Fleur Anderson MP Calls for Investment in Youth Services

She outlined what she described as the staggering cuts to youth services, citing reports by the National Youth Agency and the YMCA, which revealed a 73% reduction in funding since 2010 and the loss of 4,500 qualified youth workers from frontline services.
She emphasized the profound impact of these cuts on communities, noting the closure of youth club buildings and the absence of a cohesive government strategy to address the crisis.

Ms Anderson said, "I was pleased to get the opportunity in Parliament to pay tribute to some of the outstanding youth work in our community; Regenerate; Group 64 at the Putney Arts Theatre; Free2B for LGBTQ+ young people; the many church youth workers we have; the Ahmadiyya youth movement; the Girl Guides, Brownies, and Scouts; sea cadets; sports clubs; SW15 Music, which provides affordable music lessons; and Love to Learn, where I used to work, which provides youth work for children from an asylum-seeking refugee background.

“I also paid tribute to Wandsworth Council and all the youth workers, especially in Roehampton Base, for all the amazing work they do with our young people in increasingly difficult circumstances and cuts. In the face of mounting challenges, it is imperative that we prioritize investment in youth services to safeguard the well-being and future prospects of our young people. Places like Roehampton have really suffered through losing so many of its community spaces in the last few decades, like the Alton and Roehampton Youth Clubs."

The Parliamentary debate came in the wake of a report from youth charity OnSide that 24% of young respondents reported that they do not have a safe space to go where they feel they belong.

The Labour MP emphasized the profound impact of these cuts on communities, noting the closure of youth club buildings in Roehampton and the absence of a cohesive government strategy to address the crisis.

She highlighted what she said was the detrimental effects on young people, including increased mental health issues, less access to skills and careers advice, vulnerability to crime and antisocial behaviour, and emphasised the urgent need for intervention to provide support and opportunities for the next generation.

Ms Anderson continued, “I used to run a community centre in Battersea and I dream of a community centre opening in Roehampton. Although the Government do not even seem to understand the problem – there was not a single Conservative MP apart from the Minister at the debate in Parliament on youth service provision - there is some good news locally from our Labour council. Wandsworth Council has agreed to refurbish the Focus Hall with a new lift and kitchens. Also, the new building at the top of Danebury Avenue is going to be a Community Hub building with community spaces as well as housing.

“Recently I met with Our Roehampton, Rackets Cubed and Councillors to make plans. Last summer, I took them on a tour of the closed or abandoned community spaces that I want to bring back to life. I will keep residents updated on our progress, and please do get in touch if you have ideas about how we can reopen our community spaces."

She also outlined Labour's proposed ‘Young Futures’ program as a comprehensive solution to address the crisis, emphasizing the importance of a cross-Government approach to provide young people with the support and opportunities they deserve.

She called for renewed commitment and investment in youth services, emphasizing their role in promoting social mobility, community cohesion, and overall well-being.

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