On a cold winter night in Peckham, the wind howls outside the Damilola Taylor Centre as rain pounds the glass roof. Inside, a group of teenage boys engages in an intense basketball game with youth workers from the Active Communities Network, who oversee the ‘My Ends’ initiative in Southwark.
For 14-year-old Sammy, traveling two buses to reach the center has been transformative, providing him with a sense of protection and belonging. Every teenager present that evening is aware of Damilola Taylor’s tragic story and the significance of the location where they play basketball.
Peckham’s Labour and Co-operative MP, Miatta Fahnbulleh, emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces for young people after hearing numerous accounts of the lack of secure environments. As a minister in the Communities department, Fahnbulleh aims to rebuild social connections shattered by Austerity, envisioning a future where every Peckham child is within a 10-minute walk from a youth service by 2035.
Acknowledging Southwark Council’s efforts to maintain youth services despite financial constraints during the Tory Austerity era, Fahnbulleh stresses the need to combat loneliness among the younger generation. The government’s new youth strategy, spearheaded by Secretary of State Lisa Nandy, pledges £500 million towards enhancing youth services nationwide. This initiative includes plans to construct or upgrade 250 youth centers and establish 50 ‘Young Futures Hubs’ offering career and mental health guidance.
In response to the prevailing loneliness crisis among young people, Fahnbulleh asserts the necessity of creating spaces where they can feel a sense of belonging and thrive. The Co-op Party echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the significance of inclusive shared spaces in its Community Britain campaign.
In Peckham, initiatives like MyEnds Southwark play a crucial role in providing positive influences for youth, countering negative influences both online and offline. Participants in the basketball sessions express gratitude for the opportunity to be part of a supportive community that fosters personal growth and resilience.
Looking ahead, Fahnbulleh is committed to fulfilling her promise of ensuring that every young person in Peckham has easy access to youth services within a short walking distance. She envisions a future where such initiatives make a lasting impact on the lives of the youth in the community.