Austerity and cuts in government funding have led to widespread closures of youth services in the last 14 years.
A report by the public service union UNISON has provided a detailed analysis of the widespread closures of council-run youth centres, attributing the decline to austerity measures and chronic underfunding of local government services between 2010 and 2023.
Bollo Brook Youth Centre, located in South Acton, London, remains a stronghold for the community, offering a safe, welcoming space for young people.
With activities like music production, arts and sports it helps youth build skills and connect. However, the rapid decline in youth centres is a worrying thought.
Featured image by Abdullahi Mohamed.