About Us
Supporting residents, strengthening communities and creating opportunities across Grahame Park and Barnet.
Our Story
Centre of Excellence was established in 2022 by co-founders Abdul Qadir Ali (AQ) and Hawa Abdi to provide accessible support, activities and opportunities for residents of Grahame Park and the surrounding community.
The organisation developed in response to challenges experienced by local residents, including difficulties accessing services, language barriers, social isolation and limited opportunities for children, young people and families.
As a Somali-led organisation based within the community it serves, Centre of Excellence has developed its work around direct engagement with residents and an understanding of local needs.
Since 2022, our work has expanded to include advocacy and translation, youth programmes, family activities, sport, health and wellbeing initiatives, educational activities and support for older residents.
Our House Model now brings this work together through four areas: Services, Programmes, Activities and Campaign for Change. This allows us to provide immediate practical support while also delivering longer-term programmes and responding to wider issues affecting the community.
Our House Model
Our House Model brings together our services, programmes, activities and campaigns for change, providing a clear framework for how we respond to the needs of the community.
Our Mission
Centre of Excellence works to improve access to support, opportunities and community services for residents of Grahame Park and the wider Barnet area. We provide advocacy, education, youth programmes, sport, family activities, health and wellbeing initiatives, translation and practical guidance. Our programmes support children, young people, adults and older residents at different stages of life.
Our aim is to reduce barriers to participation, improve access to local services and provide spaces where residents can learn, connect and take part in activities that respond to the needs of the community. We also work to strengthen relationships between residents, local organisations and service providers, helping people access the right support and opportunities when they need them.
Our Core Values
These values guide everything we do and shape how we serve our community.
Compassion
We approach every interaction with empathy, understanding, and genuine care for others.
Inclusion
Excellence
Community
Our Areas of Work
Culture & Heritage
To: Empower individuals and embrace cultural roots
Why: To highlight a source of pride, resilience, and unity and to a create space to honour and celebrate diversity.
Guidance & Advocacy
To: Help Navigate Life’s Challenges
Why: To support through moments of instability with dignity and deep understanding and ensure respect, empowerment, and support
Jobs, Skills and Employability
To: Open Doors to Opportunities
Why: To highlight the need of economic empowerment and how it is essential for a thriving community.
Youth & Family Empowerment
To: Raise Resilient Families, One Program at a Time
Why: To support families at every stage — nurturing early connections and preparing youth for bright futures.
Our Leadership Team
Meet the dedicated professionals who lead our organisation and drive our mission forward.
Abdul Qadir Ali (AQ)
Founder
Rooted in lived experience, AQ’s empathetic approach focuses on helping Black men and boys reclaim confidence, purpose, and self-defined success — shaping the Centre’s core values.
Hawa Abdi
Co-Founder & Director
Hawa has led innovative community programmes that break down barriers to education, mental health support, and employment.
Quick Links
Contact us
02034895165
4-5 The Concourse London NW9 5XB