The Decline of Youth Hubs: Why It Matters

We are sad to see that youth hubs across the UK, especially in London, are disappearing fast. Once vital spaces for socialising, learning, and support, they are closing due to funding cuts, rising costs, and shifting priorities.

The Crisis in Numbers

• 70% drop in government funding for youth services since 2010 (YMCA).

• London youth services budget fell from £145m to £42m (2011–2021).

• This negative trend has continued, with a further 15% reduction in youth service spending across local authorities in 2022-2024, according to the National Youth Agency's State of the Sector report.

• At least 130 youth centres closed in London between 2011-2021, with an additional 47 centres either closing or significantly reducing services nationwide in 2023-2024.

• The UK Youth Index 2024 revealed that 78% of remaining youth services report operating at reduced capacity due to funding constraints.

• Areas like Lambeth, Southwark, and Hackney hit hardest, with recent data showing these boroughs experiencing up to 30% further reductions in youth provision since 2021.

  
  

The Impact on Young People

• Increased youth violence – Areas with the deepest cuts see the highest crime rates (2019 APPG Knife Crime report).

• Recent Home Office data from 2023-2024 shows a 23% increase in youth-related violent incidents in areas where youth hubs have closed compared to areas maintaining services.

• Mental health crisis – 1 in 6 young people (aged 5–16) had a probable mental health disorder in 2021 (NHS).

• This has worsened to 1 in 5 young people according to the 2023-2024 NHS Mental Health of Children and Young People survey, with particularly high rates in urban areas with limited youth services.

• Fewer support networks – No safe spaces for mentoring, social activities, or mental health services.

• The 2024 Youth Opportunity Index found that 62% of young people now report having no access to structured youth activities in their local area.

  
  

Why We Need to Act

• Youth hubs prevent crime, support mental health, and provide life opportunities.

• The 2024 Social Return on Investment analysis by UK Youth demonstrates that every £1 invested in youth services saves £5.89 in future costs across healthcare, criminal justice, and welfare systems.

• Community-led projects and sustainable funding are essential.

• The 2023-2024 Youth Sector Resilience Fund has supported 56 youth organisations nationwide, but demand outstripped available funding by 500%.

• Initiatives like the Young Londoners Fund have been effective but saw a 40% budget reduction in 2023-2024 despite increasing applications.

• The new Youth Investment Framework launched in early 2024 offers potential for improved funding distribution, but current allocation covers only 35% of identified need.

  
  

Action is needed now – young people deserve safe spaces to grow, not empty promises. Youth hubs have been proven time and again to be important to young people's wellbeing, growth and mental health. London Youth has a map of Youth Hubs where you can find your local club at [www.londonyouth.org/find-a-youth-club] - go down and show them some support!