If re-elected in May, London Mayor Sadiq Khan has pledged £30 million in new funding to bolster youth clubs and services across the city, aiming to combat youth crime effectively.
Khan emphasized that this investment would support the existing 300 youth projects in London, enabling them to sustain their services and enhance their facilities to cater to the needs of young Londoners.
The proposed funding, spread over four years, is anticipated to provide an additional 250,000 “positive opportunities” for youth in the city.
These opportunities include mentoring programs, after-school clubs, and various recreational activities aimed at engaging young people in constructive and fulfilling endeavors.
In Mr. Khan’s view, youth services play a crucial role in curbing youth crime by providing young individuals with a safe and supportive environment to socialize, participate in sports, and build meaningful relationships.
He emphasized the importance of keeping young people occupied and engaged, thereby reducing the likelihood of their involvement in criminal activities.
While visiting the Knights Youth Centre in south London, Mr. Khan talked with members to learn directly about how important places like this are for them.
The center, operational since 1959, offers a range of activities for individuals aged eight to 25, including sports, music creation, and socializing opportunities. Unlike his Conservative rival Susan Hall, Khan criticized her opinion on youth services, saying she called them pointless.
He underscored his commitment to addressing the root causes of crime, emphasizing the link between youth violence, poverty, and mental health issues, as highlighted by research conducted by the Greater London Assembly in 2019.
Since assuming office in 2016, Mayor Khan’s administration has allocated over £100 million to London’s youth sector, primarily through initiatives like the Young Londoner’s Fund and the Mayor’s New Deal for Young People program.
Also, Khan emphasized the importance of prioritizing training opportunities for young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET), aiming to provide them with pathways to meaningful engagement and employment prospects.
During his visit to the Knights Youth Centre, Mr. Khan engaged with members through various activities, including listening to their music compositions, playing pool, and participating in a roundtable discussion to gain insights into their perspectives and needs.