London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Mayor Sadiq Khan has revealed a £ 2 million investment package in actions to divert thousands of young people out from violence over the summer holiday.
What Activities Are Funded to Divert Young People from Crime?
The grant has been put into the mayor’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) and will be mandated to areas of the capital most impacted by crime. The package of activities, varying from sport to music production to mentoring – as well as career opportunities – will work to keep young people during a time of year when the proof suggests they are more helpless to exploitation and violence.
What Is the Focus of Mayor Khan’s Violence Reduction Unit?
“Tackling violence is my highest priority and I’m committed to building a more unassailable London for everyone by being tough on brutality and tough on its complex causes,” stated Mr Khan. That means putting the next generation of Londoners front and centre, and operating to provide the investment, support and supporting hand for young people who need it the most.”
He said: “I want young people to participate in the unrivalled opportunities this city supplies and to be safe, to develop and to thrive.”
Some of the grants will be given to Pupil Referral Units and Alternative Provision settings so that they can deliver their activities over the holidays, including boxing and BMX coaching, travels outside their community and chances to develop skills in carpentry and hair and beauty.
VRU director Lib Peck stated: “The summer holidays are a critical period in a young person’s life. It should be a time to study, to have fun and to build and make friendships. We’re determined to invest in young people and provide them the opportunities they deserve because we firmly acknowledge that violence is preventable, not inevitable.”
How Does Mayor Khan Plan to Tackle Crime and Its Causes?
In March this year, the mayor cautioned that the high cost of living was fuelling a height in certain offences in the capital, including damaging crime. In February, he established an ‘inclusion charter’ for London. It seeks, where feasible, to reduce school suspensions, as the mayor claims that young people are likelier to become engaged in violence once they are outside the protective influence of school.