Youth service axe branded 'a betrayal' of young people

YOUNG people in Croydon say they feel "betrayed" by the council's decision to cut youth engagement services which they say help the borough's most vulnerable.

- By HARRISON GALLIVEN Local democracy reporter

Local politicians have also criticised the lack of clarity over how these “vital” services will be replaced.

Croydon's Youth Engagement Team (YET), which supports initiatives from youth employability to female safety, has long acted as a bridge between the council, voluntary groups and young people.

However, a report released on June 2 by Mayor Jason Perry confirmed the team's closure.

Its 18 services will now be delivered by the voluntary, community and faith sectors instead.

The change has sparked concern among young people and councillors, who say it risks undermining the trust and consistency built by YET's dedicated staff.

Gabriella Brown, Chair of Croydon's Youth Assembly (CYA), a group funded and supported by YET, called the move a "betrayal" of the young people who depend on such services to develop socially and professionally.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), she said: “We at the CYA feel very betrayed. We have made it clear from the outset that keeping the YET is by far the best way to protect and enhance the lives of young people in Croydon.”

Gabriella, currently preparing for her GCSEs, added that although the council has promised the Youth Assembly will continue, there has been no communication on how this will happen.

Her concerns reflect a broader sentiment that youth voices are being sidelined.