The W.H. Smith Memorial Institute
Though the Trust has long established roots in London’s communities, the name ‘The London Youth Trust’ only dates back to 1988. The original Trust, set up in 1892 by Mr Justice Grantham and Charles Awdry Esq., was then known as ‘The W.H. Smith Memorial Institute for Wayward Boys’, and was founded as a permanent memorial to a remarkable man, The Rt. Hon. W.H. Smith MP (1825-1891).

He was not only a very successful businessman and a Member of Parliament but also a generous philanthropist. He was concerned about the poor in Central London, and, in particular, boys and young men who were disadvantaged socially and economically.

On his death, his friends were anxious to see that this compassionate concern for London’s youngsters should continue. Therefore in order that his work could continue they founded by public subscription the W.H. Smith Memorial Institute which along with the associated Club was opened in Portugal Street in 1906 and received full Charitable Status in April 1909.

The building which housed this club was sold in 1974 when the then Trustees recognised the need for a shift of focus. The funds realised by this sale were invested to provide a revenue stream capable of supporting the administrative costs of the Trust.

The London Youth Trust
The original Trust was varied by a Scheme of the Charity Commissioners on 7th May 1974. The Trust Deed was varied again on 31st October 1988 and our operational name of 'The London Youth Trust' commenced on that date. Since then we have remained a small dedicated organisation helping community groups and the small street level initiatives in Greater London which would be unable to develop without our financial support.

President LYT
Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter,
KCVO, OBE

Over the years our projects throughout London have received much acclaim from those involved in inner city youth work. The London Youth Trust has been prepared to take some risks and to go where other Trusts might not feel so comfortable, so that essential youth work could be developed.

We consider it of the greatest importance to give the young men and women who are committed leaders within their projects and youth clubs some future in their work. Without such support it is more difficult for clubs and organizations themselves to encourage their leaders to develop, and to become better citizens as they do so.