Gisela Koromah Sopale visits The Rainbow Centre

A group of people sitting round a table with drinks and writing materials — Creative activities at The Rainbow Centre – (Credit – Gisela Koramah Sopale)

When I arrived at The Rainbow Centre, the first thing that struck me was how warm and welcoming it felt. More than just a community building, it’s a place where people from all over Barnet come together for support, company, and a sense of belonging.

The centre, in Dollis Valley Drive, is managed by Barnet Community Projects; a non-profit founded in 2014 to reduce social isolation and help neighbours connect.

Over the years, it has become one of the borough’s most trusted community spaces, offering opportunities for people to meet, learn, share, and simply feel less alone.

From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere is bright and welcoming. Colourful posters line the corridors, advertising a range of weekly activities: the Monday Morning Coffee Club, Creative Craft Tuesdays, the Wednesday Toddler Play Group, and the popular Friday Youth Makers Club, as well as community support initiatives like the weekly foodbank.

During my visit, older residents engaged in a range of creative activities, painting watercolour landscapes, arranging flowers in a small gardening corner, knitting, or folding origami. The room buzzed with conversation, tips being shared, and quiet laughter drifting from table to table, creating a warm and friendly energy throughout the space.

The centre is also a welcoming place for parents. Louisa, who attends the toddler play group with her daughter, told me that the centre helped her settle into life in Barnet after moving to the area. “I felt overwhelmed at first,” she said, “but coming here made everything easier. My daughter met other children, and I got to know other parents. It made us feel part of the community.”

Young people have also found a sense of purpose at The Rainbow Centre. The Youth Makers Club offers practical activities such as cooking, basic bike repair and digital media.

Fourteen-year-old Omar described how much the group has helped him. “I’ve learned new skills here, but also I just feel calm,” he said. “Everyone is friendly, and you can try new things without feeling judged.”

Volunteers play an essential role in keeping the centre running. One of them is Sarah, who has been helping for more than three years with everything from painting classes to gardening workshops.

Sarah explained, “People might come in for an activity, but what makes them return is the connections and friendships they build here.”

Watching her guide a group of older volunteers through a painting class made this clear. The room felt relaxed and cheerful, with people encouraging one another and sharing ideas. That sense of friendship is what makes the sessions enjoyable and meaningful for everyone involved.

Barnet Community Projects began as a small initiative created by residents who saw the need for inclusive and accessible community spaces. Today, The Rainbow Centre is one of its most active hubs full of creativity, conversation, and support every day.

During my visit, what stayed with me most was how naturally people connected: older residents laughing over a shared craft project, parents chatting over a cup of tea, and teenagers helping each other during a workshop. These small everyday moments show how community is built slowly, gently, and one interaction at a time.

As Sarah put it simply while helping a participant with her watercolours: “People walk in as strangers, but they leave feeling like they belong.”

In a fast-moving borough like Barnet, The Rainbow Centre stands out as a colourful reminder of how public spaces can bring people together.

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