The Mayor's Fund for London’s Post

What would losing Latrobe Youth Space from February mean to Latrobe Valley? Young people aged 12-25 would lose their safe place to go, hang out, connect with peers, connect with support, access free food, access clean safe showers, access a washing machine & dryer for free; access free wifi and resources to do their homework, apply for jobs or house hunt. They lose access to a Youth Development Officer who provides a warm friendly face, someone to share their wins with or someone to talk to when things are tough or something awful has happened and they need advice or support, They lose access to opportunities to connect with other support services from a stigma free environment. They lose access to opportunities for upskilling, training and scholarships. They lose access to fun. They lose leadership opportunities. They lose their safety net. In short - they lose. Why should the community care about this? This means our 800+ members have nowhere safe to go, pushing them back to public spaces or staying at home often isolating in their rooms. There's plenty of research that shows what isolation can do to a persons mental health, with increased loneliness, health complications, school refusal, reduced self-esteem, emotional distress, sleep disturbances, self-medicating, family relationships, impaired social skills, the need for crisis support etc etc. Support services, case workers, schools and families lose their safe place to bring young people, work with young people or refer young people. What kind of future do you see for the youth of Latrobe? And what would you like to see? Latrobe Youth Space is a small and very new organisation. In a little over a year, without pandemic restrictions, we've built our membership over 800, we've built partnerships and community connections, forged opportunities for young locals and have numerous stories of how our work has assisted young people and their families doing it tough. Imagine what we could do in 3 years, or 10 years... If you haven't signed or shared our petition yet - please do. We are 87 signatures shy of hitting 1500! https://lnkd.in/gvnrCE8z Or if you're interested in a copy of our sponsorship pack to see how you can help local youth - please contact us via info@latrobeyouthspace.org.au.

https://lnkd.in/gAgfxGan What would losing Latrobe Youth Space from February mean to Latrobe Valley? Young people aged 12-25 would lose their safe place to go, hang out, connect with peers, connect with support, access free food, access clean safe showers, access a washing machine & dryer for free; access free wifi and resources to do their homework, apply for jobs or house hunt. They lose access to a Youth Development Officer who provides a warm friendly face, someone to share their wins with or someone to talk to when things are tough or something awful has happened and they need advice or support, They lose access to opportunities to connect with other support services from a stigma free environment. They lose access to opportunities for upskilling, training and scholarships. They lose access to fun. They lose leadership opportunities. They lose their safety net. In short - they lose. Why should the community care about this? This means our 800+ members have nowhere safe to go, pushing them back to public spaces or staying at home often isolating in their rooms. There's plenty of research that shows what isolation can do to a persons mental health, with increased loneliness, health complications, school refusal, reduced self-esteem, emotional distress, sleep disturbances, self-medicating, family relationships, impaired social skills, the need for crisis support etc etc. Support services, case workers, schools and families lose their safe place to bring young people, work with young people or refer young people. What kind of future do you see for the youth of Latrobe? What would you like to see? Latrobe Youth Space is a small and very new organisation. In a little over a year, without pandemic restrictions, we've built our membership over 800, we've built partnerships and community connections, forged opportunities for young locals and have numerous stories of how our work has assisted young people and their families doing it tough, and how our work has assisted services to connect with youth. Imagine what we could do in 3 years, or 10 years... If you haven't signed or shared our petition yet - please do. We are 100 signatures shy of hitting 1500! Or if you're interested in a copy of our sponsorship pack to see how you can help local youth - please contact us via info@latrobeyouthspace.org.au.

Growing up in Traralgon, in the Latrobe Valley Area, I understand the challenges faced by queer youth in regional communities. As a nerdy kid lacking confidence, struggling with identity and who would rather dive in to the internet and gaming rather than sport or activties, I often felt like an outsider in an environment where LGBTIQ+ role models were scarce. This lack of representation and support not only made it difficult to live authentically, it didn't really register as an option. I knew I was bi, but I pushed that part of my identity firmly to the back of my mind till my mid 20s when I realised I could see a path in front of me to express myself. That's why the existence of initiatives like Latrobe Youth Space are so critical. These spaces aren't just about providing support to LGBTIQ+ youth; they're vital for connecting various under-represented communities, including those who face the brutal reality of violence or abuse at home due to their identity. During my visit to Latrobe Youth Space earlier this year, I was profoundly moved by the impact it has on young lives. It's a haven where young people can be themselves, share experiences, and nurture aspirations for a brighter future. It offers mental health support, education and employment pathways, life skills training, and a host of recreational activities. More importantly, it gives them a sense of belonging and community, something I wish I had access to during my formative years. However, the recent funding cuts threaten to dismantle this essential service. From January 2024, the risk of closure looms large, jeopardising the wellbeing and future of Gippsland's youth. The loss of Latrobe Youth Space would not only rob young people of crucial services but also strip away their sense of security and community connection. This is not just about a facility; it's about preserving a lifeline for those who need it most. I stand with Sandy Hegarty and others in urging the Victorian State Government to reconsider their decision. Reinstating funding for Latrobe Youth Space is not just an investment in a facility; it's an investment in the future of our youth and the health of our community. Let's ensure that the next generation in Gippsland, and indeed all regional areas, have the support and resources they need to grow, thrive, and lead fulfilling lives. Please join me in signing the petition to save Latrobe Youth Space. Together, we can make a difference. Let's show our commitment to nurturing a diverse, inclusive, and vibrant future for all. Clinton Savage Caitlin Grigsby Dean Sutton Simon Ruth

