Young People’s Capital of the World? Understanding and responding to young Londoners’ changing needs

In partnership with Foreword London is the capital of the world.” This is an important and significant report. To make progress we need to understand London is changing fast and many of its young the need; base our work in evidence and take people face challenging futures. As the report account of the voice of London’s youth itself. London has one of the most diverse populations community projects, as well as more specialised itself makes clear, the range of challenges is This report and what lies behind it gives of children and young people in the world, and services for young people with specific needs significant, the magnitude great and the likelihood assistance to all these endeavours. almost a quarter of all Londoners are under – is just as important to their development and they will continue for some time, high. When Finally, perhaps as never before, we need to 25. If our capital city is to meet some of the big their ability to make a successful transition to the present and likely future constraints upon harness the creativity, the energy, the thinking challenges we all face – a population that is rapidly adulthood. the public finances are also put into the mix, of all sectors of London’s dynamic society if we growing and changing; increased pressure on the urgency and relevance of this report is only The findings of this research provide rich are to build a city worthy of London’s youth. housing, infrastructure and public services; and further enhanced. insights into London’s young people and To mangle Churchill: give them the tools, and the uncertainties of the post-Brexit economy – we have drawn together their different UBS has a long history of investing in its opportunities and they will surely do the job. then these young people must be seen as a vital viewpoints and experiences to make a series communities, particularly so as to help equalise But it will require the public, voluntary, social asset to the capital now and into the future. of recommendations for strengthening and opportunities and develop skills for those enterprise and private sectors to work together Young people see and feel the challenges, developing provision for young Londoners. coming from disadvantaged backgrounds. The and help organisations navigate the broader sometimes even more so than other parts of Throughout the report, there are quotes and geographical focus of our work and partnerships ecosystem in order to do so. This report is London’s population. Yet at the same time, many comments from young people. These are for the last 30+ years has been overwhelmingly one step in making this happen. remain positive about the opportunities that exist on the London Borough of Hackney, one of drawn direct from our research, and also from At UBS and London Youth we hope this report within a city that is characterised by its openness, the areas of focus and research for this report. conversations with professionals who work with helps many on this shared journey and look dynamism, enterprise and integration. If we are to Given our own priorities and experience, it is no those young people. These combine to add forward to receiving feedback on the report collectively make the most of these opportunities, accident that we partner London Youth or take specific insights to the local experience of the and its recommendations as to how we build we need to harness their talents and support an especial interest in this report. Everyone who emerging trends. From all of this analysis, we a brighter future for London’s young people. them to take advantage of what this truly global make a series of recommendations for the future. works towards the betterment of opportunities city has to offer them. for London’s talented young population, who Nick Wright A young person taking part in our research told We want this report to be an important step seeks to create an environment that genuinely Managing Director, Global & EMEA us that London is the capital of the world – we’ve in giving young people a voice, and offering provides joined-up resources and solutions for Community Affairs, UBS borrowed these words for the report’s title. But solutions to help the Mayor, local authorities, the challenges facing those in disadvantage for this to be true we need to make sure that the funders and providers of services to engage should be interested in reading this report. opportunities that we offer young people are world them and respond to their needs so they can class. This is within our gift and what the young truly shape London’s future. The report takes people of London deserve. And I believe that an in-depth look at the needs of young people despite the challenges London faces, we have a in five London boroughs: Barking & Dagenham, huge opportunity, and a Mayor whose own vision Enfield, Hackney, Haringey and Waltham Forest. for London feels very much in line with what the These are all boroughs which themselves have young people we have spoken to have told us. had to adapt to many of the challenges and changes London is feeling most acutely – and So whether you are reading this as a Contents our report considers how the support and representative of a local authority, a funder, an opportunities offered to young people have employer, an infrastructure body like London 4 Executive Summary 22 Part 2: How are services for young evolved in this context. Youth, or as an engaged citizen, we hope that the 10 Methodology people adapting to this context? learning and recommendations from this report 23 Implications for community youth We have explicitly focused on what is available to go some way to showing how we can be the best 12 Part 1: How London’s youth workers and service providers young people, aged 11-25, outside of school and city in the world for young people to grow up in. population is changing 25 What do we mean by high quality as they start out in their careers. For the majority 14 A London that works for all youth provision? of young Londoners, schools have improved We would like to thank UBS for generously 16 Changing communities 26 The voluntary sector response markedly in recent years and results in London supporting this research project, to Centre 17 Healthy young Londoners outstrip the rest of the country. But young people for London for carrying out the research that 18 Supporting young Londoners 28 Part 3: Overview of focus boroughs spend much of their lives outside of school, underpins the report, and to our team of Peer to achieve their aspirations and there is a growing recognition that access Researchers who brought to life what it means 41 Part 4: Where do we go from here? to services, support and opportunities to learn to be a young person in London today. 42 Recommendations and have fun outside the classroom – including Rosemary Watt-Wyness opportunities to participate in sport, the arts, and Chief Executive, London Youth 43 Acknowledgements

2 Young People’s Capital of the World? 3 Executive Summary

London has one of the most vibrant, diverse and exciting populations of Crucially, this report has been driven and • The changing face of London children and young people in the world. More than 300 languages are spoken informed by interviews with young people to communities: Young people are acutely within Greater London and it is also a cultural capital and the world’s most understand their experiences and aspirations. aware of disparities in wealth across their visited city. London is an economic powerhouse too, as one of the world’s We also conducted in-depth focus groups with boroughs and the impact of regeneration on leading financial centres with one of the largest metropolitan GDPs of any practitioners, local authority leads and other the areas in which they live, including what this city, dwarfing others in Britain. stakeholders to get an insight into the sector might mean for their ability to continue to live and the needs of young people they support. in the communities where they have grown Despite its pre-eminence as a leading global up. They want their communities to offer new The report has an explicit focus on what is city, London’s young people face significant opportunities, but are anxious about whether available to young people outside of school and challenges. Poverty and inequality are worse here they can afford to take them. In parts of outer considers the services, support and opportunities than anywhere else in the UK. Obesity, wellbeing London, young people feel disconnected from that are available to young people to learn and and mental health concerns are significant other parts of the capital by geography; in have fun beyond the classroom. Its findings have challenges for young Londoners. Housing costs other areas, safety is a concern, making even relevance within each of the five boroughs but, have rocketed in the capital, leaving many living in local travel a challenge. more significantly, gives us learning that will shape poor, overcrowded conditions. And local authority how young people experience the whole of what • The health concerns of young Londoners funding for young people’s services has been London has to offer. and youth professionals: The health massively reduced. But despite all this, there outcomes of children growing up in London are many positives and significant opportunities: WHAT WE FOUND reflect the high levels of poverty and health London’s economy continues to grow; schools inequalities that exist here. Youth professionals have improved hugely, including for young people Our research identified a number of key trends respond, so that all young Londoners can take told us of their concerns around young from the poorest families; the breadth and range and issues affecting young Londoners. advantage of what this great city has to offer. people’s mental health and obesity levels. of the capital’s cultural offer and its growing • London’s youth population is changing: Even though the focus boroughs contain many prominence as a hub for new technology will London’s youth population is growing at an areas of parkland, young people nevertheless all mean there are new chances for young OUR REPORT almost unprecedented rate and the geography raised concerns about pollution, air quality and people. Politically, despite the huge uncertainty This report takes an in-depth look at the needs of households with children is changing. There access to open spaces. post-Brexit, the new Mayor has declared that of young people in five London boroughs is increased ethnic diversity amongst the ‘London is Open’; that social integration – and – Barking & Dagenham, Enfield, Hackney, youth population. Young Londoners recognise • Barriers to young people achieving their the community infrastructure to support it – are Haringey and Waltham Forest – and considers the impact of these changes within their own aspirations: Although London schools key policy aims; despite funding pressures, how young people’s needs have changed, and communities, and see the need for providers have shown remarkable improvement over local authorities are working imaginatively are continuing to change, in these areas. These of services and opportunities for young people the last 15 years, rates of young people not to regenerate and improve communities; boroughs face all of the challenges – in some to respond effectively. in education, employment or training have grantmakers and other funders are exploring new cases acutely – that other parts of London face; remained persistently high. Young people in all •  ways to collaborate and empower communities; but each offers a slightly different perspective A need to ensure that London works for all: the boroughs had high aspirations; and could London is an extraordinary but expensive and civil society and technology are creating new from which to try and understand how young see opportunities, but in too many places city. Child poverty levels are a third higher openings for young people to exploit. people can best be supported to succeed. The they felt that existing support was aimed only aim was not to critique or ‘judge’ the quality of than in England overall. Young people and at those with specific needs. Practitioners London Youth, as a network of almost 300 provision for young people in these boroughs. practitioners are hugely concerned about reported difficulties with supporting young community-based organisations working with Rather, London Youth wanted to understand the lack of affordable housing. Even in areas people to transition to work and expressed young people all across London, wanted to the different responses to these changes and which may be perceived as relatively ‘more concerns about young people developing a understand how these significant changes offer some recommendations for all London affordable’ such as Enfield or Barking & sense of identity, thought to be exacerbated and pressures were affecting young people; stakeholders to help them better support Dagenham, this was felt just as strongly. by the pressures of social media. and specifically how particular areas and young people. communities within the capital could best

