MAYOR OF London, Sadiq Khan has announced over £1million of funding will be given to sports groups for young Londoners at risk of getting involved in violent or criminal activity
At the inaugural meeting of his Serious Youth Violence Steering Groups, Mayor Sadiq Khan announced his plans to invest in the project to help support vulnerable young Londoners through sport.
The group consists of representatives from 20 organisations the mayor previously funded through his £45m Young Londoners Fund Sport Unites programme. Each organisation also have a young representative who occupy an equal seat at the discussion table and play a key role in coordinating the work of the group.
JC, age 17, from The Change Foundation, said: “I think it’s a great idea that this steering group has been set up, especially since all we hear about is cutbacks at youth centres. The more opportunities we can create for young Londoners to take part in (and enjoy), the less crime and violence you’ll have. It’s that simple.”
The steering group allows young people, like JC, to share their insights on the increasing violent crime rate in the capital, identify causes and propose possible solutions.
Sadiq Khan, said: “I have seen first-hand the unique power of sport to engage young people and help them to turn their lives around.
“The organisations that I have brought together today are already making a huge difference to the lives of thousands of young people in our city, which is why I am providing a further £1.1m of funding to help even more sports projects provide positive, meaningful activities to help young people make the right choices in life.
“Serious violent incidents involving young Londoners is down by nearly 20 per cent compared to last year, but we cannot be complacent. We know that to tackle violent crime, we must be tough on the causes of crime. I am doing all that I can on this from City Hall, but we urgently need Government to reverse cuts to youth clubs, schools and local services – or risk failing a generation.”
Earlier this month Khan also announced a £360,000 of investment from his Young Londoners Fund for 43 projects taking place during the summer holidays and providing positive opportunities for 3,500 young people at risk of getting involved in crime.
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