Sir Sadiq Khan has announced a £1m year-long investment into sports activities for young people during the school holidays, in a bid to “divert” them from violence.
The mayor’s funding will start this Easter and will support almost 2,000 young Londoners at up to 20 community-led projects across the capital, working in partnership with his Violence Reduction Unit (VRU).
It comes after the Metropolitan Police confirmed last week that it will have to lose 1,700 officers, PCSOs and staff - and cut a number of services - as it faces a £260m hole in its budget for the coming year.
Sir Sadiq has blamed the situation on the previous Conservative government’s austerity programme, while stressing that the new Labour government had put forward “record” investment.
The mayor also insists that his VRU has made a substantial impact in preventing young people from becoming involved in violent crime, through targeted programmes and boosting access to youth clubs. The latest scheme will provide “diversionary activities” to “support young people during the school break when evidence shows they are more vulnerable to exploitation and to violence”, according to City Hall.
“My top priority is to be tough on violence and tough on its complex causes to build a safer London for everyone,” said Sir Sadiq.
“I have been clear that we can’t arrest our way out of this issue and that’s why a key part of my approach to tackling violence is investing in prevention and positive opportunities for young people, at the same time as providing record investment in policing for enforcement.
“My Violence Reduction Unit is investing a further £1m for sports and physical activities during the holidays and beyond, delivering on my commitment to provide a further 250,000 positive opportunities for young people and access to youth clubs and hubs.”
Alongside funding for holiday provision, the mayor’s investment in sport over the next year will support a further 1,000 young people who may struggle with the transition from primary to secondary school, by providing them with access to a trusted mentor.
Sir Sadiq’s office said the funding will also provide internships for young people at major sporting organisations such as the Lawn Tennis Association, GB Snowsport and Formula E.
“Sport and physical activity play hugely important roles in a young person’s life, providing opportunities to develop skills, teamwork and access to positive role models in coaches and youth workers,” said VRU director Lib Peck.
“Working with the mayor, we’re funding a range of activities and opportunities for young people during the holidays when we know they are at greatest risk of exploitation and violence.
“Prevention and delivering thousands of positive activities for young people is critical to tackling violence and whilst our work is having impact, it’s clear there is more to do. We’re committed to working in partnership across London to keep young people safe because we believe violence is preventable, not inevitable.”
Londoners can find out how to access funded opportunities, activities and mentoring places, by visiting the Local Village Network app and signposting website: https://www.lvn.org.uk/summer