4 Young People’s Capital of the World? 5

pregnancy, substance misuse, youth offending and unemployment. unemployment. and offending youth misuse, substance pregnancy,

Young People’s Capital of the World? the of Capital People’s Young

6

7 are services providing support for young people with specific needs, including but not limited to those at risk of teenage teenage of risk at those to limited not but including needs, specific with people young for support providing services are

provision would include a range of leisure, cultural, sporting and enrichment activities. In contrast, “targeted provision” provision” “targeted contrast, In activities. enrichment and sporting cultural, leisure, of range a include would provision

provision to be services that are open to all young people, regardless of their circumstances or perceived vulnerability. Such Such vulnerability. perceived or circumstances their of regardless people, young all to open are that services be to provision

Throughout the report, we use the terms “universal” and “targeted provision”. We consider “universal” (or open access) access) open (or “universal” consider We provision”. “targeted and “universal” terms the use we report, the Throughout

 2

youth sector rather than provide services to young people directly. directly. people young to services provide than rather sector youth

By infrastructure organisations, we are referring to youth organisations that aim to support and build capacity within the the within capacity build and support to aim that organisations youth to referring are we organisations, infrastructure  By

1

for many organisations. organisations. many for

others have taken on a more facilitative role. role. facilitative more a on taken have others

challenge a remains Fundraising provision.

provide a fairly comprehensive youth offer whilst whilst offer youth comprehensive fairly a provide

specific, affecting the consistency of service service of consistency the affecting specific,

reduced funding. Some have continued to to continued have Some funding. reduced

Funding is typically shorter-term and project project and shorter-term typically is Funding

strategies to support young people in light of of light in people young support to strategies

people to engage in positive activities with peers. peers. with activities positive in engage to people

all our focus boroughs have had to adopt new new adopt to had have boroughs focus our all

young people and fewer opportunities for young young for opportunities fewer and people young

services for young people: young for services local authorities in in authorities local

needs. This has led to a lack of early help for for help early of lack a to led has This needs. local authority provided or commissioned commissioned or provided authority local

people who are perceived to have the highest highest the have to perceived are who people voluntary sector, and the overall mix of of mix overall the and sector, voluntary

targeted provision, targeted focusing on the young young the on focusing

The strength and breadth of the local local the of breadth and strength  The • 2

There has been a shift from universal to more more to universal from shift a been has There

they were from. from. were they

in Barking & Dagenham. Dagenham. & Barking in

access them, depending on which borough borough which on depending them, access

facilities like the forthcoming OnSide Youth Zone Zone Youth OnSide forthcoming the like facilities

area, and the ease with which they could could they which with ease the and area,

investment and bringing with it state of the art art the of state it with bringing and investment

meaningful opportunities for them in their local local their in them for opportunities meaningful

geographical areas. geographical In some cases there is new new is there cases some In

about the extent to which they felt there were were there felt they which to extent the about 1

emerging to coordinate efforts within particular particular within efforts coordinate to emerging

and practitioners spoke in quite different terms terms different quite in spoke practitioners and

the solutions that are right for each local area. local each for right are that solutions the

as the Young People’s Foundations, are also also are Foundations, People’s Young the as

sector, were found to differ: differ: to found were sector,

young people people young

young people and the voluntary sector to create create to sector voluntary the and people young

boroughs and infrastructure organisations, such such organisations, infrastructure and boroughs strength of the local business and private private and business local the of strength

our findings and conclusions to engage local local engage to conclusions and findings our

New provision is being planned in some some in planned being is provision New within each borough, and the relative relative the and borough, each within

supporting young people, and hope they will use use will they hope and people, young supporting

The employment opportunities that exist exist that opportunities employment  The

• businesses and the private sector are variable. variable. are sector private the and businesses

to look for creative and sustainable ways of of ways sustainable and creative for look to

on partnership-working – although links with with links although – partnership-working on

there is a clear willingness across each borough borough each across willingness clear a is there the community. the

models, and there has been a renewed emphasis emphasis renewed a been has there and models,

are applicable elsewhere in London. We believe believe We London. in elsewhere applicable are within provide to need organisations youth

changes by taking on new roles, developing new new developing roles, new on taking by changes

the individual boroughs and many of the findings findings the of many and boroughs individual the that services of range and type the and

determined workforce that has responded to the the to responded has that workforce determined

not offered specific recommendations for any of of any for recommendations specific offered not services, on demand the for implications

quality opportunities. There is a passionate and and passionate a is There opportunities. quality

to affect, the five boroughs: five the affect, to services for young people. We have deliberately deliberately have We people. young for services this has has this

continues to innovate and develop new and high high and new develop and innovate to continues

continuing are and have, changes Londoners in how we fund, plan, and deliver deliver and plan, fund, we how in Londoners

facing challenges to adapt – but in many cases cases many in but – adapt to challenges facing

The extent to which demographic demographic which to extent The we believe that we can do better for young young for better do can we that believe we  •

in other boroughs. The youth voluntary sector is is sector voluntary youth The boroughs. other in

research do not have simple solutions. However, However, solutions. simple have not do research

in relation to: relation in

role facilitative more overtly an versus Hackney,

Many of the issues highlighted through the the through highlighted issues the of Many

boroughs. However, specific differences arose arose differences specific However, boroughs.

direct role for the local authority maintained in in maintained authority local the for role direct

GO FROM HERE? FROM GO

research were consistent across the five focus focus five the across consistent were research

have taken different approaches – with a strong strong a with – approaches different taken have

WE DO WHERE

Many of these trends identified through the the through identified trends these of Many in each area, the focus boroughs we looked at at looked we boroughs focus the area, each in

across the focus boroughs boroughs focus the across Despite significant cuts in youth service budgets budgets service youth in cuts significant Despite

Some specific differences differences specific Some all that London has to offer. offer. to has London that all

for each of the five focus boroughs. focus five the of each for

or borough, affecting their ability to engage in in engage to ability their affecting borough, or

true is picture this and altered, radically

centres due to their focus on targeted work. work. targeted on focus their to due centres in some areas tended to stay within their ward ward their within stay to tended areas some in

youth services have left the youth sector sector youth the left have services youth

negative connotations associated with youth youth with associated connotations negative and practitioners reported that young people people young that reported practitioners and

authority funding and state-led provision for for provision state-led and funding authority

what was available in their local area and and area local their in available was what London in living as themselves see always

narrative that significant reductions in local local in reductions significant that narrative

parts of London: of parts of awareness of lack a reported instances, young people did not not did people young

hroughout our research there was a clear clear a was there research our hroughout T

connected to and able to access other other access to able and to connected it is no surprise that young people, in some some in people, young that surprise no is it

Adapting to local authority cuts authority local to Adapting

The extent to which young people felt felt people young which to extent The landscape, changing and confusing this In  • SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS

› Recommendation 1: › Recommendation 3: › Recommendation 5: › Recommendation 7: London local authorities should coordinate and The Mayor of London and the Greater London The forthcoming Department of Culture, Employers should work with youth guarantee a clear local offer for young people in Authority should put mechanisms in place Media and Sport (DCMS) Youth Policy organisations and infrastructure organisations, their borough. This should be informed by young to ensure that young people have a clear Statement should be focused on supporting where appropriate, to create varied work people; include provision for young people up voice, brokered through community youth the potential of young people and their experience placements and to support to 18 years of age and 18+; and be marketed organisations, in the development of London capabilities; and recognise the value of, young people to be ready to take up effectively, including via social media, to ensure strategies and in key local decisions around and set out a clear role for, universal formal employment opportunities, young people know what support, services and service provision, housing and regeneration, provision within this. including apprenticeships. opportunities are available in their local area. and skills and employability. › Recommendation 6: › Recommendation 8: › Recommendation 2: › Recommendation 4: Funders should seek to understand where Infrastructure organisations should support London Councils, the Greater London The Mayor of London should make explicit the gaps exist in open access provision; and where the sector by brokering relationships between Authority and the voluntary sector should role of youth organisations in facilitating positive required, provide funding for universal services, funders, businesses and smaller community collectively develop a young people’s workforce outcomes for young people in his plans for alongside targeted funding for specific groups, youth organisations; and by building the sector’s development plan aimed at equipping youth education, skills, culture and the arts, clean air to enable all young people to access and fundraising capacity through supporting them professionals, including volunteers, with the and open space and community regeneration, engage in positive activities with their peers. to explore new models of funding, including skills and leadership qualities required to deliver as well as in crime prevention. social enterprise and social investment, as high quality opportunities and services for young well as through training and formal peer people in an evolving youth sector. support networks.

8 Young People’s Capital of the World? 9 Methodology These interviews were supplemented by further research and focus groups with practitioners, local authority leads and other key stakeholders in each borough. The research was carried out in partnership with Centre for London.

COMPREHENSIVE DESK RESEARCH

Peer-led interviews with The report examines the five London boroughs of Barking & Dagenham, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey and Waltham Forest. young people 6 Peer researchers 36

Focus groups with a total of Interviews with

4 3 local authority leads 33youth sector practitioners

The study has been guided by a specialist advisory group made up of a diverse mix of experts in young people and youth provision, spanning local government, funders, education and the private sector.

