Somerville was established in 1971 as a community-led adventure playground and has been run by local people ever since. Its stated mission is: "to provide free open access adventure play and tailored youth support services for local children and young people, regardless of their social, financial or ethnic background, celebrating the diversity of the local area and promoting community cohesion."

Somerville is a place where families meet each other during our open sessions as well as through our regular events, activities and trips; we are very much run 'by local people, for local people.' For example, families could attend a BBQ or outdoor film screening, come on a trip to the ice rink or simply help out in running cookery sessions on site with the children and young people. This helps foster a sense of belonging and community which can often be lacking on the estates where they live.

Somerville has over 1,100 children and young people registered. The benefits of our activities include an increase their skills e.g. through bike maintenance workshops, food growing in our garden and cookery sessions in our kitchen. Increased opportunities for yp to go on off-site visits/trips to gain new experiences.