A £2.1million boost to provide support for vulnerable young Londoners impacted by lockdown has been launched by Sadiq Khan.
The Mayor announced the measures in Hackney on Friday as part of tackling serious youth violence since Covid-19 lockdown restrictions eased.
City Hall will fund youth work projects over the summer and autumn for those aged up to 25 across London, including some of the most vulnerable young people and their families.
Mr Khan said there has been a 46 per cent reduction in national funding for youth services in the capital since 2011.
He added lockdown had a significant impact on young people’s mental health, wellbeing, loneliness, activity levels and future opportunities.
A third of 18 to 24-year-old employees, excluding students, have either lost their jobs or been furloughed, compared to one-in-six older adults, he added.
Mr Khan said: “The impact of the Covid-19 lockdown on children and young people in London has been profound.
“It has affected young people’s mental health, education and pushed some further into poverty, when we already know there is a clear link between deprivation and serious youth violence.
“The services provided by our dedicated frontline youth workers have the ability to change lives.
“That’s why I’ve committed more than £2m to help youth organisations provide support this summer to the most vulnerable young people and their families, many of whom have been disproportionately impacted by Covid-19.
“Now more than ever we need the Government to invest in youth services.”
