Islington’s historic Grade I and II* listed chapel, Union Chapel in Islington, is best known as an acclaimed live music venue with a global reputation for international musical events by the likes of Ed Sheeran and Michael Kiwanuka. However, as well as a world-class music venue, Union Chapel is also a social enterprise, supporting vulnerable communities through the charity, The Margins Project, as well as the working, radical Union Chapel Church.
This July, Union Chapel’s Margins Project charity celebrates 33 years of providing life-changing opportunities for people facing homelessness, food poverty and marginalisation. The charity aims to improve the lives of those in hardship, breaking cycles of unemployability and empowering people to take agency over their situation, to grow towards independence, dignity and fulfilment.
Last month, Union Chapel’s The Margins Project provided two uplifting opportunities for its guests, many of whom are facing significant life challenges.
On Wednesday, 25 June, a group of asylum seekers and refugees, who are supported by The Margins Project and Union Chapel Church Community Outreach Team, were invited on a special visit to Arsenal Football Club’s Emirates Stadium. The experience offered a rare opportunity to step inside one of the UK’s most iconic football grounds, with a guided tour of the stands, dressing rooms, the pitch, press space and the chance to see the Arsenal memorabilia through the ages. For guests facing enormous personal challenges, the day was a powerful reminder of community, inclusion and possibility.
The Margins Project would like to extend a special thanks to Luke Howard and everyone at the Arsenal in the Community Team for your continuing support of Union Chapel.
On Wednesday, 11 June, during Men’s Mental Health Awareness Week, The Margins Project’s guests were invited to explore a different side of Islington and its local history with a two-hour guided walk led by professional local historian Nigel Smith of Islington Guided Walks. Starting at Union Chapel, the walk explored the area’s rich architectural and social heritage, encouraging connection, conversation and reflection.
“It was great escaping from the everyday toil of life and meeting new people with a shared interest in the history of the area,” said one participant.
These initiatives form part of The Margins Project’s broader mission to offer not only practical support, but also social connection, wellbeing activities and long-term opportunities for people experiencing crisis.
Be The Change, Islington People’s Theatre – Free weekly Applied Theatre and Creative Arts Sessions
Every Thursday, 6.30–8.30 pm, Union Chapel’s Lower Hall
