Croydon (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A new community youth hub has opened in Croydon, offering a safe space to combat youth loneliness and support young people across the borough.
As part of a larger “transformation” of youth services, Croydon Council recently decided to eliminate its youth engagement team, a decision that has drawn criticism.
The Oasis Academy Arena in South Norwood formally opened the Oasis Community Space on Monday, October 13, a brand-new facility intended to assist families and youth in the borough. At the launch event, locals, students, and community leaders toured the renovated space, which will be used for family assistance and youth programs in collaboration with Reaching Higher and the Palace for Life Foundation.
When the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) visited the hub, the space was alive with activity. Oasis students played table tennis, socialised, and took part in informal mentoring sessions with teachers and local community organisations. There was also a performance from the Oasis Academy Ryelands choir.
Sydney Mae Box-Cameron, whose son uses the hub, told the LDRS:
“This gives kids a safe space where they can have fun and aren’t forced to go. The people here are great influences.”
The LDRS also spoke with Natasha Irons, MP for Croydon East, who said:
“It’s amazing to have this wonderful community facility on our doorstep, not just for the community, but specifically for our young people.”
She continued:
“Having a partner like Oasis, which has a massive footprint in our borough, makes a big difference.”
Reverend Steve Chalke OBE, founder of the Oasis Charitable Trust, and Mike Summers, CEO of Palace for Life Foundation, also addressed the audience. Revd Chalke stressed the importance of trusted community spaces:
“Our children spend less than 20% of their waking hours in school. That’s why safe spaces, run by trusted partners and rooted in their communities, are so important.”
Mr Summers highlighted the power of collaboration:
“By working together, we can help young people, particularly those from the toughest backgrounds, build brighter futures.”
Former Crystal Palace player Sean Scannell, who cut the ribbon to mark the hub’s opening, reflected on his own youth:
“When I was growing up, we didn’t have many youth clubs, so you sometimes had to travel far. For this to be right in the centre of South Norwood is amazing.”
Jeanette Bell, Principal of Oasis Academy Arena, described the space as a “hidden gem” in South Norwood. She said:
“This community space will help many more young people discover Croydon’s best-kept secret and create opportunities that positively impact their futures.”
Despite the positive reception, Croydon Council continues to face criticism for recent cuts to youth services, which have led to job losses and reduced provision. Some have described the changes, which the LDRS has previously reported on, as cost-cutting measures that disadvantage children.
Councillor Andy Stranack, who attended the launch, responded to concerns:
“We are shifting finances away from centralised council control to trusted voluntary sector providers like Play Place, Palace for Life and Oasis. That’s where we want the money to go.”
He added: “The funding previously allocated to youth engagement is now going directly to these organisations so they can continue delivering vital services for young people across Croydon.”
Ms Irons also addressed the broader issue of national funding cuts:
“We’ve seen a 73% reduction in youth funding across the country. Croydon has had to sell off its youth-focused buildings and dissolve its youth engagement team.”
She warned:
“With one in five children facing mental health issues, and young people among the loneliest in the country, there’s an urgent need to rebuild community spaces where they feel they belong and have a stake in the places they grow up.”
What services and programs does the new youth hub offer?
Safe and inclusive social environments where youth can meet, socialize, and create friendships that help address social isolation. Skill-building workshops focusing on life skills, education support, and employment readiness.
Mental health support services, including counselling and peer support addressing emotional and psychological wellbeing. Recreational and creative opportunities including arts, sports, music and cultural activities that provide the youth with purposeful engagement.
The hub is conceptualized around a welcoming feeling which is also safe and inclusive with a focus on empowerment or developing agency by providing youth with tools and support to thrive socially and personally. It supports the borough’s efforts on looking after youth wellbeing and community-based centers for proactive engagement.
