Mr Khan met with locals in Dagenham’s Youth Zone this morning
The Mayor of London says the money will go to local community groups that specialise in early intervention to combat knife crime.
He made the announcement when attending the Youth Zone in Porters Avenue this morning.
London’s Violence Reduction Unit, set up by the Mayor, intends to provide funding for around 40 community projects. The project will provide support and diversionary activities.
Mr Khan told Time 107.5: “We know that we have in Barking and Dagenham some wards which are the poorest in the countries.
“Parts of London, there are big challenges and the great thing about Barking and Dagenham is that people have massive potential but they need to be given a helping hand.”
The funding announced today will support 25,000 young people and the Mayor says the specific focus on this money is to help areas with high levels of deprivation.
Local council leader, Darren Rodwell also attended and believes youth centre in Porters Avenue can be a blueprint for others across the capital.
He said: “The Mayor of London has come down to see the first youth zone in London to see how great it is, where it was led by residents, aka young people to listen to their concerns but also their aspirations.”
Sadiq Khan was happy to get involved with the activities
Funding will go towards supporting the transition from primary to secondary school, piloting programmes in prisons and young offender institutions and expanding after-school provision in the high-crime areas.
Zakaria Hussain, who works at the Youth Zone, said: “He (Sadiq Khan) has come in and got stuck in to the activities. For young people, it’s added something extra to their activities today.”
Tags: Dagenham, Barking and Dagenham
