North Paddington: First Impressions

By Macy Ellis

Through my internship with Paddington Arts, I have been able to get to know the area of North Paddington. North Paddington is in Westminster and includes the wards of Queen’s Park, Harrow Road, and Westbourne. I have come to know that the area is largely residential, and there seems to be a small amount of jobs compared to the number of residents. Residents are generally concerned about safety in their neighborhoods. To help with this problem, there is the North Paddington Programme, which covers the three northwest wards. The aim of the program is to focus on projects that will reduce inequalities, specifically ones that are related to health, wealth, and safety. 

What’s more, I’m inspired by the various organizations I have learned about that are working for the good of the community. Of course, there’s Paddington Arts, a youth arts non-profit organization established in 1981 that is committed to developing talent and creativity in the community. I’m personally excited to be part of Paddington Arts’ digital media project of an online magazine. I’m an international student from the US studying abroad in London for four months through the Foundation for International Education (FIE). FIE’s connections within their internship placement led me to Paddington Arts, and I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect. However, I have enjoyed getting to know the area of North Paddington and I’m looking forward to upcoming projects that will utilize my love of writing.  

There’s also Avenues, another local youth organization. Avenues’ mission is to give young people in West London recreation activities and skills training. There are activities such as sports, healthy cooking, music, art, dance, radio, and skills development. Ultimately, Avenues, much like Paddington Arts, is committed to bettering the future of young people in a disadvantaged inner-city area. 

North Paddington is also considered a Creative Enterprise Zone, a Mayoral initiative meant to support areas of London in creative endeavors. There have been economic and social benefits from these zones, as the zones are meant to help local people learn creative skills and access employment. 

While North Paddington is far from home for me, and unlike what I’m generally used to, I’ve been enjoying spending part of every week in the area. I come from a more rural setting in Minnesota, so spending the last few months in London has been a new and exciting experience, though intimidating as well. I’ve become tired of some of the ways of thinking in my communities back in the US, so it’s truly a breath of fresh air to be witness to a lively and committed community, as I perceive North Paddington to be.