Sadiq Khan announced £2million of new funding today to help London’s youth who are at risk of being exploited by criminal gangs.
This money will go towards the mayor’s flagship London Gang Exit Programme, a scheme led by youth organisation Safer London that offers support for young Londoners between the ages of 15 and 24.
The further investment takes the project’s total funding to £8.2million.
Khan said: “I know that one-to-one support can make a huge difference in a young person’s life and mean the difference between them fulfilling their potential or being lured into the trap of violence and criminality.
“I’m proud that our London Gang Exit programme is making a real difference and has already helped hundreds of young people leave or significantly reduce their involvement in criminal gangs.
“That’s why I am investing even more in this programme to help tackle violence and support young Londoners at risk of exploitation as they turn their lives around.”
The programme provides support for young people including employment, education and training, housing resettlement, substance misuse, emotional wellbeing, and support for families of the young people affected.
The mayor claims City Hall funding has helped more than 400 young people across the capital so far.
Mya*, a young Londoner supported by Safer London, said: “I don’t trust people easily, but as soon as I met my Safer London support worker, I knew that I could build a good connection with her.
“I found the support really helpful; she showed me that she cared a lot and she fought for me when I couldn’t fight for myself.
“Safer London never gave up on me and stayed around until I got much better; the other support I had before didn’t do that. If I hadn’t met my support worker, I would definitely still be at my lowest.”
*name changed to protect identity
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