These boroughs have all experienced rapid demographic change in recent years, alongside PEER RESEARCHER significant shifts – to a lesser or greater extent “Young people know Malachi Butt-Mukete, 23, was one of our Having worked with young people for much of – in how services for young people are funded the direction they peer researchers and interviewed young his life, Malachi wanted to get involved in the and delivered within the borough. Each borough people in Waltham Forest and Hackney project as a way of enabling young people to therefore offers a unique perspective from which want their lives to about their local area, their experience of have a voice and a “seat at the table.” to try and understand how young people can living in London and their involvement with best be supported to succeed. go in. With the right Throughout the research, Malachi was shocked youth organisations. Alongside working as by how often young people spoke about the Crucially, this report has been driven and support they can a peer researcher, Malachi also works as a impact of gentrification on their lives. “Young informed by young people themselves. Young teaching assistant in a school for autistic people are seeing change in their local area researchers, trained and supported by London become an influential children and as a youth worker on a youth which isolates them.” He hopes that projects Youth, have interviewed a wide range of group. They will be leadership project. such as this will lead to a better understanding other young people, to hear from them their of what it is like to be a young person in London perspective, the challenges they face, and leaders themselves today by those who plan and deliver services for the aspirations they have. eventually. young people.

10 Young People’s Capital of the World? 3 We were unable to arrange a telephone interview with 11 a local authority lead in one of the five boroughs. PART 1:

How London’s There’s nowhere else with the diversity and youth population open-mindedness of people.” Young person, Enfield London’s population is projected to increase by 10% between 2014 and 2024,7 with all case study boroughs expected to grow faster than this. Barking & Dagenham is expected to see the most is changing growth, gaining an additional 20% of its 2014 population by 2024, whilst Haringey is expected to see the least, gaining 12%.8 Figure 1 shows how the demographic profile of London is set to change as the relatively large population of children, compared to England and Wales as a whole, This section explores how London’s youth population is changing: begins to move up to meet the existing – and relatively stable – large population of young adults. the demographic shifts affecting young people and their communities, Figure 1: Percentage of population by age – England and Wales as a whole and London their health needs, and their skills and aspirations for the future.

Male Female London’s youth population is changing at an almost unprecedented rate. This has Over 75 significant implications for the type and range of services that organisations and institutions responsible for supporting young Londoners need to provide. The capital’s youth population is growing almost as fast as the working age population (see Table 1), with nearly one in four Londoners now under 18 years of age.4 The geography of households 75 with children has shifted since 2000 and as such children and teenagers are now the fastest- growing population groups in Barking & Dagenham and Enfield. In contrast, Hackney, Haringey and Waltham Forest have become proportionally more working age, although their youth population England and Wales has also increased (see Table 1). 50 London Table 1: Age profiles and population change 2001-20165, 6

Barking & Waltham London Enfield Hackney Haringey Dagenham Forest 25 % pop % % pop % % pop % % pop % % pop % % pop % 2016 change 2016 change 2016 change 2016 change 2016 change 2016 change

0-9 13.7 28.1 18.7 52.6 15.0 35.3 14.0 21.4 12.9 24.5 14.8 36.1 Young 1% Percent 1% people 10-17 8.7 9.6 10.9 24.5 10.2 19.3 8.5 5.4 8.8 13.0 9.0 11.6 Ethnic diversity is also increasing rapidly in London, particularly among the youth population, which has a more diverse ethnic make-up than the adult population.9 The increase is fastest in outer 18-24 8.9 9.7 9.2 25.9 8.6 14.6 8.6 9.1 8.9 1.7 8.9 12.5 London boroughs, which are now catching up with the levels of youth ethnic diversity in inner London boroughs. Indeed, recent changes have been particularly fast in Barking & Dagenham and Enfield. Working 25-64 57.1 21.7 51.4 24.7 53.4 18.4 61.6 44.6 59.9 29.8 57.0 28.3 This diversity is valued and celebrated by young Londoners, but poses a challenge for youth age organisations to ensure that they are able to signpost new communities to services and tailor the services that they provide to fast-changing cultural and language needs. Older 65+ 11.6 13.3 9.7 -17.6 12.9 13.6 7.3 3.9 9.4 22.1 10.2 10.6 people

All 19.2 22.9 19.7 29.7 23.7 24.1

7 Office for National Statistics (2014a) Statistical bulletin: Subnational population projections for England: 4 Greater London Authority (2016a) ONS Mid-Year Population Estimates - Custom Age Tables 1999-2015. Retrieved 21 2014-based projections. Retrieved 23 August 2016 from http://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/ February 2017 from https://data.london.gov.uk/dataset/ons-mid-year-population-estimates-custom-age-tables/resource/ populationandmigration/populationprojections/bulletins/subnationalpopulationprojectionsforengland/2014basedprojections. db983ee3-f311-4ae5-9648-46613470b1ef. 8 Ibid.  5 Ibid. 9 Greater London Authority (2013) Detailed Ethnicity by Age Groups in London. Retrieved 21 February 2017 from 6 Greater London Authority (2016b) 2015 round population projections. Retrieved 21 February 2017 from https://data. https://files.datapress.com/london/dataset/2011-census-diversity/2011-census-ethnicity-by-age-groups.pdf. london.gov.uk/dataset/2015-round-population-projections/resource/9af1a907-9546-4018-b27b-7bb6758d96ff.

12 Young People’s Capital of the World? 13 A LONDON THAT WORKS FOR ALL

London is an extraordinary, but expensive city. Young people in London are the poorest in the country, with child poverty levels a third higher than in England overall.10 [My hope is] to stay in London. [My concern All five case study boroughs have high rates of child poverty, with an average 28.1% of children is] that I’ll get priced out.” Young person, Enfield living in low income families.11 The five boroughs also rank in the most deprived 25 local authorities in England (see Map 1), despite ward-level inequalities.

Map 1: Income deprivation affecting children Index, Average Rank, 201512

nf

r rn g Wth

dn lg rt Cd sl d g

ns s ns Wst Ct o ar na

h Wns a r sh rn l

ng rt Crd r Key Low numbers indicate higher levels of deprivation tn Purple = above national median rank Blue = below national median rank Intensity indicates how far above national median rank

The London Fairness Commission identified that the three largest additional costs faced by Londoners, compared with other areas of the country, are housing, transport and childcare.13 The high cost of living in London and lack of affordable housing were areas of particular concern for the young people interviewed for this research. Both the young people and practitioners that we spoke to highlighted the difficulties faced in finding housing that is affordable and in the communities where the young people grew up. Many young people were concerned that they would not be able to afford to live in the capital once they leave home.

“Why can’t I be a videographer, make enough money to support [my girlfriend], two kids and live in a house? Why is that impossible?

That should be possible.” Young person, Enfield 10 Department for Work and Pensions (2015) Households Below Average Income: An analysis of the income distribution 1994/95 – 2013/14. Retrieved 21 February 2017 from https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ Young people also highlighted the prohibitively high cost of transport, which prevented them from attachment_data/file/437246/households-below-average-income-1994-95-to-2013-14.pdf. 11 HM Revenue & Customs (2016) Children in Poverty, Borough and Ward. Retrieved 21 February 2017 from accessing opportunities in other areas of London. This was a particular issue for those aged 18+ https://data.london.gov.uk/dataset/children-poverty-borough/resource/bc68e453-e250-4bc1-9d60-165befef1979. who are not eligible for discounted travel through Zip Oyster cards. 12 Rank of Average Local Super Output Area (LSOA) Rank. 13 London Fairness Commission (2016) London Fairness Commission – March Report 2016. London: Toynbee Hall. Retrieved 21 February 2017 from http://londonfairnesscommission.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/London- Fairness-Commission-Full-Report.pdf. 14 Young People’s Capital of the World? 15 HEALTHY YOUNG CHANGING COMMUNITIES LONDONERS

