Four youth clubs in London have improved security and violence prevention measures through a new initiative creating safer places for young people.
The initiative, badged the Youth and Community Centre Security Scheme, is part of a Metropolitan Police Service partnership with Secured by Design (SBD), London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service (LAS).
Met Assistant Commissioner Helen Ball said: “During lockdown we have been working behind the scenes to improve the practical security of these youth clubs so that young people and the local employees have safe spaces to return to now lockdown restrictions are lifting.”
Who is taking part in this scheme?
Four youth clubs; one in Haringey, one in Westminster and two in Lambeth, have received improvements to their security features to help reduce violent crimes in and around these facilities.
It’s been a pleasure supporting @metpoliceuk & @LondonFire with this brilliant new initiative to improve security at youth clubs & keep our young people safe. Huge credit to the fantastic work undertaken by the Met’s DOCOs, @PremierSecCons & @warriordoors. https://t.co/wM143wxMgv pic.twitter.com/kZ8F5MegHj
— Secured by Design (@securedbydesign) June 24, 2021
What does this initiative involve?
These improvements include the installation of heavy duty doors and an air lock lobby allowing staff clearly monitor who is coming in and out of the facility and prevent passers-by entering the venue freely.
These measures will help ensure staff feel more in control and equipped to protect the young people who attend.
Secured by Design CEO, Guy Ferguson, said: “I am delighted we have been able to support this excellent project to improve security at youth clubs and would like to thank Premier Security and Warrior Doors for the work they have carried out to make these venues safer.”
Ten youth clubs will imminently receive defibrillators along with any necessary training to use them in the event of a violent attack.
We’ve been working with our partners at @metpoliceuk and @securedbydesign to reduce fire risks at a number of youth clubs in #London as part of a new security initiative to create safer places for young people in the community https://t.co/CsxL6mPFeQ pic.twitter.com/gTeDdYDqj2
— London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) June 24, 2021
The London Fire Brigade also carried out inspections of the premises to identify and mitigate any fire hazards and provide advice around fire evacuation plans.
London Fire Brigade’s Assistant Commissioner for Fire Safety, Paul Jennings, said: “The Brigade has been a key partner in the Youth and Community Centre Security Scheme, working closely with our colleagues at the Metropolitan Police Service and Secured by Design to help ensure that young people in London have a safe place within their community that they can go.”
What does this mean for the future?
Tim Saunders, the Youth Club Manager at Alford House, said: “Any youth worker will tell you that they strive to carry out activity in a safe environment, both physical and emotional.”
“Anything that improves safety must be welcomed. The new design actually makes the entrance to the club much more welcoming than before, while improving our ability to see exactly who is coming in and out.”
Further funding has been secured indefinitely to ensure more youth clubs and community centres across London can also benefit from security overhauls.
