Croydon's youth services are set to receive a significant funding boost, with over £4 million allocated to voluntary and community sector organisations. This investment, planned for 2026, aims to bolster early help, mental health support, and youth engagement initiatives across the borough.
The funding was discussed at a meeting of the Scrutiny Children & Young People Sub-Committee on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, where updates on various services were presented. Councillor Patsy Cummings expressed pleasure at the increased activity at the Samuel Coleridge Taylor Family Hub, noting its previous underutilisation. She also inquired about the continuation of support for at-risk young people following the disbandment of the Youth Engagement Team (YET) in September 2025.
Stuart Collins, Corporate Director for Children, Young People and Education, assured the committee that services have continued and developed under a new plan. Following the disbandment of the YET on September 8, 2025, initiatives such as 'Million Hours' continue at the Samuel Coleridge Taylor Family Hub, and 'Starz & Sisterz' has resumed for girls. Junior youth hubs have been established in Shrublands and New Addington, and new programmes like the Girls Empowerment Programme have been launched. The report also highlights ongoing work with the Croydon Youth Assembly and the procurement of a new provider to strengthen youth voice representation. 'Million Hours' sees around 30 young people attend weekly, while 'Starz & Sisterz' has 6-10 attendees per week.
The council plans to invest over £4 million in the voluntary and community sector in 2026 to support early help, mental health, and youth engagement. The Holiday Activity and Food Programme, which reaches smaller charities, receives approximately £1.6 million annually. Funding is also jointly commissioned with health colleagues to support emotional health and well-being services, drop-in services, and work with higher-risk young people. While a register of supported organisations exists, specific allocation criteria for the £4 million are not detailed, but it is stated that the funding supports a mixed ecology of services including early intervention, mental health support, youth engagement and specialist support for vulnerable groups.
There is ongoing work between CYPE and the VCFS to develop a 'Croydon shaped approach' to both the National Youth Strategy and the social care, SEND and youth justice reforms.
This suggests a strategy of partnership and integration to ensure continued support for at-risk young people, though specific long-term strategies beyond this are not detailed.
In addition to these developments, the meeting covered updates on public health nursing, education standards, and early help services, indicating a broad focus on improving outcomes for Croydon's children and young people. The Public reports pack 10th Mar 2026 provides further details on these discussions.
