In this episode of Croydon Chats, we sit down with Sonia Russo, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Legacy Youth Zone, one of Croydon's most impactful organisations supporting young people across the borough.

Sonia shares the incredible work being done at Legacy Youth Zone, a state-of-the-art youth centre providing a safe, affordable, and inspiring environment for over 3,500 young people aged 8–19. We explore how Legacy is helping young people develop confidence, skills, ambition, and opportunities while challenging many of the misconceptions surrounding Croydon's youth.

We discuss the realities facing young people today, including food poverty, mental wellbeing, employability, social mobility, and the importance of positive role models. Sonia explains how businesses, charities, schools, and community leaders can work together to create meaningful opportunities and invest in the next generation.

The conversation also highlights the power of language, why Croydon needs to change the narrative around its young people, and how organisations like Legacy are helping young people realise their potential through education, sport, music, enterprise, mentoring, and work experience opportunities.

We also hear some inspiring stories about celebrity visits from Stormzy and the Sidemen, the impact these experiences have on young people, and why local businesses have a crucial role to play in shaping Croydon's future workforce.

Topics covered:

• What Legacy Youth Zone is and who it supports

• The challenges facing young people in Croydon today

• Food poverty, safeguarding, and community support

• Supporting young people with additional needs

• Building confidence, employability, and life skills

• The importance of positive role models and mentorship

• Stormzy, the Sidemen, and celebrity involvement with Legacy

• Why businesses should invest in young people

• Changing the narrative around Croydon and its future

• Creating opportunities for the next generation

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with the people making a difference across Croydon.

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In this episode of Croydon Chats, we sit down with Sean Coughlan, Director of Coughlans Bakery, one of Croydon's most successful family-run businesses.

Sean shares the remarkable story of Coughlans Bakery, a business that has been passed down through three generations of his family. From his grandfather and father working in the bakery to Sean leading the company today, we explore how the business has evolved while staying true to its roots.

We discuss the challenges and rewards of running a family business, the growth of Coughlans from a local bakery into a brand with more than 15 shops across Croydon, Surrey, Sussex, and Kent, and what it takes to build a business that stands the test of time.

Sean also reveals how comedian Romesh Ranganathan became a co-owner of Coughlans Bakery and the impact that partnership has had on the business.

Topics covered:

• The history of Coughlans Bakery

• Building a family business across three generations

• Expanding to over 15 locations across the South East

• Leadership, growth, and entrepreneurship

• Romesh Ranganathan's involvement in the business

• Why local businesses matter to Croydon

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with the people shaping Croydon. Watch and subscribe here on YOUTUBE

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What does it take to build an arts space that genuinely belongs to a community? We're joined by Isla Selley, Director of Boom Arts Academy, one of Croydon's leading performing arts schools to explore how Croydon's creative landscape is evolving and what drives the people building it.

Boom Arts Academy is a creative hub dedicated to nurturing emerging talent and fostering cultural exchange. Based right here in Croydon, Isla brings years of experience in arts leadership and community cultural development. In this conversation, we discover what shaped her vision, how arts education can transform communities, and why Croydon matters as a creative destination.

Listen in as we explore:

• How Boom Arts Academy creates space for emerging artists and creators
• The role of arts in building community connection and identity
• Challenges and opportunities in Croydon's cultural ecosystem
• What it means to lead with purpose in the creative sector
• The conversations and connections happening at the intersection of arts and community

Arts and culture aren't extras; they're the connective tissue of how we understand ourselves and each other. Hearing from Isla about the work she's doing reminds us why these spaces, and the people stewarding them, matter so much. This inspiring conversation explores the importance of arts education, the challenges and rewards of running a successful performing arts school, and why Croydon continues to be a hub for creativity and emerging talent.

This episode is brought to you by TBXH, the creative hub in Croydon where conversations like these come to life.

Want more stories from Croydon's creative community? Subscribe to Croydon Chats wherever you listen to podcasts, and follow us on YouTube @CroydonChatsbyTBXH for new episodes every week.

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