Experts from leading national youth organisations have reacted to
plans from to protect young people and
tackle knife crime.
Joint statement from leading national youth
charities:
Too many young people lack safety, opportunity, and hope. There
has been a worrying rise in knife crime and serious violence
affecting young people.
The causes are varied and complex but are all too often rooted in
poverty, inequality and poor mental health - all of
which have worsened in recent years.
As leaders of youth organisations, we see the damage that
violence and inequality does to communities. We also
see how the right support, in the right places, at the right
times, can give young people hope and prevent violence before it
occurs. Youth work plays a vital role in supporting young
people’s development, providing safe spaces, support to develop
essential skills and a sense of belonging and purpose. That is
why we are calling for targeted support for the most marginalised
and at-risk young people.
With major cuts to the youth sector funding over
the last decade, the lingering effects of the pandemic and an
ongoing cost of living crisis, the role of Government, as a
partner in our efforts to support young people, is crucial.
We therefore welcome Labour's Young Futures programme
and commitment to investing in young people through
new youth hubs, and we believe supporting young
people should be a priority in all Parties’ general election
manifestoes.
We see the huge potential of our young people and we work every
day to unleash it.
Ends
Notes:
-
This statement is supported by the
following organisations: UK Youth, National
Youth Agency, Duke of Edinburgh Award, Onside, YMCA George
Williams College, YMCA England & Wales, British Youth
Council, Scouts, Girlguiding and Youth United Foundation.
- Background from statement signatories: ‘These leading
national youth charities share a common belief in
creating a society in which young people are safe, equipped to
thrive, treated equally and able to contribute as active citizens
in their communities. They collectively support
millions of young people across the UK and work together
with one voice to ensure that young people are
heard, understood and prioritised at the highest levels
of public policy. They do this by sharing evidence and
insight; campaigning on shared priorities and enabling young
people to engage directly with decision makers on a range of
issues that matter to and affect them. These include education
and skills, mental health and wellbeing, tackling
serious violence, and promoting active citizenship.’
