Glyn Hopkin, Chairman of one of the UK’s biggest car dealer groups, has officially opened the new Glyn Hopkin Abbey Hub for children and young people in Stratford, London.
Operations are to be overseen by children's charity Ambition, Achieve, Asipre.
The name Glyn Hopkin Abbey Hub epitomises the 20 years of partnership between the charity's founder, Kevin Jenkins OBE and Glyn Hopkin Limited. The two factions have been supporting thousands of local children for 20 years!
The Glyn Hopkin Abbey Hub provides an inclusive and safe neighbourhood play facility and youth club for local children and young people living in Stratford. The interior features soft play and sensory spaces, not to forget the incredible computer room, multi-activity space and a further 'chill out' area. Outside, you'll find tree houses, climbing frames, play structures, gardening beds, a sensory garden and even a greenhouse.
Our partnership has been providing support for people with disabilities, emotional needs and life-limiting conditions. It's a top priority for the Hub's operational purposes. The Glyn Hopkin Abbey Hub has a special environmental focus, as the large garden behind the building will host several conservation programmes, all while including space for allotments and will even help to teach young people about healthy eating and growing produce.
Glyn Hopkin has been working with Kevin through Glyn Hopkin Limited for two decades. The pair first partnered on projects when Kevin was at the Newham-based Community Links organisation. During this period, Glyn Hopkin provided support to help underprivileged children and families from the Newham borough and other parts of East London, by sponsoring days out and summer holidays.
At Christmas, the dealer group has funded tickets for thousands of children to attend pantomimes and parties. Its support has also helped to ensure that they receive Christmas presents. In total, Glyn Hopkin has helped to support around 30,000 children to date, with approximately 3,000 having participated in the summer holiday camps that he has sponsored.
The Glyn Hopkin Abbey Hub will further enhance the programmes run by Glyn Hopkin and Kevin Jenkins OBE, as an inclusive hub for whole families to participate in and enjoy activities together. While the site is owned by Thames Water, Kevin took the opportunity to transform the house into a fantastic community project, and asked Glyn Hopkin if the centre could be named after him. An army of generous volunteers have been helping clear the grounds and prepare the building for several months, ready for the official opening.
Speaking about his and the company's involvement with Community Links and now Ambition, Achieve, Aspire, Glyn Hopkin said: “I’ve been working with Kevin for 20 years, and throughout that time my colleagues and I have been proud to help thousands of children experience an exciting and rewarding summer holiday camping trip. While the company has supported many charities over the years, this one holds a special place in my heart because it has really helped some of the most disadvantaged children in East London.”