A survey by the National Youth Agency reveals that £1bn less is being spent on youth services annually than it was a decade ago.
In Islington these critical services offer safe spaces for youngsters to hang out and ensure they are surrounded by positive influences.
The effects of the cuts
Whilst youth services continue to be available to Islington-based youths, staff members are highlighting the effects of the cuts.
Outreach in Islington is the worst hit.
“We need to have the resources to be able to reach out to young people.” Says St Marys Youth club development manager, Aston Wood.
“If we don’t have the staff, we just can’t do it.
“We can’t expect young people to just wander around and see us and want to come in.”
Clubs need funding to make them attractive to young people.
“How do we get young peoples attention?” Adds Aston.
“What we have found is that youth work simply can’t compete for young people attention if not properly funded.
“We need to have a really good product for young people to try new things and have new experiences”.
The council’s response
A spokesperson for Islington council stated that the borough had one of the highest amounts of youth services available in London.
“Actually, we spend more on youth services than most other councils in the country.
“We have driven high-quality services and considerable innovation even in a time of austerity” They said.
A sense of belonging
Judith Samuel of Lift Islington also believes that these youth clubs are really important, can change lives and help children feel like they belong.
“They provide a space for children that just require a sense of belonging” She says.
Lift Youth club provides children with a sense of belonging. “Youth hubs can only help if they have exposure to those who need them most.”
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Headline Youth services suffer £1bn funding cut over last decadeShort Headline Funds to youth services cut by £1bn over last decade Standfirst With less funding, youth services in Islington are struggling to reach out to children most in need.
A survey by the National Youth Agency reveals that £1bn less is being spent on youth services annually than it was a decade ago.
In Islington these critical services offer safe spaces for youngsters to hang out and ensure they are surrounded by positive influences.
The effects of the cuts
Whilst youth services continue to be available to Islington-based youths, staff members are highlighting the effects of the cuts.
Outreach in Islington is the worst hit.
“We need to have the resources to be able to reach out to young people.” Says St Marys Youth club development manager, Aston Wood.
“If we don’t have the staff, we just can’t do it.
“We can’t expect young people to just wander around and see us and want to come in.”
Clubs need funding to make them attractive to young people.
“How do we get young peoples attention?” Adds Aston.
“What we have found is that youth work simply can’t compete for young people attention if not properly funded.
“We need to have a really good product for young people to try new things and have new experiences”.
The council’s response
A spokesperson for Islington council stated that the borough had one of the highest amounts of youth services available in London.
“Actually, we spend more on youth services than most other councils in the country.
“We have driven high-quality services and considerable innovation even in a time of austerity” They said.
A sense of belonging
Judith Samuel of Lift Islington also believes that these youth clubs are really important, can change lives and help children feel like they belong.
“They provide a space for children that just require a sense of belonging” She says.
Lift Youth club provides children with a sense of belonging. “Youth hubs can only help if they have exposure to those who need them most.”
