Reflections from Parliament: The Lambeth Charter for Change

On Monday 10th November, Ecosystem Coldharbour joined community leaders, young people, partners, funders and local services at the Palace of Westminster to launch the Lambeth Charter for Change - a shared commitment to redesigning systems so they work with and for young people, families and communities. Mark Foster, Ecosystem Coldharbour Development Lead and Project Manager shares his thoughts.

A Shared Responsibility

The Charter represents a shift: away from fragmented approaches and towards a unified framework rooted in early intervention, trauma-responsive practice, community voice, accountability and meaningful partnership.
We’ll be sharing more about the event, Charter, the pledges made and next steps in the coming weeks - but here are some early reflections.

This week’s Lambeth Charter for Change launch at Parliament left me energised - not just because of the passion in the room, but because of the shared understanding that change is only possible if we do it together.

One comment stayed with me:

“All young people need access to strong, positive networks."

It’s true, this shouldn't be just for the 'lucky few.' Every one of us has had our life shaped by who stood with us, advocated for us, opened a door, or simply believed in us. If we want change for young people in Lambeth, we must make those networks intentional, consistent and accessible - this is structural, not accidental.

A Committed Community

What encouraged me most was seeing leadership emerging from the community itself. Members of the Community Reference Group led conversations with confidence and clarity, representing neighbourhoods that so often feel unheard. Their role will be crucial - not just symbolic. They will help shape reconciliation across communities, challenge service design and ensure accountability across organisations like Ecosystem Coldharbour, local government services and our wider partners.

There was clear commitment from services, funders and practitioners along with a strong recognition that this isn’t the end point, but a beginning. We now need to turn ideas into structure, energy into action and pledges into practice.

Looking Forwards

There is much work ahead, but we are starting from a powerful position: shared purpose, shared learning, and shared responsibility.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended, contributed or supported this vision in any way. Special recognition goes to Helen Hayes MP, Emma Bond - South Central BCU Commander, and Ian Davies for their presence and commitment, and to Sharon White for developing the HOPE Roundtable report that underpins this work.

And finally - thank you to the Ecosystem Coldharbour team, whose dedication, persistence and belief in community-led change made this possible.

Change is possible - and after this week, I believe more than ever that it’s within reach.