On a chilly winter night, the wind howls outside the Damilola Taylor Centre in Peckham, with the rain creating a loud rhythm against the glass roof. Inside, a group of teenage boys, along with youth workers from the Active Communities Network, engage in an intense basketball game. Sammy, 14, expresses how the Centre has positively impacted him despite the long journey to get there. The boys are well aware of Damilola Taylor’s story and the significance of the place they are in.
Peckham’s Labour and Co-operative MP, Miatta Fahnbulleh, shares insights from young people about the lack of safe spaces in the area. With a vision to ensure every Peckham child is within a short distance of a youth service by 2035, Fahnbulleh emphasizes the importance of creating spaces where young individuals feel a sense of ownership and safety.
The government’s new youth strategy, launched by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, aims to invest £500 million in enhancing youth services nationwide. The plan includes constructing or revamping 250 youth centers and establishing 50 ‘Young Futures Hubs’ for career guidance and mental health support.
Focusing on addressing issues beyond surface symptoms, the Co-op Party advocates for safe shared spaces for young people as part of its Community Britain initiative. In Peckham, initiatives like MyEnds Southwark by the Active Communities Network play a crucial role in providing a positive influence on youth, countering negative influences in the community.
Testimonials from young attendees at the basketball sessions highlight the transformative impact of such programs, emphasizing the importance of having accessible spaces for personal growth and development. Fahnbulleh is committed to delivering on her promise to ensure young people have easy access to supportive environments within their neighborhoods.
As efforts are made to rebuild social connections and empower young individuals, the hope is to address underlying issues such as inequality, poverty, and loneliness, fostering a sense of community ownership and belonging among all age groups.