The health outcomes of children growing up in wanted to see a reduction in vehicles on the London reflect the high levels of poverty and roads to try to combat this. This is a priority for the extreme health inequalities that exist in the the Mayor of London who has begun issuing capital. 27 of the 32 London boroughs have air quality alerts during the worst incidents of air child obesity rates (at age 10-11) above the pollution, and has set out plans to undertake ‘air I want Enfield to be invested in, as places are English average. Children in Hackney, Enfield quality audits’ in primary schools in areas with becoming nicer to live, but the downside is that and Barking & Dagenham have higher obesity high pollution.20 rates than the London average, and the gap Practitioners highlighted mental health as a with other London boroughs has widened since people who are already living there can’t afford to prominent issue affecting those they worked 2007/08.16 Sports participation and physical with. Despite an increase in awareness around rent their houses anymore […] I want Enfield to be activity levels (across children and adults) are mental health issues in recent years, there was lowest in Barking & Dagenham out of all the a strong feeling that large numbers of children invested in, but just without the social cleansing.” London boroughs, and are slightly lower than were struggling with mental ill health. This was the London average in Enfield and Hackney.17 Young person, Enfield often combined with, and exacerbated by, other Healthy Life Expectancy, a good measure of problems but not always picked up or, if they population wellbeing and longevity, is lower than Young people were acutely aware of disparities in an opportunity to support and develop young were, the services were not available to support the London average in all the study boroughs wealth across their boroughs, and spoke about people and their aspirations. them in a timely and appropriate way. A lack of except Enfield.18 This is despite inequality at the the changes that were taking place as areas access to child and adolescent mental health Safety also emerged as a concern both for ward level, which means the overall borough became more ‘gentrified’. While young people services was also highlighted in a recent review, practitioners and young people. Largely as picture is more positive than it will be for many liked the improvements to their boroughs, they felt which found that only 10% of young people a result of gang violence, young people aged 19 excluded from the process and were concerned areas of the borough. 16-24 are more likely to be the victim of a referred to child and adolescent mental health that people currently living there may get priced violent crime than any other age group.14 Public Obesity was the most discussed physical health services in Greater London in 2015 received out. Young people also raised concerns that their concerns about gangs are high in many parts of issue within the practitioner focus groups. Some immediate provision and 56% were placed ‘diverse’ and ‘vibrant’ communities were being 21 London: in the year to June 2016, Hackney had boroughs are actively working to reduce the onto a waiting list. affected by changes to the area. the highest perceptions of problems with gangs, problem, but it is widely felt that much more Although welcomed for increasing housing knife and gun crime of all London boroughs.15 needs to be done. The lack of open access and “I think there has always been a stock in the boroughs, there was widespread free sports activities was felt to be contributing Practitioners identified that in some instances, gap with mental health services ... concern from practitioners about the impact to the problem. Young people also commented gang-related ‘postcode’ problems affected Trying to find what service to point of regeneration in terms of affordability. Both on the absence of green spaces in their areas young people’s ability to travel within their practitioners and young people believed local as preventing their peers from going outside them towards is sometimes tricky, borough and access services. Young people young people should be consulted more widely and getting involved in physical activities. felt that gang culture resulted from a lack of and will be an ongoing challenge. by developers and local authorities on the opportunities and some expressed concerns A key health concern identified by young people changes occurring in their neighbourhoods, That is a huge gap.” for their safety in their local communities. was air pollution. Many of the young people and that the regeneration should be used as interviewed felt that air pollution was the thing Practitioner, Hackney they disliked most about living in London, and

14 Office for National Statistics (2016) Overview of violent and sexual crimes. London: ONS. 15 The Mayor’s Office on Policing and Crime (2016) Gangs dashboard. Retrieved 23 February 2017 from https://www. london.gov.uk/what-we-do/mayors-office-policing-and-crime-mopac/data-and-research/crime%20/gangs-dashboard. 16 Public Health England (2016) Child Health Profiles. Retrieved 21 February 2017 from http://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/ With the regeneration of the area, there could be child-health-profiles/data#page/7/gid/1938132948/pat/6/par/ E12000007/ati/102/are/E09000014/iid/10501/age/233/ sex/4. a lot of opportunities for our young people […] 17 Sport England (2015) Active People Survey 2014/15. London: Sport England. 18 Office for National Statistics (2014b) 2011 Census analysis: Healthy Life Expectancy at Birth and at It is about incorporating them into that change.” Age 65: Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) 2010-12. Retrieved 21 February 2017 from https:// www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/lifeexpectancies/ datasets/2011censusanalysishealthylifeexpectancyatbirthandatage65clinicalcommissioninggroupsccgs201012 Practitioner, Barking & Dagenham 19 Greater London Authority (2015) Ward Profiles. Retrieved 17 February 2017 from http://londondatastore-upload. s3.amazonaws.com/instant-atlas/ward-profiles-html/atlas.html. 20 Greater London Authority (2017) Improving air quality. Retrieved 21 February 2017 from https://www.london.gov.uk/what- we-do/environment/pollution-and-air-quality/improving-air-quality. 21 Children’s Commissioner (2016) Lightning Review: Access to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. London: Children’s Commissioner for England.

16 Young People’s Capital of the World? 17 SUPPORTING YOUNG LONDONERS TO ACHIEVE THEIR ASPIRATIONS

London’s schools have shown significant improvements in recent years and have improved faster than the rest of the country since 2000.22 The proportion of young people taking decade and Hackney now performs better than the early 2000s, as well as the aforementioned A-levels has increased, and this has been the London average.28 These improvements can improvements in academic attainment.32 Over accompanied by an improvement in academic be attributed to a number of initiatives, including 12% of Londoners aged 18-24 were classified attainment.23, 24 Rapidly changing demographics the London Challenge, a school improvement as NEET over the four quarters to September have influenced the results, but the achievement programme which ran from 2003-2011; 29 2016, a rise on the previous four quarters.33 gap has reduced both between children receiving Teach First which places graduates in schools Using Jobseekers Allowance claimant figures as free school meals and their peers, and between in disadvantaged areas; and the Mayor’s Schools a proxy for youth unemployment (which is likely to London boroughs.25 Young people from less Gold Club, which celebrates and shares good under-estimate the number of young people not wealthy families in London perform better at 16 practice in London’s schools. in work), all five boroughs studied have an 18-24 than those anywhere else in the country. In 2014, claimant rate higher than the London average.34 Despite these improvements, practitioners almost 50% more young people from families with highlighted that educational disparities continue Furthermore, when young people are in work, a low income in inner London achieved 5 A*-C to exist within boroughs, with some groups (such they are much more likely to be paid below the GCSEs than in other regions of England.26 Young as white, working-class young people in Barking London Living Wage, with 77% of jobs done by people at schools in less wealthy communities & Dagenham) still underachieving. Furthermore, 16-20 year old Londoners, and 41% of jobs in London are also more likely to go on to whilst schools are considered the ‘engines’ of done by 21-24 year olds paying below the further study post-16 than in other parts of the social mobility, rates of young people who are not London Living Wage.35 This younger age group country; and whilst a gap remains compared with in education, employment or training, or whose are also subject to a lower minimum wage than progression rates in higher income communities, status is unknown, have remained persistently older adults. It is perhaps not surprising therefore this is much smaller than in other regions.27 high.30, 31 This is despite successive national that so many of the young people we interviewed All the case study boroughs have seen significant policies aimed at supporting young people mentioned the difficulties of coping with the high improvements in GCSE results over the last into education, training or employment since cost of living in London.

