Brenda Edwards Launches Jamal Edwards Community Hub in Acton to Honor Late Son's Legacy
Four years after the tragic death of music entrepreneur Jamal Edwards, his mother, Loose Women presenter Brenda Edwards, has opened a community hub in his name in their hometown of Acton, West London. The Jamal Edwards Self Belief Creative Community Hub, set to open in Spring 2026 on the newly developed Friary Park Estate, aims to provide a safe "third space" for young adults aged 18–31, particularly those facing employment barriers.
A Tribute to Jamal Edwards' Vision and Impact
Jamal Edwards, who died in February 2022 at age 31 from a cardiac arrhythmia linked to cocaine and alcohol use, was a pioneering figure in British music. He founded SBTV in 2006 as a teenager with a camera gifted by his mother, going on to launch the careers of influential artists and champion the motto: "it's Not impossible, but I'm possible." The hub, created by Brenda Edwards and her daughter Tanisha Artman through the Jamal Edwards Self Belief Trust, seeks to "help young people and bring everybody together as a community" while carrying on his legacy.
Brenda and Tanisha described the hub as "exactly the kind of place Jamal would have built himself—open, creative, warm, and rooted in community." It comes with a 10-year rent-free lease from partners Mount Anvil and housing association Peabody, addressing the shortage of inspiring community spaces for youth in West London.
Facilities and Support Programs at the Hub
The hub offers a range of facilities designed to foster creativity, wellbeing, and employability:
- Music and podcast studios for artistic expression
- Co-working and lounge spaces for collaboration and networking
- A subsidized kitchen serving hot Caribbean meals
- Programs focused on life skills, employability, and personal development
For members facing systemic or personal barriers, access is fully funded, including free meals, employability support, weekly youth worker contact, and direct pathways into paid opportunities and mentoring. This initiative builds on the trust's previous success: the Self Belief Launchpad has supported over 150 young people, with 94% reporting increased self-belief and 82% gaining confidence in career opportunities.
Community and Partnership Impact
Phil Jenkins, Chief Investment Officer at Peabody, highlighted Jamal Edwards' enduring influence: "From the first time I met Jamal, it was clear he believed in and was a real advocate for young people. He helped us engage with local youth in our estate regeneration project. His enthusiasm and commitment to giving others better life chances still inspires many. We're delighted to support the Self Belief Community Hub and play a part in creating a space where young people in Acton can feel welcome, valued, and able to build their futures."
The hub represents a significant step in preserving Jamal Edwards' legacy, providing a tangible resource for West London's youth to thrive creatively and professionally. By offering a supportive environment outside of home and work or school, it aims to empower a new generation with the self-belief that defined Jamal's own journey.
