Tower Hamlets Council's Children and Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee has reviewed the progress and strategy of its Youth Service, with a particular emphasis on enhancing youth participation. The council is nearly there in its goal to establish a safe space in every ward for young people, with plans to ensure that any young person can reach a youth centre within a 10-15 minute travel time.

Children participating in a youth event with a bicycle-powered blender
Children participate in an activity involving a bicycle-powered blender, likely at a youth event.

During a meeting held on Monday, March 16, 2026, the committee considered a comprehensive report on the Youth Service, which included updates on its activities and performance. Supporting documents, such as slide decks from 2025 and 2026, and the Young Tower Hamlets Strategy 2025-27, provided context for the service's ongoing development and future direction.

A key focus of the discussion was the Youth Participation Guide - Voice of Young People, highlighting the council's commitment to ensuring young people have a voice in the services provided. The guide outlines how the council engages with young individuals, with a commitment to embedding their views and voices across all council operations.

Steve Reddy, Corporate Director for Children's Services, expressed pride in the staff's efforts, noting the significant impact on young people's lives and Tower Hamlets' selection for the National Pilot for Young Futures hubs. Tower Hamlets is the only London borough participating in this pilot, which is seen as a testament to the investment and the vision into our hamlets to invest in youth services. Deputy Mayor Mayung also shared enthusiasm for the service, mentioning the progress towards having a safe space in every ward and the opening of a dedicated girls' space at Sampo's Way.

Two young people smile for the camera, one making a peace sign.
Two young people smile for the camera, one making a peace sign.

The dedicated girls' space at Sampo's Way has been opened and is described as a very proud moment. Feedback has been very, very good, with new sign-ups weekly. The space is being promoted in school assemblies, and a youth forum is being established. One example of its impact is a parent finding a revision space for her daughter, who is now receiving support and has connected with the senior youth worker.

During a question and answer session with Mr. Reddy, councillors sought further details on performance indicators, the equitable distribution of services across wards, and the role of the rapid response team. The service is developing more sophisticated performance indicators beyond initial engagement metrics, now measuring how many attend and what the outcome is. They are also examining a set of data that we look at which is beyond a number of number of attendances and outcomes as part of the national pilot work. More detailed information will be presented in future meetings.

Two young people in protective suits hold spray cans and a stenciled heart artwork, with statistics about the Youth Service displayed on the left.
Two young people in protective suits hold spray cans and a stenciled heart artwork, with statistics about the Youth Service displayed on the left.

The council ensures equitable distribution of Youth Service resources by considering the local population, the engagement levels and the need, as well as what other groups are operating in the locality. The ambition is to provide some youth service in all parts of the borough, ensuring equitable access for all young people through youth centres in every ward, outreach, and detached work. Partnerships with the third sector also extend the service's reach.

Discussions also touched upon the challenges of varying youth populations across different wards and the allocation of resources accordingly. The service works with diverse groups, including young carers, young people in care, and those with SEND, tailoring programs to meet specific needs. The growing importance of neurodiversity and mental health and wellbeing was also acknowledged, with staff receiving training to better support young people experiencing these issues.

Children celebrating with confetti in front of an inflatable structure.
Children celebrating with confetti in front of an inflatable structure.

The committee also addressed concerns regarding incidents of youth-related crime and the preventative measures in place, including the work of the rapid response team. The team's role is to go out, work on the streets, in the estates, engaging with young people and diverting them from negative activities. They work very closely with community safety as well as the police to share intelligence and coordinate responses. Their aim is to engage, divert young people but also do a bit of work with them there and then also divert them into some positive activities, such as youth centres, colleges, or careers guidance.

Further details on the Youth Service's progress and participation strategies can be found in the CESS March 2026 Cover Sheet YTH report 003 and related documents available on the Tower Hamlets Council website.

A group of young people and adults pose for a photo outside a building decorated with balloons, likely celebrating the Tower Hamlets Youth Service.
A group of young people and adults pose for a photo outside a building decorated with balloons, likely celebrating the Tower Hamlets Youth Service.