Lewisham Council is set to take direct control of youth services, ensuring they remain accessible, innovative, and responsive to the evolving needs of young people.
Lewisham Council has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to providing high-quality youth and play services for families and young people in the borough. As the strategic lead for youth provision, the council is set to take direct control of youth services, ensuring they remain accessible, innovative, and responsive to the evolving needs of young people.
Youth Services Move In-House
Currently, youth services in Lewisham are delivered by Youth First, an organisation that has overseen a wide range of activities, mentoring programmes, and adventure playgrounds for young residents. However, with Youth First’s contract set to end on 31 March 2025, the council has made the decision to fully transfer these services in-house from 1 April 2025.
The transition will see the council directly managing youth activities, targeted support, adventure playgrounds, and the newly refurbished Riverside Youth Centre in Deptford. While young people will continue to benefit from mainstream youth activities, Youth First has also announced it will close as a charity on 31 March 2025, following the completion of the contract transfer.
Cllr Chris Barnham, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, acknowledged the work of Youth First and expressed optimism about the future of youth services. “Youth First has been an excellent partner over the last eight years, and we look forward to building on the foundations they have laid. Lewisham’s young people deserve a strong, modern, and inclusive youth service that helps them develop confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of community. Bringing these services in-house will ensure we can continue to support young people in the best way possible.”
Temporary Loss of Play Provision
As part of the restructuring process, Youth First has also decided to return the £1.38m play contract, meaning they will no longer operate or maintain Lewisham’s five legacy adventure playgrounds beyond 31 March 2025. As a result, some play facilities will be temporarily unavailable while the council evaluates longer-term options.
Several of the adventure playgrounds are in need of significant maintenance and upgrades. The council is conducting a condition survey to assess the capital investment required over the next five years. While this evaluation is underway, there will be some temporary closures and a potential reduction in play sessions. The council has emphasised that it is actively working with partners to develop a sustainable long-term solution to ensure high-quality play services are maintained.
Riverside Youth Centre: A New Chapter for Lewisham’s Youth
One of the major projects shaping the future of youth services in Lewisham is the redevelopment of the Riverside Youth Centre in Deptford. This £1.2m initiative, led by the council in partnership with Millwall Community Trust, has been made possible by a £745,000 grant from the Football Foundation, £270,000 raised by Youth First, and Section 106 funding from the council.
Originally, Youth First was set to manage the Riverside Youth Centre. However, with youth services transitioning in-house, the council will now take over its operation from April 2025. The centre is expected to be a key hub for youth activities, offering a space for young people to engage in sports, mentoring, and creative programmes.
A New Vision for Lewisham’s Youth Offer
Last October, Lewisham Council approved a new Strategic Youth Offer, outlining a modern and inclusive approach to youth services. This plan was developed following a comprehensive review and extensive consultation with young people and stakeholders.
Young people expressed a clear desire for increased support in making informed life choices, more local activities, additional safe spaces, and better-trained youth workers who understand their needs and backgrounds. The new youth strategy is designed to address these needs while fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment among young residents.
Investment in Play and Recreation
Despite the temporary setbacks in play provision, Lewisham Council remains committed to enhancing recreational spaces for children across the borough. The council has adopted a five-year Play Strategy, which includes a long-term programme to refurbish or replace Lewisham’s play areas.
Currently, the borough boasts 140 play areas, including 41 parks and playgrounds, 58 Lewisham Homes play areas, 18 Phoenix Homes play areas, and five adventure playgrounds. Over the past three years, the council has invested £1.3m in upgrading play facilities, leading to the development of 12 new and refurbished playgrounds.
Looking ahead, the council has allocated £700,000 from Section 106 and NCIL funds to upgrade play areas in three popular Deptford parks—Sayes Court, Evelyn Green, and Folkestone Gardens. Additionally, more than £500,000 has been set aside in the latest NCIL funding round to support new football pitches, basketball courts, and play equipment.
In the south of the borough, plans are underway to replace the old structure of the Dumps adventure playground with a brand-new facility, alongside the expanded Watergate Special School, which is expected to open in 2026. These investments reflect the council’s commitment to ensuring all children in Lewisham have access to high-quality, inclusive play spaces within walking distance of their homes.
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