Swanley Youth Hub

 
Before the name change to The Family Hub, our local youth club had many different sessions available for children and young people after school. It was a safe space for them to hang out, learn life skills, meet friends, play games, chat, listen to music and play sports after school. There were days when sessions were so busy they would have to turn children away. The youth club activities were always very popular and suited all ages and abilities. Each session was inclusive and all parents knew their child was safe and supported when they went to the youth club. Support staff there were always amazing with the children and young people and everyone got along.

The only remaining after school session is Be You. This is an LGBTQIA+ and 13+ and for obvious reasons isn’t suitable for everyone. However this is extremely important and must remain on the timetable.

The two new sessions we have now are only an hour long and referral only. These sessions are split into age groups, 11-14 and 15-18. 
So essentially there is now nothing.

There is no support for SEN after school anymore, like before, which is a huge shame. A lot of young people with SEN struggle to make friends, so this was perfect for them, only for it to be taken away. All support has now gone for the local children and has been replaced with an hour session each week. 

This is not acceptable and the children of Swanley are being let down.

Funding for youth club services have been cut by more than 60% over the decade and this is directly linked to a rise in anti-social behaviour and young people’s involvement in crime. Youth Club closures are linked to greater risk of young people entering the criminal justice system. Data shows that children that attend youth clubs were “less likely to engage in anti-social behaviour and crime such as school truancy, drinking alcohol, taking illegal drugs or stealing”. The study also highlights that youth work has a positive effect on educational and health outcomes.

Young people are crying out for a safe space to go to where they feel they belong and Swanley’s Youth Hub was the perfect place for them. But with the cuts and changes to the timetable, this is no longer an option for them. 

I am starting this petition in hopes that with enough signatures KCC will alter their new timetable and return it back to the original and provide a safe space again for the children that need it most.