22 Baars, S., Bernardes, E., Elwick, A., Malortie, A., McAleavy, T., McInerney, L., Menzies, L. & Riggall, A. (2014) Lessons from London’s schools: investigating the success. Figure 2.2. Centre for London. Retrieved 21 February 2017 from http:// www.centreforlondon.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Lessons-from-London-Schools.pdf. 23 Department for Education (2017a) Revised GCSE and equivalent results in England, 2015 to 2016. Retrieved 21 February 2017 from https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/584473/SFR03_2017.pdf. 24 Department for Education (2017b) Revised A level and other 16-18 results in England, 2015/2016. Retrieved 21 February 2017 from https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/584124/SFR05_2017__A_ level_and_other16-18_results_in_England_SFR_revised.pdf. 25 Baars, S., Bernardes, E., Elwick, A., Malortie, A., McAleavy, T., McInerney, L., Menzies, L. & Riggall, A. (2014) Lessons from London’s schools: investigating the success. Figure 2.2. Centre for London. Retrieved 21 February 2017 from http:// www.centreforlondon.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Lessons-from-London-Schools.pdf. 26 Fair Education Alliance (2016) Fair Education Alliance Report Card 2015. London: Fair Education Alliance. 27 Ibid. 28 Department for Education (2017a) Revised GCSE and equivalent results in England, 2015 to 2016. Retrieved 21 February 2017 from https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/584473/SFR03_2017.pdf. 29 Kidson, M. & Norris, E. (2014) Implementing the London Challenge. London: The Institute for Government. Retrieved 21 February 2017 from https://www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/sites/default/files/publications/Implementing%20the%20 32 Ibid. London%20Challenge%20-%20final_0.pdf. 33 Department for Education (2016a) NEET estimates 18-24 by region and gender: SFR59/2016. Retrieved 21 February  30 Social Mobility & Child Poverty Commission (2015) State of the Nation 2015: Social Mobility and Child Poverty in Great 2017 from https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/neet-statistics-quarterly-brief-july-to-september-2016. Britain. London: Social Mobility & Child Poverty Commission. 34 Office for National Statistics (2016) Claimant count by sex and age (December 2016). Retrieved 21 February 2017 omfr  31 Brooks, R. (2014) Out of Sight: how we lost track of thousands of NEETs, and how we can transform their prospects. https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/reports/lmp/la/1946157278/subreports/cca_compared/report.aspx. London: Fabian Society. Retrieved 21 February 2017 from http://www.fabians.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/ 35 Trust for London (2015) London Poverty Profile. Retrieved 21 February 2017 from http://www.londonspovertyprofile.org. OutOfSight_WEB.pdf. uk/indicators/groups/16-24-year-olds/. 18 Young People’s Capital of the World? 19 Both young people and practitioners felt that disengaged for a period of time – often lack young people aged 16 and over needed to be the basic building blocks of confidence, much better supported in the transition into networks and resilience to be ready for further education, training or work. This further such opportunities. There aren’t enough opportunities for young people underlines the need for efforts to improve social Our own learning from London Youth’s Talent mobility to look beyond academic attainment. Match London programme has highlighted the who are old enough to not need an arm round the Practitioners spoke of the difficulty that young importance of allowing young people to identify people, especially when underqualified, have in shoulder, young enough to need a bit of support.” their interests, skills and strengths, and explore being able to positively engage with employment, a range of careers, before taking steps towards Young person, Waltham Forest further education or training. They were pursuing their chosen career, including involving concerned that services were often disjointed and employers in this process.37 Giving young inadequate, and many felt that young people did people the opportunity to explore their interests The need to have a trusted adult to turn to for not have sufficient opportunities to find something “[It’s about] creating opportunities reinforces a concern raised by practitioners advice and as a role model was raised in all that suited their aspirations and skill sets. The across all boroughs around the need to support practitioner focus groups. This was often felt to for young people to define and issues that practitioners identified as holding young people to develop a sense of identity, and be lacking due to a combination of factors: family re-define who they are.” young people back from developing aspirations positive aspirations for the future. breakdown, parents working long hours, teachers’ were complex: in some areas, intergenerational increasing workloads and fewer frontline youth Practitioner, Hackney However, it is not the case that young people poverty had created a perceived atmosphere of workers. This exacerbated problems, particularly themselves have low aspirations. Our peer low aspirations; and many simply did not know in the transition from education to adult life. what opportunities were available to them or how researchers and the young people they Pressures that young people experience through to access and grasp them. Given the curtailment interviewed were ambitious to succeed, aware The practitioners we spoke to highlighted the social media were felt to exacerbate difficulties of careers advice provision, practitioners called for of the chances that London might offer them importance of out-of-school experiences in in establishing a sense of identity. However, this a greater range of opportunities for young people and wanted support to achieve their goals; for helping young people explore and establish was an area where there was a clear disconnect and for support to help young people navigate the example, through having spaces where they positive identities. One practitioner spoke about between the views of practitioners and young options and access apprenticeships, vocational could work on creative projects or collaborate how young people often become stereotyped people. Young people themselves spoke very training, work experience and employment. together. They identified a specific gap in in their school environment; for example, provision for older young people who may not based on their academic ability or behaviour, positively about the opportunities that social These concerns were raised despite the large fit the criteria for programmes aimed at young preventing them from developing other media presents for networking (both socially and number of organisations and initiatives that people with few qualifications, but who strengths and attributes. So whilst there has professionally) and as a way to learn new skills, already exist to provide employment support would benefit from support in getting started been greater emphasis placed on broadening for example, through YouTube or through finding for young people.36 The introduction of the in their careers. young people’s learning experiences beyond out about events and opportunities. Practitioners, Apprenticeship Levy and accompanying academic attainment – for example through the on the other hand, thought social media was This is consistent with other research, which has standards, effective from April 2017, will help Department for Education’s Character Fund, and putting unique pressure on young people to highlighted that young people typically have high drive improvements in both the quality and through plans to extend the school day to allow present a perfect image of themselves online, and aspirations, but may face a number of barriers in availability of apprenticeships for young people. for additional extra-curricular activities – school- limited their exposure to more formal interactions. realising them.38 However, many young people – particularly based initiatives may not always be sufficient.39, 40 those who have been unemployed and Indeed there is growing recognition of the benefits of young people working with supportive adults and peers outside of school for their social and emotional development.41 “When they leave school, there is a gap. We

expect them coming out of school to know what to 36 City of London (2016) The City’s Business: Helping young Londoners towards and into employment. Retrieved 21 February 2017 from https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/business/support-promotion-and-advice/Documents/Citys- do straight away. Before that time, everything was Business-Guide-2016.pdf. 37 London Youth (2016) Reach out, Enable, Connect: So more young Londoners can help themselves into employment. decided for them. You’re going through a transition London: London Youth. 38 Kintrea, K., St Clair, R. & Houston, M. (2011) The influence of parents, places and poverty on educational attitudes and stage […] and you have to make all these decisions, aspirations. York: Joseph Rowntree Foundation. 39 Department for Education (2016b) Press release: Funding boost for schools helping pupils develop character. Retrieved 21 February 2017 from https://www.gov.uk/government/news/funding-boost-for-schools-helping-pupils-develop-character. which is too much for some people. 40 Schools Week (2016) Budget 2016: Longer day for quarter of secondary schools, says George Osborne. Retrieved 21 February 2017 from http://schoolsweek.co.uk/budget-2016-longer-day-for-quarter-of-secondary-schools-says-george- Practitioner, Haringey osborne/. 41 Fair Education Alliance (2016) Fair Education Alliance Report Card 2015. London: Fair Education Alliance.

20 Young People’s Capital of the World? 21 Table 2: Council youth service budgets43 PART 2: % change Borough 2011/12 2016/17 Change 2011/12 to 2016/17 How are services for Barking & Dagenham £2,286,200 £738,200 £-1,548,000 -68% Enfield £3,548,353 £1,413,489 £-2,134,864 -60% Haringey £1,520,900 £758,903 £-761,997 -50% young people adapting Waltham Forest £4,757,854 £1,574,000 £-3,183,854 -67% to this context? Hackney – – – Data not available Our own analysis of Section 251 data for this the planning and delivery of services. Fewer report (presented in the borough profiles in Part opportunities for young people from less 3) further highlights the extent to which funding wealthy backgrounds will also hinder progress This section examines how recent changes within the youth for services for young people has reduced. These towards achieving a level playing field for all sector are affecting services for young people, the impact changes have been felt acutely by practitioners in young Londoners. all the focus boroughs, with the impact of the cuts on young people and youth professionals, and the voluntary extending beyond council-run services, deep into IMPLICATIONS FOR sector response. the voluntary sector. COMMUNITY YOUTH Against this backdrop, there has been a shift WORKERS AND SERVICE in the type of funding that is available for PROVIDERS services for young people, which has become Whilst practitioners participating in the research increasingly focused on either heavily targeted In one sense, there are many reasons to be optimistic. People recognise the recognised the benefit of targeted provision, programmes – to give support to specific value of support and opportunities for young people outside of school, and they were concerned that young people are groups with defined needs – or for new projects. Mayor Sadiq Khan has emphasised ‘prioritising places and spaces where people “slipping through the net”. Reductions in staffing While there has been significant investment can come together in communities’ and has publicly referenced the role of have also led to reduced outreach, and limited by central government in the National Citizen youth work in tackling youth violence. Similarly, Louise Casey’s recent wide- the amount of time that workers can spend Service (which gives all young people aged ranging review of opportunity and integration recognised this, drawing particular working on a one-to-one basis with young 16-17 the chance to participate in personal people. This was widely felt to have had an attention to the success of programmes which offer young people the chance to development opportunities and social action 42 impact on the ability to reach young people, do positive activities together, outside of school and within their communities. projects), there has been a general trend away with parts of the boroughs having no outreach from funding universal, open access provision, These sentiments, feel like a welcome presence at all, and exacerbating the numbers towards funding targeted provision that focuses endorsement of the role of youth organisations of vulnerable young people falling through on the known, highest need young people. and youth work in those communities. the gaps, especially those unlikely to access Yet alongside this positivity, report after report The effect of this has been two-fold: a lack services of their own volition. shows how funding cuts have reduced services of early help for young people whose needs for young people outside of school hugely over may not be immediately obvious or who “There is no street-based youth may not meet intervention criteria; and fewer recent years. Most recently, a briefing prepared work. [The young people] don’t by London Assembly Member Sian Berry opportunities for young people, particularly from highlighted the extent of reductions in youth less wealthy backgrounds, to engage in positive come into the centres without activities with their peers. The benefits of early service funding in London. Across the capital, someone going out and getting at least £22 million has been cut from council action are well documented: saving money in youth service budgets since 2011/12 and the the longer-term and promoting wellbeing of them in. You need people to meet 44 average council has cut its youth service budget individuals and communities. However, to them and engage them where achieve these benefits there is a need to take by nearly £1 million – an average of 36%. In the they are.” focus boroughs, funding reductions have been a longer-term, more coordinated approach in Practitioner, Haringey even more substantial, with budgets cuts of between 50-68%. 42 Casey, L. (2016) The Casey Review: A review into opportunity and integration. London. Retrieved 21 February 2017 from https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/575973/The_Casey_Review_Report.pdf. 43 Berry, S. (2017) London’s lost youth services: The dramatic disappearance of support and facilities for young people in London. A briefing by Sian Berry, Green Party Member of the London Assembly. Retrieved 21 February 2017 from https:// www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/london_lost_youth_services_sian_berry_jan2017.pdf. 44 The Early Action Task Force (2014) Towards Effective Prevention: Practical steps for the next Government. London: 22 Young People’s Capital of the World? Community Links. 23 Sometimes some members of the [friendship] group don’t have enough money to do certain things, so we don’t do it at all.” Young person, Waltham Forest

