West Northamptonshire youth charities set for fundraising boost

Eleanor Thorne Author 2026-05-22 10:18 2 min read

Close-up portrait of a young child looking thoughtfully into the distance during a community event.

Contents

Support for Spring Boroughs youth services
Outdoor learning at Courteenhall Estate
Civic duties and community engagement

West Northamptonshire Council has appointed Cllr Fiona Baker as its new Chairman, signaling a year of dedicated support for local youth services. Cllr Baker, who received the chains of office from outgoing Chairman Cllr Alison Eastwood on Thursday evening, has selected Springs Family Centre and New Leaf Learning as her primary charities for the 2026 municipal year.

The appointment follows a wider West Northamptonshire leadership reshuffle aimed at driving regional development. Cllr Anthony Lock, representing Daventry South, will support the new Chairman as Vice Chairman.

Support for Spring Boroughs youth services

Based in the Spring Boroughs area of Northampton, the Springs Family Centre provides a vital hub for young residents. The facility operates youth groups, a dedicated music recording studio, and a jobs club designed to assist with employment transitions.

West Northamptonshire youth charities set for fundraising boost

Cllr Baker’s support will help fund these existing programs, alongside the centre’s cookery courses and community activities. The choice aligns with her previous experience managing children’s services portfolios across the county, including her work with the Northamptonshire VCSE Assembly.

Outdoor learning at Courteenhall Estate

The second beneficiary, New Leaf Learning, focuses on alternative education pathways. Operating out of the Courteenhall Estate, the organization provides outdoor learning environments for children who find it difficult to engage with mainstream school settings.

The charity uses nature-based activities to help students regain confidence and develop practical skills. Cllr Baker’s involvement is expected to raise the profile of these non-traditional educational routes throughout the region.

Civic duties and community engagement

A former photographer and Brackley ward member, Cllr Baker has been a fixture in local governance since 2011. Her background includes roles at Oxfordshire County Council and South Northamptonshire Council. Outside of her official capacity, she is a regular volunteer at the Brackley Community Larder.

In her role as Chairman, she will represent the council at civic functions and oversee constitutional meetings. Local businesses, schools, and community groups in West Northamptonshire can request the Chairman’s attendance at events to help raise their profile by contacting the Chairman’s Secretary.

Source: West Northamptonshire Council