London youth clubs that lift prospects of thousands face threat to survival

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan pictured on a visit to Mossbourne Primary School, east London, ahead of announcing the fund (Picture: Daniel Hambury)

A third of London youth clubs say they face closure due to the financial pressures of lockdown.

London Youth said nearly half of 550 groups had furloughed staff and 78 per cent are regularly working with fewer youngsters than before Covid-19 restrictions were imposed.

Mayor Sadiq Khan said he is concerned about young people’s physical and mental health, their employment futures and the risk of them becoming involved in serious violence as lockdown eases.

City Hall and London’s Violence Reduction Unit invested £2.1 million to support projects for young Londoners over the summer and autumn.

But Mr Khan said he is concerned about losing youth clubs and centres used by 27,000 children and young adults.

He said: “At a time when we need our amazing community groups and local charities to provide support for young people more than ever, the impact of Covid-19 means many are struggling to survive.

“The key is investing in young people across our city. Now we are in danger of going back to square one.”