Hackney Council’s youth support service is set to receive an additional £1.3million over the next two years under a government initiative.
Young Hackney, which runs several initiatives including four youth hubs, trips and projects, will seek to extend its current work in the hopes of reaching more young people in the local community.
The network currently provides those aged 10-19, or 25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), with direct access to sports, creative workshops, and mental health support, and funds a range of voluntary sector youth organisations to assist in career development and future employment.
Jason, 16, a student who grew up using the ‘Young Hackney’ youth hubs, said: “This is the perfect place for young kids.
“Their parents could be working, so instead of them being home alone, doing nothing, they could come here and meet friends”.
His comments were reflected by Cllr Soraya Adejare, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Early Intervention, who said: “Hackney has one of the highest rates of children growing up in income-deprived households in the country.
“That means it’s vital that we offer high-quality, properly-funded youth services to help give every young person the best start in life.”
The ‘Young Futures Hubs’ funding comes as part of a wider £70million investment drive spearheaded by the government’s national Youth Strategy.
The 10-year plan has been devised following a survey of over 14,000 young people highlighted the current reliance on online interaction in the absence of face-to-face opportunities.
Secretary Of State for The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy said: “Young people told us that they needed somewhere to go, something to do, and someone to talk to.
“We believe in their generation and we know they can succeed.”
Sophie, a local nanny who often makes use of the children’s centres, additionally spoke on the benefits projects like this have for parents.
“I meet a lot of first time mums who might not necessarily have a community, so its really nice to meet new people, to benefit from the socialisation as much as the children,” she said.
Similar hubs in other parts of the UK have already proved successful, with early adopters including Tower Hamlets, receiving additional payouts to establish further sites.
Featured image credit: Tom Rattner
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