📢 The newly released On The Ropes report by YMCA England & Wales sheds light on youth service funding: up 3% annually, yet down 70% since 2010-11. With a £1.1B reduction in local authority spending on youth services, many young people lack support and safe spaces. Investing in youth clubs and support services is crucial. They provide safe havens, trusted adults, and opportunities for growth 🌟 Report findings show a 53% decrease in local authority-run youth centres and a 35% reduction in youth workers since 2012-13. UK Youth has urged local authorities to reverse this trend and invest in youth services, for the well-being of young people and their communities. Read more here 👉 bit.ly/48n353b

As a young person deeply involved in youth and education empowerment, I find the findings of the On The Ropes report deeply concerning but sadly not surprising. While it's disheartening to see a 70% reduction in youth service funding since 2010-11, it's also alarming to note the significant decrease in local authority-run youth centres and youth workers. These spaces and professionals play a crucial role in providing support, guidance, and a sense of belonging to young people. Investing in youth clubs and support services isn't just about numbers; it's about investing in the future of our communities. These spaces serve as safe havens where young people can seek support, find trusted adults to confide in, and access opportunities for personal and collective growth. The statistics paint a stark picture of the challenges facing young people today.

95% of local authorities have slashed their spending on youth services by at least a quarter between 2011 and 2021, with a shocking 51% drop in funding for universal (open access) provision. The average number of youth clubs supported by local authorities in England has plummeted from 14 in 2011/12 to just eight in 2018/19.In places like Cornwall and Shropshire, budgets for youth provision are now roughly half of what they were back in 2010. These figures aren't just numbers; they represent a significant step back in our commitment to fostering supportive, enriching environments for our young people. As we witness a drastic decline in youth clubs and funding, the message is clear: we must prioritise and invest in youth infrastructure now more than ever. Why does this matter? Youth clubs and services play a crucial role in the social, emotional, and educational development of young individuals. They offer a safe space for growth, learning, and community engagement, which are foundational to building a resilient, empowered future generation. Inspire 2 Ignite CIC needs your help to start to reverse this neglect, we can do so as a community and we are well underway with developing our first Curious Clubhouse in Cambridgeshire. Let me know in the comments your thoughts on these alarming facts. 👇 #youthprovision #youngpeople #uk

Over the past decade, we’ve witnessed a devastating 70% decline in youth services funding across England and Wales. This translates to over £1 billion lost, more than 4,500 youth work jobs cut, and 760 youth centres closed (National Youth Agency). The impact on our young people and communities has been profound. But it's not just about numbers; it's about the real lives affected! Increased youth crime and school suspensions in areas most affected by youth centre closures have seen a 10% rise in crime among 10-15-year-olds and a 12% increase in school suspensions (UK Youth). Every pound invested in youth work generates between £3.20 and £6.40 in societal benefits, from improved health outcomes to reduced crime rates. This is a clear call to action—investing in our youth is not just a moral imperative; it makes economic sense! It’s time to restore and innovate our youth services. Safe spaces, mental health support, and community engagement are crucial for empowering our young people and building resilient communities. As someone who became a father at 14 and a grandfather by 35, I've seen firsthand the power of community support in my life when I was younger versus what I see with the work I am associated with now as the founder of Inspire 2 Ignite CIC. I believe in human-to-human connections and breaking down silos to create innovative, community-driven solutions. Let’s redefine what it means to be a citizen that cares about young people! Embracing purpose, trust, and kindness in our aim to contribute to rebuilding this lost pillar of society. Let’s work together to reconnect businesses and charities in spaces that young people are excited about, inspire whatever next government comes to power to support youth-led initiatives, and invest in the future of our young people. We are close to having our first Curious Clubhouse realised as one of those solutions to this and I am hosting a private lunch for those who want to invest in this project. Offering up both a competitive commercial return and a strong social return on investment that our wider communities can benefit from. If you want to be part of the solution then drop me a message and join our growing community that is dedicated to supporting the personal growth of our young people, enhancing their physical, mental and emotional well-being, life skills, and employability. Most importantly, the infrastructure for them to help themselves in that journey!

