The City Council is spending £2 million to keep young people out of trouble this summer

Funding has been put into the City Hall’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) and will be targeted at crime hotspots, reports Noah Vickers, local democracy reporter

Sadiq Khan has announced a £2m investment package in activities to steer thousands of young people away from violence in the summer holidays.

The funding has been put into the City Hall’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) and will be targeted at the areas of the capital most affected by crime.

The package of activities, from sports to music production to mentoring – as well as employment opportunities – will work to support young people at a time of year when evidence suggests they are most vulnerable to exploitation and violence.

“Tackling violence is my top priority and I am committed to building a safer London for everyone by being tough on violence and its complex causes,” Khan said.

“That means putting the next generation of Londoners front and center and working to provide investment, support and a helping hand to the young people who need it most.”

He added: “I want young people to experience the unparalleled opportunities this city has to offer and be safe, develop and thrive.”

Part of the funding will go to pupil referral units and alternative provision settings so they can provide their own activities over the holidays, including boxing and BMX training, trips outside their community and opportunities to develop skills in carpentry and hair and beauty.

VRU director Lib Peck said: “The summer holidays are a really important time in a young person’s life. It should be a time to explore, have fun, and build and bond with friends.

“We are committed to investing in young people and giving them the opportunities they deserve because we strongly believe that violence is preventable, not inevitable.”

In March this year, the mayor warned that the high cost of living was fueling an increase in certain crimes in the capital, including violent crime.

In February, he launched an “inclusion charter” for London. It aims to reduce school suspensions where possible, as the mayor argues that young people are more likely to engage in violence once they are outside the protective influence of school.

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