Helena’s Story

*Stock image used

Helena’s Journey with the Kingsley Hall Heritage Project 

At 1625 Independent People, young people are at the heart of shaping our Kingsley Hall Heritage Project. Thanks to support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, we are transforming our Grade II* listed building into a vibrant community hub, with training opportunities, affordable homes, and a social enterprise café. 

Young people and volunteers are playing a vital role in this transformation, helping us to explore the building’s history, create inspiring activities, and shape how Kingsley Hall will serve the community for years to come. One of those young people is Helena, an external volunteer who joined our Heritage Youth Board.  

Getting Involved 

Helena joined the project as a volunteer and quickly became part of the group. She led a street art tour to inspire our Hoardings Project, took part in a CV workshop, and is looking forward to being involved in a documentary project later this year. 

She says it was easy to feel welcome: roles and responsibilities were clearly explained, and it felt simple to share ideas with others. 

“I feel like I’m genuinely getting something back as a volunteer, which, from experience, you don’t often get with other organisations.” 

Why Helena Joined 

For Helena, being part of the Heritage Project was an opportunity to step outside the university “bubble” and engage with different communities. She wanted to learn about the realities of the housing crisis and contribute ideas that could make a difference. At the same time, she was curious about how the charity and heritage sectors work in practice, and what it takes to restore and adapt a historic building like Kingsley Hall. 

Skills and Confidence 

The project has already had a big impact on Helena. Through the CV workshop, she has seen real improvements in her job applications. She has also gained the confidence to design and deliver her own workshop, strengthened her ability to collaborate with others, and developed her critical thinking around heritage projects. 

All of this, she says, has boosted both her employability and her confidence. 

Wellbeing and Connection 

Helena explains that volunteering with the Heritage Project has given her a sense of purpose at a time when opportunities were hard to find. Having clear responsibilities and being able to contribute meaningfully has helped her feel more confident and connected. She has also enjoyed building friendships and finding a space where her voice and ideas are valued. 

A Deeper Understanding of Heritage 

Her involvement has changed the way she views heritage. Although Helena already had a background in art history, learning about Kingsley Hall’s many layers of history has put things into perspective. She was especially struck by the building’s connection to the corset industry, its links to political movements, and even its role in the transatlantic slave trade. 

“I know that you can’t erase history, instead, you must inform in a careful way. HYB has shown me how to highlight these stories, both negative and positive, in a safe and meaningful way.” 

Looking Ahead 

Being part of the project has shaped Helena’s ambitions for the future. She is now seeking roles in community-focused organisations whose values align with her own, such as We The Curious. She is also keen to continue contributing to the Heritage Project, particularly through community research and other opportunities where she can build on her skills. 

“The project has helped me realise the kind of organisations I want to be part of. It’s had a real impact on my next steps, professionally speaking.” 

Helena’s journey shows how the Kingsley Hall Heritage Project is about so much more than restoring a building. It is about creating opportunities for young people to gain skills, build confidence, and connect with heritage in ways that will shape both their future and the future of the community. 

 

Click the link below to learn more about our Heritage Project!