It is with sadness that BDCA announces the closure of our Empower Youth Project. The last day of our youth club will be Friday 27th June 2025.

This does not affect our Go Wild! Summer Scheme this year, thanks to an incredible donation from Fred Aldis Trust. Go Wild! will still provide activities for children 8-14 years old between 10 am – 3 pm for the first three weeks of the Summer holidays this year. Application for Go Wild! will be opening soon here..

Empower Youth Project was delivered by a consortium of voluntary organisations commissioned by the London Borough of Newham to provide a wide range of activities and services for local young people. The London Borough of Newham confirmed funding cuts to voluntary sector youth provision as part of its Spring 2025 budget and as a result, provision across the borough will be reduced.

“We fully recognise the severe financial pressures facing the council. However, this decision is a tragedy for our young people and has implications on our overall charity budget,” said Sarah Laing, CEO of BDCA. “Our youth staff team worked so hard to provide such a welcoming space and lifeline for so many young people over the years, the fruits of which will be seen for many years to come. Despite the challenges we currently face as an organisation, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to each of our staff team members for the positive contributions you make every day in bringing hope and light into our community.” 

The consortium is meeting regularly to address the impact in each of our organisations, and remain committed to working constructively with Newham Council and all local stakeholders to identify potential solutions.

BDCA celebrates that our Youth Project provided a vital service to our local community and supported thousands of local young people since inception. Youth clubs provide safe local spaces for young people to get support for their mental health and physical wellbeing and to develop their skills and dreams.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport published three studies last year that confirmed the positive impact of youth work. It found young people who received youth work support as teenagers were happier, healthier, wealthier and more active in their communities as adults, compared with those who did not receive youth work.

• Young people can find details of other youth activities happening within Newham here
• Watch a video of our Empower Youth project
• Watch a song video produced by our young people with Community Album
• If you can, please see ways you can support BDCA to continue delivering vital services for local Newham residents