Sadiq Khan launches multi-million package to engage young Londoners

MAYOR of London Sadiq Khan on Tuesday (20) has launched a multi-million package of measures aimed at engaging young Londoners in various activities this summer, especially for the wards at higher risk of violence and with higher levels of poverty and deprivation.  

Set up by Khan, England’s one-of-its-kind Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) is set to invest £800,000 to mentor young people in Pupil Referral Units while a further £1 million of funding, will back a programme to mentor and support activities for almost 4,000 young people, as per London authorities.

The authorities also stated London VRU has also launched another targeted programme aimed at funding community-led groups across London with £1.2m of investment to support vulnerable young Londoners by providing them with opportunities and support in the hours following school and at weekends. 

These programmes are expected to cater to around 5,000 young people through activities like dance, theatre, music, basketball, angling and horse-riding under the set of plans put together by authorities in close collaboration with Met Police, communities and criminal justice partners. 

Saying that there will be an increased police presence this summer in the areas of London worst affected by violence, Khan said that he is “determined to tackle violence in London”.

“That’s why, working with communities across our city, we’ve created thousands of new positive opportunities for young people so they have somewhere safe to go this summer, where they can make the most of their talents,” Khan said.

“With lockdown restrictions now lifted and schools breaking up for the holidays, it’s more important than ever that we work together to ensure we don’t see a rise in violence over the summer months. This means supporting our young people, diverting them away from crime and giving them opportunities to thrive.”

Lib Peck, Director of London’s Violence Reduction Unit, said: “London’s Violence Reduction is committed to putting young people at the heart of everything we do. Our focus is on supporting families and communities to make them more resilient and to provide positive opportunities to help young Londoners build confidence and to thrive.

 “We know the importance of role models to young people and that’s why we’re investing in mentoring to provide support both in school, after school and during the summer holidays. I’m also pleased that we have launched a new targeted programme to provide support for young Londoners that are vulnerable to violence with series of opportunities and support in the hours following school and at weekends.”