David Jones, Chief Executive - The Feathers Association
EVERY time I enter our London youth centre at Marylebone, I can’t not think of the violence and deaths suffered by young people so close, yet so far from the refuge we can offer.
They are hurt by gang and drug violence that could be avoided if they had more safe places to go after school, and chances to find a passion for football, music, cooking, or dance, plus a trusted adult to guide and cheer them on.
Life changing experiences – that’s what youth clubs do. We’re not a luxury, but a frontline service in the battle against crime, social isolation, and wasted potential, and all on a shoestring.
So, I applaud the Government decision to inject £88million into youth centres and after school activities but also must say it’s nowhere near enough – youth services have been stripped to the bone across the UK and there’s a real North-South divide too.
I run The Feathers Association, one of the UK’s oldest youth and community chari...
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