Room Too

Olu, founder of social enterprise Room Too (formerly known as Room2 and undergoing rebranding).

What was your project idea?
”When started out with The Giving Lab, my project was about researching the effects of overcrowding on young people. I looked specifically at understanding the lived experiences of young people who have lived/living in overcrowded homes, investigating the impacts that limited study spaces and overcrowding has on young people’s educational achievement and well-being, and proposing solutions to provide alternative learning environments for young people.

After conducting this initial research, while doing my A-levels, I founded my social enterprise RoomToo, which aims to provide tailored study spaces to young people aged 16-19 living in overcrowded homes. RoomToo’s vision extends beyond education, aiming to create spaces that serve as both study hubs and supportive environments for young people. “

Why did you think your project was important to address health and wellbeing in your community?
“For most of my life, I shared a room in our two-bedroom flat with my two sisters. I didn’t think much of our living situation until midway through secondary school, when I realised how much it was impacting my ability to study. Frequently, I would resort to studying late after midnight once everyone had gone to bed, or, at times, in the bathroom.

Despite my efforts, my grades didn’t reflect the hard work I was putting in, and I became increasingly frustrated and demotivated. During exam seasons, I would go to my local library: Canada Water. However, seats were often taken and the environment wasn’t always quiet. My friend later introduced me to a study space in Aldgate, which despite the time taken to get there, the space was comfortable, clean and open all day long. Most of the time, I could maintain my focus there. Eventually the space became restricted, shutting its doors to non-hotel guests. I remember thinking, “imagine if there were more spaces like this closer to home.”

This experience isn’t unique to me. It’s the reality for thousands of young people in London, living in overcrowded homes, struggling to find their quiet space. I have friends who, like me, had to study at night because their homes were too chaotic during the day, or they sleep on couches and share their beds with relatives for months on end.

Overcrowding affects not only education, but the well-being and aspirations of young people. We need more spaces where young people can study and dream - places that are tailored to our needs. By creating these equitable environments, we can give young people the opportunity and room to thrive, regardless of their housing situation.”

Formerly Room2, now Room Too and undergoing rebranding.

What's something that's surprised you in this process?
“Turning my idea into a social enterprise! The idea from this project inspired me to apply to the Sisterhood Summer Program, which helped me transform it into a social enterprise. The program provided immense support, including brand design, mentorship , collaboration opportunities, and connections with other organisations.

Overcrowding is often overlooked, and it has a wider impact than one might assume. I hadn’t fully considered how overcrowding also affects others i.e. mental health of parents. Overcrowding can have knock on effects such as family conflicts. Many young people find themselves in homeless shelters and temporary housing due to housing instability. There’s a real need for accessible study spaces, and this project has made me even more passionate about bringing this vision to life.

Proper planning was key to keeping the project on track, and the connections I have made along the way have played a key part in the forming of RoomToo. Every story is unique: the conversations I had with my community showed me that everyone’s experience is different and equally powerful in bringing around change. Having conversations with others brought in new ideas and insights that I hadn’t considered before.”

“Give us room to grow.”

What change would you like to see so that more people can be empowered to make decisions on the issues that affect them?
”Give us room to grow. The Giving Lab grant has allowed me to design and explore a project that is so close to my heart, and I have grown to become deeply passionate about it. This research project has shed light on such an important issue, which I will continue to advocate for.

I just got news that I’ve been awarded further funding to continue my project, and I want the research and the enterprise I am creating to continue to raise awareness and help alleviate the barriers these young people face in their education, wellbeing and aspirations, making opportunities more equitable. My aim is to ensure that as many individuals as possible do not face the same overlooked struggles that impacted me and countless others - because we all deserve room to learn.”

Learn more about Olu’s project in her report - we recommend giving it a read. You can find Olu on LinkedIn here.