"For youth-focused programs to be relevant, authentic and responsive to their real needs, we must always involve the youth themselves in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation stages. There should never be anything for the youth, without the youth." Nfamara Dabo, our Program and Sponsorship Director addressing youth during our recent annual youth summit. Read more about this summit in the story below. https://lnkd.in/dBRhA8TH

Here’s wishing my beloved South Africa and all South Africans a Happy Freedom Day. Today, South Africa celebrates 30 years of democracy; a day where we commemorate the nation's first democratic elections which took place on this day in 1994. Volkswagen has been in South Africa since 1951 and we are proud to have played a role in South Africa’s democracy. Volkswagen is committed to South Africa and we will continue to play our part to make this incredible country thrive and to positively impact communities in Kariega, Eastern Cape and the greater South Africa. Since 1994, Volkswagen Group Africa has played a meaningful role in South Africa in the following ways: - In 1995, shortly after the dawn of democracy in South Africa, newly elected President Nelson Mandela visited our plant in Kariega. - In partnership with the South African business incubator Raizcorp, we established the Volkswagen Business Support Centre in April 2011. The Business Support Centre has since generated R651 million in turnover through the businesses it supports. - A total of 2 186 #VWGA employees contribute to CSI projects every month through the voluntary One Hour for the Future contribution, deducted from salaries. From these contributions, the Ikhwezi Lomso Early Childhood Development Centre was opened in Kariega in 2011. A total of 1 202 children have benefited from Ikhwezi Lomso to date. - The loveLife Youth Centre in Kariega, was built in 2012 with an investment of R20 million. A further R20 million has been invested in the centre since then. This centre has impacted the lives of 350 000 youth. - The VW PeoplePavilion, a sports and recreational facility for the use of employees, also celebrated its 10th birthday in 2023. This R30 million centre was opened in December 2013. - In 2016, we established the VW B-BBEE Initiatives Trust, with the aim of increasing the number of black-owned suppliers and businesses in the automotive sector value chain. - Since the start of the Community Trust’s Legacy Literacy programme in 2019, 6 854 children have benefited from the various activities of the programme, aimed at eradicating illiteracy among children below the age of 10 years. - Through the Volkswagen Community Trust, an estimated R570 million has been invested in CSI projects since 1994 with around 84% of the CSI budget is spent on education, youth development and community wellbeing. - Youth development is a priority for us. A total of 2 602 unemployed youth have been given work experience through Volkswagen’s participation in the YES programme since 2019. - The Community Trust has invested an estimated R70 million in support of external NGO partners since 1994. #VolkswagenGroupAfrica #VolkswagenInAfrica #VolkswagenForGood #LoveBrand #Democracy

Youth, Peace and Security: A road to lasting peace Youth are the backbone of any society, full of passion, energy, and fresh perspectives. However, their potential often goes unnoticed or untapped. By recognizing their abilities and providing them with platforms to amplify their voices, we can help unlock a wealth of ideas, innovation, and creativity that can contribute significantly to peacebuilding efforts. Empowerment is about equipping young people with knowledge, skills, and resources to take charge of their own lives and actively participate in decision-making processes. This empowerment allows them to become agents of change, encouraging dialogue, promoting tolerance, and fostering respect for diversity. Through access to quality education, mentorship programs, and inclusive opportunities, we enable youth to realize their potential as peacebuilders and security advocates. One of the most effective ways to achieve peace and security is by involving young people in the process. Engaging youth in activities and initiatives that promote peace, such as community development projects, conflict resolution workshops, and youth-led campaigns, not only enhances their personal growth but also cultivates a culture of peace within society. Their active involvement contributes to reducing violence, extremism, and societal divisions, leading to more secure and harmonious communities. As responsible adults and members of society, we have a crucial role to play in supporting youth empowerment. We must be willing to act as mentors, providing guidance and encouragement for young individuals. By creating safe spaces for open dialogue, we can listen to their concerns, validate their experiences, and foster an environment that values their contributions. Additionally, we should advocate for policies and programs that prioritize youth engagement and inclusion at all levels of decision-making. Empowering youth for peace and security is a transformative process that requires patience, understanding, and dedication. By recognizing their potential, providing them with resources and opportunities, and actively involving them in peacebuilding efforts, we create a world where the voice of the youth is heard and valued. Together, let us foster their unseen potential and pave the way for a brighter, more peaceful future.