Young people are paying the price for youth centre closures, says UNISON

Commenting on a YMCA report published today (Monday), which reveals the extent of youth centre closures, UNISON head of local government Jon Richards, said:
“A generation of young people have been robbed of the safety net of youth centres.
“It’s no surprise there’s been an increase in unemployment, mental health problems and gang-related activity.
“The short-sighted closing of youth centres will be felt for years to come –  with some young people paying the ultimate price.”
The YMCA report found that every region of England has each seen funding for youth services cut by more than 60% since 2010. Some of the most severely affected experienced average cuts of as much as 74% in the North West, 76% in the North East, and 80% in the West Midlands.
Notes to editors
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in both the public and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Garfield Myrie T: 0207 121 5546 M: 07432 741565 E: [e-mail]
Liz Chinchen T: 0207 121 5463 M: 07778 158175 E: [e-mail]
Aimee Reilly (YMCA) T: 0207 186 9544 E: [e-mail]
The article Young people are paying the price for youth centre closures, says UNISON first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Source: UNISON Health care news - January 21, 2020 Category: UK Health Authors: Charlotte Jeffs Tags: News Press release gangs mental health YMCA youth centres Source Type: news