New funding is supporting youth services to help young people feel safer and more connected to their communities.
A £120,000 programme has been launched by housing association L&Q to support projects across six estates, including in Newham, with a focus on creating opportunities for young people and reducing isolation.
Community organisations can apply for funding to run initiatives that offer alternatives to street life and help young people develop life skills.
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Matt Corbett, director of the L&Q Foundation, said: "Talent exists in every community, but opportunity doesn't always follow.
"We want residents in Newham 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 funding targets a decline in youth services, with the number of council-run youth centres almost halving between 2012 and 2023. Fewer safe spaces have been linked to increased social isolation and online dependency among young people.
Groups can apply for grants of £10,000 or more to support youth projects, including outreach, mentoring, sports, arts, and skills development schemes.
Funding will be distributed based on local need. Grants will support organisations working with residents and young people to design programmes that deliver long-term benefits.
Previous L&Q-funded projects include a boxing academy, basketball club, and hip-hop dance school.
L&Q manages more than 10,000 homes in Newham, including over 6,500 social homes, and works with community partners to deliver neighbourhood investment.
Applications must be submitted by 9am on September 14. L&Q may close the application window earlier if demand is high.
Submissions will be reviewed by L&Q's ASB Grants Panel, with decisions communicated by September 25.
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