Youth organisations have, in some cases, limited the same methods. their opening times and the amount of open The shift towards more targeted work also access sessions available. Practitioners told us appears to have coloured young people’s views of their concerns that, as a result, young people on youth centres in their local area. Young people would have nowhere to socialise safely with felt that ‘good kids’ were marginalised and that people of their own age, nor would they have youth clubs ‘attracted the wrong crowd’. access to a trusted adult, or positive activities to engage in to help them develop relationships In recognition of some of these challenges and and skills. in response to the reduction in open access youth services, the Big Lottery Fund and the The shift towards more targeted, project-specific Department for Culture, Media and Sport funding has also an impact on the continuity (DCMS) recently launched a £40 million Youth of provision for young people. Practitioners Investment Fund aimed at enabling voluntary highlighted that it has led to more rapid turnover and community youth organisations in specific of projects as funding is typically shorter-term. As communities (including three of our case study WHAT DO WE MEAN BY HIGH QUALITY a result, it is now more difficult to sustain projects boroughs: Barking & Dagenham, Hackney YOUTH PROVISION? that young people may already be engaged in. and Waltham Forest) to deliver and create high quality local youth provision.45 This is hugely At London Youth, we believe that high quality youth provision has the following characteristics: “We have had a lot of welcome, but one of the few examples of programmes which have been funding for this type of provision. The Mayor’s • Services are needed, wanted by, and are effective in delivering positive outcomes for young own commitment to youth work focuses on people within their local community effective, but because we have to young people involved in gangs, or at risk • Essential policies and procedures are in place that keep young people safe, premises and of becoming so, and therefore does little to go after a lot of funding, we have resources are fit for purpose, and the organisation meets its legal requirements as set out address young people’s concerns – the majority to stop that programme, and by the Charity Commission of whom have no involvement in violent crime – think of a new programme that youth centres are not the place for them.46 • There is meaningful involvement of young people in decision-making at a range of levels and a new line of funding.” Beyond the Mayor’s policing and crime strategy, within the organisation, with young people co-producing projects and influencing decisions the role of youth organisations in supporting at a more strategic level Practitioner, Waltham Forest young people to achieve their goals and develop • There is a commitment to continuous improvement and partnership working, including into healthy young adults is unclear. Interestingly, the young people interviewed often making referrals and signposting young people to other agencies and organisations Both the forthcoming London Plan and the had limited awareness of the opportunities that London Youth supports youth organisations across the capital to meet these standards through its DCMS Youth Policy Statement (which is were available to them in the local area. Whilst Quality Mark, which is accredited by City & Guilds. This takes organisations through three progressive currently in consultation phase and due for this may in part be due to reduced availability, it stages – Bronze, Silver and Gold – with Gold acting as a badge of excellence for those organisations was also clear that there is more that could be publication in July 2017) therefore present a committed to continuous improvement and involving young people at all levels. done to promote opportunities to young people, significant opportunity to clarify the role of youth particularly through social media. As one organisations, and specifically open access practitioner reflected, young people are able to youth provision, in achieving positive outcomes ‘organise themselves’ through social media and for young people – a role that is under-exploited 47 in order to remain relevant, it is essential that in many areas. organisations engage with young people using 45 Big Lottery Fund (2017) Youth Investment Fund. Retrieved 21 February 2017 from https://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/ youthinvestmentfund. 46 The Mayor’s Office on Policing and Crime (2016) A Safer City for all Londoners: Draft Police and Crime Plan for London 2017-2021 – Consultation Document. London: Greater London Authority. 47 Wilson, R. (2016) Speech. A positive agenda for young people. London: Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Retrieved 21 February 2017 from https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/a-positive-agenda-for-young-people. 24 Young People’s Capital of the World? 25 One of the changes has been going from a youth THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR RESPONSE worker, to a fundraiser within my role, which has been

On the face of it, the changing funding environment presents a huge really hard. If we don’t take responsibility for that, we challenge for the sector, and it is not at all easy to see how provision don’t get the money, the services won’t be there for can be funded or sustained. However, the figures on local authority spend However, this shift has not been without its young people.” on youth services – shocking as they are – only challenges. Practitioners, particularly from Practitioner, Waltham Forest tell part of the story. Over the past 10 years, smaller voluntary organisations, struggled to the voluntary sector has begun to adapt. As dedicate the necessary time and resources to As staff teams have reduced, there has also as a coordinating body for the youth sector statutory sources of funding have disappeared, fundraising and with the youth sector as a whole been an increased reliance on volunteers – within particular boroughs. These are borough- new models, innovation and a much more reducing in size, many organisations no longer bringing many benefits, but also a need for based membership organisations that seek to active voluntary sector funding community have have a member of staff specifically designated organisations to have the skills and time to ensure that organisations supporting children supported provision for young people. for fundraising, meaning that practitioners often recruit, train and manage their volunteers. and young people are strong, sustainable and felt ill-equipped for the role. Developing links fit for purpose.49 Youth services are also now London Youth’s network of community youth One of the positives to emerge from the with local businesses was also seen as time- being delivered in some areas through mutuals organisations across the capital continues changing funding environment has been a consuming and often dependent on personal and cooperatives. An example of this is the to provide services and to respond to need. renewed emphasis on inter-organisational links or location, with organisations in outer Young Lambeth Cooperative, which acts as New partnerships have also emerged, with partnership and multiagency working to London boroughs further removed from large an independent ‘youth mutual’ organisation to local authorities now playing a different role improving efficiencies and effectiveness. business bases. Yet practitioners identified key manage and commission youth work services in many areas. Practitioners in all five boroughs were working areas where they could benefit from private across the borough. While some direct commissioning by local sector expertise – for example, in areas such to develop networks with similar organisations in their borough, but felt they needed help to authorities continues, the voluntary youth sector as marketing, finance, HR, fundraising, and In an increasingly fragmented youth sector, better coordinate local services. has had to substantially diversify its sources strategy and digital development. collaborative efforts such as these and the of funding. Practitioners have approached this Despite these challenges, practitioners’ supporting bodies that provide advice and challenge with determination and are exploring continued desire to make a difference to local “Partnership is my greatest support to smaller youth organisations, have a range of options for funding and service young people was apparent throughout the an important role to play in coordinating delivery, so that they can continue to make resource. I can’t constantly be research. Many of the professionals we spoke to services. They are also brokering relationships as much difference as possible to the young there for a young person but I have years of experience, are deeply embedded and signposting smaller organisations to people they work with. Organisations are now in the communities they serve and have an in- can connect them with other support that can help address some of the looking at other ways of generating income, for depth knowledge of the issues affecting young challenges that they are facing. This can example letting venues to other organisations individuals to get that holistic people in their areas. They were also strongly take a number of forms and there are many or providing advice on a consultancy basis. committed to, and passionate about, involving support and consistency for good examples already in existence. For young people in service design and delivery, the young person.” example, the East London Business Alliance “We are thinking of anything and although often worried about their ability to and Business in the Community both connect everything we can do to bring deliver on what young people were asking Practitioner, Hackney businesses and community organisations, whilst for in light of reduced budgets. initiatives like Islington Giving and Hackney money in.” Practitioner, Haringey In some places, this has resulted in the Giving provide a means of directing funding emergence of place-based partnerships to smaller, community-based organisations. Typical funding sources include grants from “Young people’s voices are not such as the West London Zone, which seeks These examples should be built upon to help charitable trusts, foundations, and large being heard. For many years, to introduce better co-ordination and move strengthen youth organisations and ensure businesses with well-established and funded 48 they were helping shape youth towards collective impact. Elsewhere, Young their longer-term sustainability. corporate responsibility programmes. Whilst People’s Foundations have been set up to act independent trusts and foundations are not able centres. [We] used to have young to replace the amount of funding being cut from the public sector, they are increasingly seeking to people running activities on their understand how their investment complements own. In this day, without cash, 48 For more information, see https://westlondnonzone.org existing provision, and aligning their work with what young people are asking for 49 Young People’s Foundations have been set up in Brent, Barnet and Harrow with the support of the John Lyon’s Charity, other funders and investors in a given area. and are also in development in Camden, Hammersmith & Fulham, and Westminster. is not being provided for them.” 26 Young People’s Capital of the World? Practitioner, Haringey 27 PART 3: Overview of In this section, we explore some of the specific characteristics of each of the focus boroughs. We begin by presenting a summary of publically focus boroughs available data for each borough, before sharing the opportunities and challenges that young people and youth professionals identified in the borough, contextualised by further research and analysis.

