hope, strengthens emotional well-being, and provides the stability needed to navigate life’s challenges. Through youth work, we are not just helping individuals—we are strengthening the fabric of society”
The Duke of Edinburgh is the Patron of London Youth, we are very grateful to them for arranging the royal visit.
A heartfelt thank you to The Duke of Edinburgh and the Royal Family for choosing to visit the Club, for our young members and Youth Workers the opportunity to meet His Royal Highness is a huge honour and will have created memories that I have no doubt will last for a long time to come."