Housing association L&Q has launched a £120,000 funding pot to support youth services in five London boroughs, directly addressing a worrying trend of young people feeling disconnected from their communities. The Young People's Programme will fund grassroots groups in Croydon, Haringey, Lewisham, Newham, and Waltham Forest, with Trafford also included, to create positive opportunities and build life skills.
Addressing the Decline in Youth Services
Between 2012 and 2023, the number of youth centres run by local authorities almost halved, according to the National Youth Agency and YMCA. This sharp decline has been linked to rising social isolation and increased online dependency among young people. The new fund aims to provide an immediate, on-the-ground response to this crisis, complementing the government's Youth Strategy.
Matt Corbett, director of L&Q Foundation, said: "Talent exists in every community, but opportunity doesn't always follow. We want residents to have every chance to build the future they want, and the best way to do that is to create safe spaces where they can learn and grow. Local groups make an extraordinary difference and backing them is part of our refreshed approach to target support where it's needed most."
How the Funding Works
Organisations can apply for grants of £10,000 or more to fund projects including youth outreach, diversionary activities, mentoring, sports, arts, and skills development. The total programme budget is £120,000, with grants allocated based on local need. Areas were identified by analysing levels of deprivation, unemployment, and inequality.
Successful organisations will work alongside residents, young people, and local partners to design activities that deliver lasting benefits. Previous L&Q grant recipients include a boxing academy, baby bank, basketball club, community arts programme, and hip-hop dance school.
Application Details
Applications close at 9am on September 14, though L&Q reserves the right to close the window sooner. All applications will be reviewed by L&Q's ASB Grants Panel, with applicants notified of the outcome by September 25. Projects should demonstrate how they will engage young people in positive activities, respond to local needs, work collaboratively, and deliver measurable outcomes that contribute to safer neighbourhoods and reduced anti-social behaviour.
This initiative forms a core part of L&Q's ambition to become a sector leader in preventing anti-social behaviour, investing in local communities to create safer, more connected neighbourhoods.
