Community Focus Inclusive Arts

08/01/2026

Ever thought about Volunteering? Try Something new in 2026!

Community Focus Inclusive Arts is an inclusive arts charity working with children and adults with disabilities or additional needs. We provide creative, supportive spaces where people can learn new skills, build confidence and connect with others through the arts.

Founded in 1978 by photographer Maria Bartha, Community Focus Inclusive Arts began as a van-based photography project bringing creativity to disabled people across Barnet. More than forty years later, we are a vibrant, disabled-led arts organisation supporting over 200 people each year to express themselves, build confidence and find community through creativity.

Why volunteer?

Volunteers play a key role in helping us deliver our arts workshops and support our participants. Whether you can offer a few hours or make a regular commitment, your time, skills and enthusiasm will make a meaningful difference. You will help create a friendly, supportive environment where people can take part in creative activities, socialise and try something new. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds, whether you are an artist or simply keen to help.

Where would I volunteer?

All volunteering takes place in our studios at Community Focus, Friary House, a beautiful historic building set within Friary Park in North London. Our studios are welcoming, accessible and at the heart of our creative community.

Our in-house classes include Ceramics, Fine Art, Jewellery and Textiles, Computers, Movement and Wellbeing, Creative Writing and Drama. Classes are specially designed so students can learn at their own pace in a safe, supportive setting. We welcome absolute beginners to experienced artists.

What are we currently looking for?

Activity Support Volunteers*. You will support professional tutors and participants in a range of classes including Art, Drama, Radio Drama, Drumming, Computing, Photography, Dance, Creative Writing, Needlecraft, Flower Arranging and Life Drawing.

Classes we currently need volunteers for:

Monday Ceramics AM 11:00am to 1:00pm
Tuesday Computers PM 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Nature Arts AM 11:00am to 1:00pm

If these times do not suit, we are always interested to hear from skilled and enthusiastic people, so please get in touch. If you have not already, please join our mailing list to keep up to date with our news.

For more information, or to arrange a visit to our studios, contact us at:

Andrea or Vicky:
admin@communityfocus.co.uk
020 3743 2326

Warm regards,
The Office Team

* All volunteers will need to undergo a DBS and provide two referees (this can be a teacher, past or current employer, or mentor).

23/12/2025

A Dream Community

Community Focus in Friary Park… what can I say…

I have written about them before, but I wanted to reaffirm what a wonderful place this is. Nestled in the trees at Friary Park a gorgeous historical building which houses rooms for art and other activities. But don’t be fooled … when you walk in the doors you realise it’s a magical place. Full of love and celebration.

My adult son Imi who has autism and learning difficulties has been attending for many years and he sees this wonderful organisation as a second home. He is always made welcome, and the staff and teachers go above and beyond their duties in their care.

John Mccafferty, who has his own challenges has been the captain of CF for at least five years and what a great job he has done. We are so sorry that he has stepped down. He was the comforting face of Community Focus.

There is no formality, the service users and parent/carers wander into the office at all times. The classes are a chance for the service users to interact as well as learn new fun skills.

In my personal experience with Imi I feel that the encouragement never wanes every member of staff are brilliant cheerleaders and kind amazing people.

People with special needs thrive on “the feeling” they get from other people. Not just their words and actions.

Community Focus is an independent charity so rely on donations. I cannot stress enough how vitally important it is to keep places like this open and available to the adult special needs community.

As a mother I can confirm that there are not too many options for our special people. Please support us in any way you can.

We have to do everything we can to ensure that these precious havens can continue to support our special community.

Sev Mawany

23/12/2025

IT’S THE BIG ONE! - our 50th podcast episode!

To listen click here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2409167/episodes/18245746-ep-50-it-s-our-50th-episode-we-celebrate-with-the-incredible-musician-genesis-brown

To mark the occasion, this special episode features live music from *Genesis Brown*, an extraordinary musician whose incredible talent and story has inspired us all.

Genesis joins us alongside his mum for a heartfelt conversation about his life, his passion for music, and the journey they’ve shared.

Here’s to the next 50!

18/12/2025

Yesterday’s festive wreath workshop was a huge success and the results were amazing. So much creativity, laughter, and beautiful work all round. Thank you to everyone who joined us and made it so special.

09/12/2025

NEW EPISODE OUT TODAY!!

Click link for full episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2409167/episodes/18308946

Today’s episode is full of festive fun. We’re talking about our holiday plans - some of us celebrating Christmas, others celebrating Hannukah.

We’ve got a sleigh-load of seasonal goodies: festive jokes, a holiday quiz, and a chat about the best and worst parts of a Christmas–Hannukah meal.

However you celebrate during the holidays, we’re excited to have you with us. Enjoy the episode!

07/12/2025

06/12/2025

05/12/2025

A quick reminder that our Winter Exhibition is happening this weekend, featuring an inspiring collection of work by our in-house artists and a chance to buy beautifully hand-crafted festive gifts made by our ARTiculate students.

Saturday 6 December | 11am–3pm
Free drop-in festive workshop
Surprise performances by CF students
Festive Stall with hand-crafted products by ARTiculate students

Sunday 7 December | 12pm–3pm
A relaxed chance to explore the exhibition

Venue:
Friary House, Friary Park
Friary Road, London N20 0NR

We can’t wait to welcome you for a creative and festive weekend.

A big thank you to
for supporting us to make this happen!

05/12/2025

Laurent and his amazing bus paintings. Just a taster of what you can expect at our Winter Exhibition this weekend!! Come on down.