A new £120,000 funding pot has been launched to fund youth services in London, tackling a worrying trend of young people feeling disconnected from their communities.
Launched by housing association L&Q, the Young People’s Programme brings together voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise organisations across six of their estates to expand opportunities for local residents. Grassroots groups in Croydon, Haringey, Lewisham, Newham and Waltham Forest can bid for grants to power projects offering young people a better alternative to the streets and building life skills that help them thrive.
By investing in local communities and creating positive opportunities, the programme forms a core part of L&Q’s ambition to become a sector leader in preventing Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB).
Matt Corbett, Director of L&Q Foundation said: “Talent exists in every community, but opportunity doesn’t always follow. We want residents in Waltham Forest 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.”
The programme responds directly to mounting pressure on charitable funding and aligns with the government’s Youth Strategy. While national initiatives are targeting systemic changes to local provision, this cash boost is designed to provide immediate, on-the-ground support to those already on the front-line.
Between 2012 and 2023, the number of youth centres run by local authorities almost halved (National Youth Agency and YMCA). With fewer local spaces to turn to, the sharp decline in youth services has been linked to rising social isolation and increased online dependency.
Where the money goes
Organisations can apply for projects worth £10,000 or more, covering:
Youth outreach and engagement sessions
Diversionary activities (designed to keep young people safe, engaged, and out of trouble)
Mentoring programmes
Sports, arts and creative projects
Skills development and youth provision
Funding will be awarded from a total programme budget of £120,000, with grants allocated directly according to local need to foster safer, more connected neighbourhoods. Areas were identified by looking at levels of deprivation and unemployment, alongside local communities facing inequalities, to assess where support is needed most.
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.
How to apply
Interested organisations should fill out the form here and send their completed application to youngpeoplesprogramme@lqgroup.org.uk. The window opens on 3 August and closes at 9am on 14 September. L&Q reserves the right to close the window sooner.
Applications will be reviewed by L&Q’s ASB Grants Panel, with applicants notified of the outcome by 25 September.