Barking & Waltham Indicator Enfield Hackney Haringey London England Dagenham Forest

Population

0-17 (2016) 60,200 82,400 60,200 58,500 65,000 1,969,400 11,761,500

% change since 2012 +8.3 +3.1 +4.2 -0.3 +2.7 +6.3 +3.0

18-25 (2016) 20,800 31,000 22,800 27,300 28,500 918,600 5,710,200

% change since 2012 -1.0 -9.6 +4.2 -6.5 -7.5 -3.5 +0.3

Proportion of pupils with English as an additional language (2016) (%)

Primary school 54.4 49.3 54 55.8 54 49.1 20.1

Change in proportion since 2007 +26.4 +7.9 0.0 +2.5 +8.4 +8.4 +6.6

Secondary school 41.5 45 46.1 47.4 46.6 41.2 15.7

Change in proportion since 2007 +22.4 +8.4 -3.7 +2.2 +9.0 +5.9 +5.2

Index of Multiple Deprivation (2015)

Rank of average rank (of 326 LAs) 3 53 2 21 15 – –

Child obesity rate (2015-16) (%)

Age 10-11 (year 6) 28.5 25.2 27 23.8 26.3 23.2 19.8

Change in rate since 2006-7 +7.7 +3.8 +2.6 0.0 +3.0 +2.4 +2.3

GCSE attainment (2015-16) (%)

5+ A*-C grades (including 53.5 56.8 63.5 53.1 56.4 59.7 52.8 English and Maths)

Change in proportion +1.9 +1.5 +8.2 +5.1 +5.5 +1.7 -0.7 since 2009/10

28 Young People’s Capital of the World? 29 BARKING & DAGENHAM At a glance There is an absolute energy in this borough to offer

• Barking & Dagenham has experienced • The borough’s youth services spend fell young people opportunities, particularly those who • significant population changes over the last • nearly 70% between 2010/11 and 2016/17. decade. Shifting demographics have made According to an interviewee, there has been are falling through the net.” the borough younger and more diverse in a reduction in council-led open access Practitioner, Barking & Dagenham recent times, with young people more likely programmes from 35 to five, and the reach to come from ethnic minority backgrounds. of its summer programmes has declined from 8,000 young people four years ago Practitioners saw integrating new to only 1,000 last year. • communities as a big challenge for the borough, particularly in relation to Despite this, the local authority remains the rapidly rising rate of school children • committed to providing opportunities for local with English as a second language. young people and sees its role as a catalyst for this. It has provided capital funding and explicit Young people were very aware of their support for the development of a new Youth • communities changing, but viewed this Zone in Dagenham, which will provide a range positively. However, practitioners felt that of programmes and activities for young people population changes were having a significant aged 8-19 (up to 25 for young people with impact on young people’s sense of identity a disability) in a purpose-built venue (due for and their ability to construct a space for completion in 2018). themselves within their community and within society. There is a small but committed voluntary • sector within the borough, with particular Practitioners identified a need to support strength in the arts, and supporting young • young people to develop high aspirations – people with caring responsibilities and with often undermined by a lack of travel outside disabilities. There are active partnerships their ward or borough. Other borough- around culture and employment and skills, in specific issues include high obesity, and which the voluntary sector plays a major part. concerns over crime and sexual violence. Barking & Dagenham is one of four pilot areas • Poverty and disadvantage were overarching for the Arts Council-led Cultural Citizens’ issues for young people in Barking & Programme, through which young people will Dagenham. Indeed, ward-level data highlights be offered a range of cultural activities, and just one area of relative wealth in the borough, encouraged to work towards an Arts PRACTICE EXAMPLE: JOINING UP AND contrasting to the other study boroughs Award qualification. which have more uneven wealth distribution. PROMOTING SERVICES TO YOUNG PEOPLE • Young people’s views on the area were very StreetBase Connect is an example of how one local authority has mixed, reflecting the large geographical spread tried to join up and promote services for young people, as well as of the borough. Many did not see themselves encourage them to lead a healthy life. as living in London and tended to remain within outer-East London when travelling It is a reward-based system that allows young people aged 11-19 who outside of their immediate area. are living and studying in Barking & Dagenham to collect and build up points by taking part in positive healthy activities across the borough, which can then be exchanged for rewards. It encourages young people I like the sense of pride and community because it shows that to try out new activities, as well as make healthy food choices whilst people still care.” Young person, Barking & Dagenham at school, and allows young people to search for opportunities that are coming up in their local area through a dedicated website. 50 Centre for London analysis of Education Funding Agency (2016). Section 251 documents. Retrieved 21 February 2017 from https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/section-251-materials. These figures are not a reliable way to compare between boroughs, due to differences in reporting, classification and other issues, but still provide useful analytical value, and broadly correspond with the data collected by Sian Berry AM via Freedom of Information requests.

30 Young People’s Capital of the World? 31 ENFIELD At a glance [Enfield] is the kind of place that you grow up

in… [but then] people leave and move on.” • Demographic changes are occurring comprising of five youth centres; detached • relatively rapidly within Enfield, with a growing projects and neighbourhood work; a youth Young person, Enfield Eastern European community, alongside advice and information service and many movers from elsewhere in London. Many of other positive activities and opportunities for these communities are transient, often only young people. However, in October 2016 staying for months or a few years, requiring council-run youth services underwent a flexible and adaptable service provision. significant period of change, with the budget for youth services cut from £2.2 million to The borough exhibits a significant £120,000 and only two members of staff • geographic split, almost down the middle, remaining, according to an interviewee. between two contrasting areas. Practitioners Government data indicated budgeted spend identified that gang violence, mental health per head had fallen by over a third between and low engagement in school, were 2015/16 and 2016/17.51 particular issues in the east of the borough. The local authority youth service is now Enfield was considered to be relatively • largely working through its role as a facilitator • isolated and disconnected from the rest of and commissioner of voluntary sector London, exacerbated by poor transport links organisations. to some parts of the borough. Practitioners spoke of young people not travelling far The voluntary sector in Enfield is smaller and or frequently. However, young people • less developed than in other boroughs, in themselves were very positive about the part because the local authority had been transport links and the opportunities that providing an extensive youth offering until these provided for them to experience other recently. However, there is clear appetite areas of London. for collaboration between the different youth providers and community organisations that Young people perceived Enfield as an area exist. • of little opportunity and reflected that young people tended to leave the area to live and There is some arts provision and many open work elsewhere as a result. • spaces and parkland within the borough, including the Lee Valley, which has significant Enfield had previously had a relatively facilities and a range of opportunities for • comprehensive council-run youth offer, young people.

There are pockets of areas where community cohesion PRACTICE EXAMPLE: PARTNERSHIP WORKING is working really well…Before people would walk past Youth organisations in Enfield have responded to the changing funding environment by establishing Enfield Youth Action, a new charitable each other, not know anyone, but now there is this vehicle that includes Oasis, Enfield Island Village, Trinity at Bowes, and proper community feel. If that goes out everywhere St. Andrew’s. This aims to work as a consortium to fundraise, share resources and deliver sector and location-specific capacity building. it would be wonderful to see.” Practitioner, Enfield

32 Young People’s Capital of the World? 51 Ibid. 33 HACKNEY At a glance [Hackney] is a very international part of London.

There are significant disparities in poverty The local authority continues to have People come from all over the world to experience it.” • and wealth across the borough – contrasts • a strong role both in delivering and that the young people interviewed for the commissioning services through Young Young person, Hackney research were acutely aware of. Hackney, the council’s children and young people’s service. Young Hackney also works Hackney has the highest job density of all closely with Hackney CVS, the local council • five of the focus boroughs, but also the for voluntary services, and the local voluntary highest levels of economic inactivity. sector, which is significantly more developed Housing was a key issue identified by than in some of the other focus boroughs. • young people and practitioners, who saw Young people in Hackney reported that there the limited supply of suitable and affordable  • were a lot of opportunities and activities housing as a significant concern. available to them. However, as elsewhere, • Practitioners highlighted the vulnerability of it was felt that some opportunities were not younger teenagers to gang pressures, and accessed enough by young people and the role of gangs in facilitating child sexual often youth clubs had to target their work at exploitation. Disengagement from formal young people who are at risk of offending. education was another key issue for young Young people from other boroughs saw people, with limited options for further  • Hackney as a borough full of opportunities education that was not academic. and some expressed a desire for their own • Hackney Council has maintained a boroughs to be more like Hackney in terms reasonably comprehensive youth offering, of its vibrancy and creativity. despite cuts to its budget. Government data indicates a much higher spend than the other boroughs, despite a 33% cut per young person between 2010/11 and 2016/17, and a relatively balanced mix between universal and targeted services There are a lot of provision.52 The new Mayor of Hackney, Philip Glanville, has made a specific talented young people commitment to youth provision. in Hackney… If they had more chances, had more PRACTICE EXAMPLE: EMBEDDING SUPPORT free services, there might WITHIN THE COMMUNITY be a door that would Laburnum Boat Club is an example of a youth organisation that open for them.” has built strong links both within its local community and with other organisations working with young people in the local area. Practitioner, Hackney It is based by Regent’s Canal in Hackney and aims to provide opportunities for personal development of children, young people and their families through participation in water-based activities. In 2016, it worked with over 350 young people through its open access youth club and provided opportunities for over 2,000 pupils from 23 schools to develop skills and confidence outside of a classroom environment.

