Who we are
A community charity rooted in Kilburn since 2019, built on the belief that wellbeing, creativity and connection should be open to everyone.
Our story
One idea. An open door
Kilburn community charity, KSOM, began in 2019 with a simple conviction: that music and creative activity are not luxuries. They are practical, proven tools for supporting wellbeing, building confidence, and reducing isolation.
What started on a housing estate has grown into something the area relies on. The PlayHut in Kilburn Grange Park is open all year round – a consistent, welcoming space where people of all ages and backgrounds can spend time, learn something new, or simply feel less alone.
Community and wellbeing sit at the centre of everything we do. Not as buzzwords, but as the reason we show up.
What we’ve achieved so far…
10+
Activities every week at the PlayHut
10,000+
People reached each year
3
Flagship events each year
See our activities and 2025 event highlights.
Looking ahead
🌱
Strengthening what works
KSOM’s focus is on strengthening its role as a community hub where wellbeing, creativity and connection are part of everyday life.
The next phase focuses on strengthening music-led and creative wellbeing activity, supporting children, families and older people, and building intergenerational connection. We want to deepen what already works rather than simply widen scope.
Our approach is not simply to expand, but to build something stable, inclusive and lasting.
🎯
Our priorities
We welcome partnerships with businesses, community organisations and institutions that share our values – whether through sponsoring an event, providing in-kind support, or building a longer-term relationship.
Our current priorities are to:
- Strengthen music-led and creative wellbeing activity
- Support children, families and older residents
- Build intergenerational connections across Kilburn
- Develop sustainable income and stronger reserves
- Grow responsibly while maintaining open access
If any of these resonate, we’d love to talk.
What we do
More than music
Music is at the heart of what KSOM does – but it has never been the whole story.
We use music, the creative arts, and a wide range of practical activities as tools for:
- building confidence and self-expression
- reducing isolation and strengthening community bonds
- supporting emotional wellbeing across all age groups
- creating shared experiences that bring us together.
At the PlayHut you’ll find music sessions, yoga, sewing, cooking for kids, gardening, and more – all designed to be accessible, welcoming and free or low-cost wherever possible.
Whatever brings you through the door, the outcome we’re working towards is the same: that you leave feeling better than when you arrived. More connected. More confident. More a part of something.
🎨
Music and creative arts
Lessons, workshops and creative sessions that support confidence, expression and wellbeing across all age groups.
🏡
Community hub activity
The café, Little Folk, support groups and shared space – a consistent, welcoming environment for local residents.
🎉
Events and festivals
Community events such as Into the Park and Kilburn Music Mile, bringing people together and celebrating local culture.
Who we serve
A diverse and local community
KSOM is open to everyone. Our activities reach children and young people, families, older residents, and adults at every stage of life. We work particularly hard to reach people who face barriers – financial, social, or otherwise – to taking part in community life.
There is no membership, no means test, and no door you have to knock on. Just turn up.
Our work focuses on tackling social isolation, inequality and barriers to opportunity, while promoting mental wellbeing across the community.
Volunteers are the engine of KSOM
The people behind KSOM
Until recently, everyone at KSOM was a volunteer – including the CEO. As the charity has grown and deepened its roots in the community, we’ve introduced a salaried CEO role to provide consistent leadership, strengthen how we deliver our work, and ensure we can sustainably connect, support and create opportunities for the people we serve. The CEO is now the only salaried member of staff. Matilde Diaz, our full-time Office Manager, along with everyone else who keeps KSOM running, does so on a voluntary basis.
Everything this charity has achieved, every session run, every event staged, every door opened, was built on people giving their time. Volunteers remain the engine of KSOM.
❝When people step in, everything becomes possible.❞
– Matilde Diaz
50+ volunteers. Every year.
Some volunteers are public-facing. They run sessions, support events or serve in the cafe. Some help with the day-to-day running of the PlayHut or help out with the gardening. Others bring skills the charity could never otherwise afford – financial planning, event planning and management, marketing, legal, bookkeeping, fundraising support, garden design and horticultural management, social media, filming, video editing, photography, and web design.
Volunteering at KSOM is simple. You show up, you’re welcomed, and you make a difference the same day. People come for all kinds of reasons – to contribute to their community, to develop skills, to meet people, or simply to have somewhere to be.
What we find is that KSOM gives back as much as we put in.
Our team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Alan Medley
As co-founder of KSOM, alongside fellow musician Katy Gleeson, Alan leads the day-to-day work of KSOM, working closely with trustees, volunteers, and partners to deliver programmes and grow the charity’s reach.
As founder of KSOM, he has been central to building its vision – using music, creativity, and community connection to tackle isolation and inequality in Kilburn.
❝KSOM is about bringing people together and creating opportunities where they’re needed most. ❞
– Alan Medley
TRUSTEE
Anna Ferrie
Anna brings strong leadership and governance experience, supporting KSOM as it continues to grow and strengthen its impact in the community. As Chair, she works closely with the Board and CEO to ensure the charity remains focused, accountable, and forward-looking.
She is particularly passionate about building a clear structure that allows creativity and community work to thrive, and about creating environments where people feel supported, connected, and able to reach their potential.
❝ KSOM creates real connections – it’s about people feeling seen, supported, & part of something. ❞
TRUSTEE
Shahnila Rashid
Shahnila brings valuable experience in funding, partnerships, and strategic development. She supports KSOM in building sustainable relationships with funders and partners, helping to secure the resources needed to expand programmes and reach more people in the community.
Her focus is on ensuring KSOM continues to grow in a way that is both impactful and financially resilient.
❝ Strong partnerships mean we can do more – and reach those who need it most. ❞
TRUSTEE
Anthony molloy
Anthony has been a councillor with Brent Council, representing his local ward and working closely with residents on community issues, public services, and local development. He has a strong track record in community engagement and partnership working, giving him valuable insight into how grassroots organisations and local authorities can work together to create meaningful, lasting impact.
At KSOM, Anthony supports the charity in building relationships across the community and strengthening its connections with local stakeholders and decision-makers.
❝ Community spaces like KSOM are vital – bringing people together in ways that really matter. ❞
KSOM works closely with local organisations, schools, cultural institutions, businesses and local authorities. These partnerships strengthen delivery, extend reach and ensure that activity remains relevant to local needs.
Be part of what KSOM does next
Whether you want to come along, volunteer your time or support the charity with a donation, there is a place for you in KSOM’s community.