ABOUT US
Norwood Community Group Services (NCGS) was formed in April 2006 with the sole intention of making a positive contribution to society. As parents, we realise the need to try and engage our young people in positive activities. As human beings, we recognise the importance of supporting our communities and those around us.
ORIGINS
Our core members came through the vehicle of West Norwood Community Development (WNCD) – a community organisation that was established through campaigning against the Old Library’s closure.
We moved on from WNCD and formed NCGS in April 06. Our first project was called Fit for Life Kick Boxing and we concentrated on Health and Fitness. Next, we delivered an educational program called Express Yourself. Both of these projects were successful due to the communities’ involvement, and we are still running them today.
NORWOOD COMMUNITY GROUP SERVICES
NCGS have since been actively delivering projects since 2008, including mentoring and training programs to tackle crime, victim abuse, home life issues etc amongst the youth.
Our longest running and most popular projects have been those surrounding fitness, wellbeing and self-defence.
Another core developmental aspect of NCGS is providing Assessment & Qualification Alliance (AQA) Accreditation programmes including; Arts & Crafts, co-designed projects with local youth, Outings, Kick Boxing, Karate and Fitness courses and more.
Norwood Community Group Services is committed to
‘Building Bridges in our Communities’
and is always open to suggestions and ideas.
Meet the Team
Jamal A Rahman
CEO/DIRECTOR
As the founder of Norwood Community Group Services, I have served the community of West Norwood and the surrounding wards since 2006. I personally have enjoyed this journey, it’s so rewarding when you make a difference in the lives of young people. Especially when they come up to you years later and remind you of the impact you made in their lives. Priceless!
Wayne Smith
CHAIRMAN
My vision is to help young people become healthier and confident in themselves. To help raise their self-esteem and achieve their goals, so that they can become a better version of themselves and inclusive to the wider community. I am passionate about Health & Nutrition and have diplomas in Weight Management and Sports & Exercise Nutrition. I have practised and taught Martial Arts for over 37 yrs, teaching children, adults and serving the wider community.
Arin De Rizzio
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Having a background that’s heavily rooted in creativity, arts and design, paired with an innate want to help others is what makes this role so fulfilling for me. It’s also very much a full circle moment, as I grew up attending the charity’s fitness classes when I was younger. This is the beginning of my journey as part of the NCGS team, and I'm excited to continue, and add to, the legacy.
Marcus Richardson
TRUSTEE
[Better known in the community and charity as Shakeel]
Since leaving school, I’ve enjoyed working with children and young people in a variety of roles and settings, in particular supporting the social and emotional well-being of young people with Autism and learning difficulties. I joined Norwood Community Group in the summer of 2017 as a member enjoying the weekly workout in Kickboxing sessions. Soon after, I volunteered as a Youth Support Worker and have worked alongside a great team who are passionate about well-being, offering support and providing opportunities to its members, their families and the local community. True to its motto, NCGS is ‘Building bridges in the community‘
Jaleel Muhammed
TRUSTEE
All the answers are within. My aim is to inspire - to let individuals tap into their own genius. Once you discover your talent(s), ‘Use your gifts to uplift’.
Theresa Arthurs
CHARITY CO-ORDINATOR
Having experience with young people who display challenging behaviours and/or have a challenging home life, as well as working with the YOT team (Youth Justice Service) in Merton gave me a great understanding of how the dynamics of a family can play a positive or negative part in a young person's progress. I'd like our charity to be recognised as a lifeline and to make a difference by providing help for all youth, including those that come from challenging environments and those that are vulnerable.
I also bring a wealth of knowledge from all areas of a business including sales, marketing, accounts, logistics and more.
Further supporting members of the team
Sted Gray
SENSEI-KARATE COACH
Kunle Osanyin
ACCOUNTANT