52 Ibid.

34 Young People’s Capital of the World? 35 HARINGEY At a glance It’s only this year that I’ve realised how much

[Wood Green] has changed […] it feels like a • The issues affecting young people in • Haringey Council previously operated an • Haringey vary significantly across and within • extremely comprehensive youth offer, which safe place for me.” the borough, with higher levels of deprivation included detached teams of youth workers Young person, Haringey and gang-related activity focused in particular working with young people on estates and pockets, mostly in the eastern part of the in the streets, as well as out of three youth borough, but also in isolated wards in the centres. The youth offer is now focused more affluent areas around Muswell Hill. predominantly on providing targeted support This provides a particular challenge for the to young people with additional needs, and provision of services across the borough. there is more limited universal youth provision through the one remaining youth centre. • Young people living in Haringey were very aware of the negative perceptions that other The local authority plays an increasingly people have of their borough. They recognised • facilitative role supporting community activity that problems with gang crime and violence for young people across the borough. There culminated in the riots of 2011, but felt that is a thriving community arts sector and violence was no longer such an issue. significant redevelopment is taking place within the borough, in particular around According to an interviewee, Haringey the Tottenham Hotspur stadium and in • Council suffered a 75% cut to its youth areas such as Wood Green. provision budget in 2011, and this was reduced by a further 75% in 2015, while Young people felt that Haringey did have youth service staff numbers declined from • a range of opportunities and activities for 130 to 15. Government data indicates that young people to participate in, but that Haringey has the lowest spend per young young people living in the borough do not person across the five focus boroughs.53 always know about such opportunities.

PRACTICE EXAMPLE: YOUTH INVOLVEMENT The Haringey Youth Festival is an example of how youth organisations in one local authority have joined forces to showcase and celebrate the The benefits of young people being involved is that they talent that exists within the borough, whilst also providing development opportunities for young people. carry on the legacy of whatever they’ve asked for. They The arts festival began in 2013 and is held annually. It is organised bring other young people into the fold.” and led by young people and involves organisations from right across Practitioner, Haringey the borough, uniting to showcase the creativity of young people in Haringey.

36 Young People’s Capital of the World? 53 Ibid. 37 WALTHAM FOREST At a glance It feels like Waltham Forest is catching up with the rest

• Young people living in Waltham Forest are • Since 2010, council provision has been of London in terms of regeneration. Other places have • some of the poorest in the capital, and there • based exclusively around targeted services. are large discrepancies in wealth and poverty As a result, there are fewer opportunities for seen improvements before we have.” at the ward level. young people outside of school, and the Young person, Waltham Forest spaces are often used for services not Waltham Forest is experiencing some of the specifically targeted at young people.55 • fastest demographic change of all London boroughs, with increases in Eastern Europe There is little direct local authority youth and Middle Eastern communities. • service provision in the borough, with more of a focus on supporting a growing suite of Young people were very aware of voluntary sector providers. Some of these • the differences between areas in the have strong and well established community borough, both in terms of wealth and partnerships and have developed innovative increasing gentrification, and the responses to complex needs and issues changing demographics. such as radicalisation. There is a relatively • Practitioners identified four key issues affecting well developed employability offer delivered young people in the borough: low aspirations; by voluntary sector organisations in an increase in the number of young people partnership with the local college and with mental health issues; housing (and in across the borough there are some schools particular overcrowding and households of partnerships. The borough is supporting the multiple occupation); and the number of young development of the Waltham Forest United people going missing. This latter issue was community partnership (see Practice appeared to be distinctive to Waltham Forest, Example below right). and is potentially caused by a range of Older young people in the borough recognised factors, including gang-related issues  • some of the changes that had taken place over and domestic abuse. the past five years or so, and that there are • While data collected by the Government now more limited opportunities available for indicates Waltham Forest Council’s spend their younger peers. per head falling by 27% from its peak,54 figures provided by the council in response to a freedom of information request by Sian Berry AM showed that the youth services budget reduced by 67% between 2011/12 and 2016/17. PRACTICE EXAMPLE: COORDINATION OF SERVICES Waltham Forest United is a collaboration between community and youth organisations across Waltham Forest. It aims to bring together It is our responsibility to create ways where [young people] the expertise of organisations working with children and young people can get involved in important decision-making processes… to coordinate and plan events and activities, and act as a consortium to and have a voice in things.” Practitioner, Waltham Forest be able to secure funding to support the delivery of services for young people in the borough. Members of Waltham Forest United include Our Parks, Essex County Cricket, Salaam Peace, Worth Unlimited and SAS 54 Ibid. Martial Arts. 55 Cracknell, J. (2016) Is there enough for young people to do in Waltham Forest? Waltham Forest Echo. Retrieved 21 February 2017 from http://walthamforestecho.co.uk/is-there-enough-for-young-people-to-do-in-waltham-forest/.

38 Young People’s Capital of the World? 39 PART 4: Where do we go from here?

In this section, we draw together our findings to make a series of recommendations for the future, identifying ways that London stakeholders can collectively build on the strengths and assets that we identified through the research and ensure that London is a city that works for all young people.

Many of the issues highlighted through the We want to ensure that as areas of London research are not new and do not have simple change and evolve over time, that young people solutions. London is, and will continue to be, an are a part of that process and have the opportunity expensive city to live in. Cuts to youth services both to influence these changes, and continue have had an impact on out-of-school provision to have a place in their communities. We want for young people and created new challenges employment opportunities to provide a platform for the smaller youth organisations that we from which young people can go on and achieve spoke to as part of the research. The needs great things. of young people are often complex and their With the huge changes that are happening right aspirations multi-faceted. now in London, this is a vitally important time However, we believe that we can do better for – but we believe there are great opportunities young Londoners in how we fund, plan, and for all these things to become a reality. The involve them in shaping services, and that we Mayor has set out a vision for our capital to can build on the assets and strengths that exist be truly a City for All Londoners – to be open; within the youth sector and beyond in order to dynamic; embrace opportunity; and have create a city that celebrates its youth population stronger communities. Today’s young people and supports each young person to be the are the future of the city, and must be a huge best they can be. part of that vision. Through the research that they have led for this report, they have made We believe that a key part of this is improving their own aspirations clear. It won’t be without the consistency of a basic youth offer for young its challenges; but by the partnerships that can people, and equipping the workforce with the develop, the opportunities that together we can skills and knowledge to lead the sector forward. bring to fruition, and crucially, by giving young We want all young people to be supported to people the chance to shape and succeed in identify and develop their strengths, lead active building their own futures, we hope London can and healthy lives, and pursue fulfilling careers; truly become their capital – and feel to all of us and that youth organisations are in a strong like the young people’s capital of the world. position to enable this to happen.

40 Young People’s Capital of the World? 41 RECOMMENDATIONS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Recommendation 1: London local authorities Recommendation 5: The forthcoming London Youth would like to thank UBS for their generous support of this project, should coordinate and guarantee a clear local Department of Culture, Media and Sport Centre for London for their research contribution, and the following organisations offer for young people. This should be informed (DCMS) Youth Policy Statement should be for sharing their insights and making this research possible: by young people; include provision for young focused on supporting the potential of young Ab Phab Youth Club people up to 18 years of age and 18+; and be people and their capabilities; and recognise the Arc Theatre marketed effectively to ensure young people value of, and set out a clear role for, universal Carers of Barking & Dagenham know what support, services and opportunities provision within this. Concorde Youth Hub are available in their local area. Recommendation 6: Funders should seek to Craig Park Youth Centre Recommendation 2: London Councils, the understand where gaps exist in open access DAZU Greater London Authority and the voluntary provision; and where required, provide funding Enfield Council sector should collectively develop a young for universal services, alongside targeted Exposure people’s workforce development plan aimed funding for specific groups, to enable all Haringey Council at equipping youth professionals, including young people to access and engage in Haringey Shed volunteers, with the skills and leadership positive activities with their peers. Hawkswood Schools Group qualities required to deliver high quality Leap Confronting Conflict Recommendation 7: Employers should work opportunities and services for young people London Borough of Barking & Dagenham with youth organisations and infrastructure in an evolving youth sector. Muswell Hill Centre organisations, where appropriate, to create North London Football Academy Recommendation 3: The Mayor of London varied work experience placements and to Oasis Academy Enfield and the Greater London Authority should support young people to be ready to take up One Housing Group put mechanisms in place to ensure that formal employment opportunities, including Salaam Peace young people have a clear voice, brokered apprenticeships. Teen Action through community youth organisations, in the Recommendation 8: Infrastructure Victim Support development of London strategies and in key organisations should support the sector Waltham Forest Council local decisions around service provision, housing by brokering relationships between funders, Worth Unlimited and regeneration and skills and employability. businesses and smaller community youth X7eaven Recommendation 4: The Mayor of London organisations; and by building the sector’s should make explicit the role of youth fundraising capacity through supporting them We would like to thank our advisory group for providing expert advice and organisations in facilitating positive outcomes to explore new models of funding, including guidance during the research and in the preparation of this report: for young people in his plans for education, social enterprise and social investment, as Sufina Ahmad, City Bridge Trust skills, culture and the arts, clean air and open well as through training and formal peer Caroline Boswell, Greater London Authority space and community regeneration, as well as support networks. Sarah Craner, UBS in crime prevention. Mubin Haq, Trust for London Lewis Iwu, Fair Education Alliance Sinead Lawler, Business in the Community Peter O’Brien, London Councils Graham Sutton, City of London Corporation David Warner, London Funders

Finally, we would like to say a special thank you to our fantastic team of peer researchers and the young people who spoke so openly about their experiences of living in London.

This report was prepared by Laura Blazey at London Youth and Silviya Barrett, Claire Sands and Tom Colthorpe at Centre for London.

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