Re-imagining Young Greenwich to create brighter futures for our young people

The Royal Borough of Greenwich has listened to the experiences of young people, families and professionals to identify challenges and opportunities for change. Using these insights, the council is shaping a new model of support designed to improve outcomes, build stronger partnerships and deliver services that reflect the real needs of children and young people. 

Our current youth offer, Young Greenwich, is a partnership between the council, Oxleas NHS, CACT, GLL and METRO, and supports children aged 5 to 18, or 25 for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. The service includes a wide range of support such as school nursing, universal youth provision, weight management services, sexual health services and mentoring. 

Councillor Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “Earlier this year we reached out to young people, parents, carers and professionals working directly with our communities to understand what’s working and what isn’t. 

"We know there is always room to do more, and we’re not shying away from that challenge. Our goal is to create and re-design services that work for young people and their families. 

"By placing young voices at the centre, we have co-produced a new model that responds directly to their needs, strengthens service delivery and builds stronger partnerships. Now is your chance to have a say on how we continue to move forward.”  

Councillor Mariam Lolavar, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care and Borough of Sanctuary said: "Through Young Greenwich, we’re not only creating opportunities and building confidence, but also putting health and wellbeing at the heart of supporting our young people. 

"From programmes that help families eat well and stay active, to physical, mental and sexual health, we’re focused on the whole wellbeing of young people, not just short-term fixes. 

"That’s why your voice matters. We want to know what support makes the biggest difference, what gaps still need to be filled, and which partnerships we should strengthen to deliver lasting change."  

The proposals include:  

• A new permanent Community Youth Hub in the west of the borough.
• A chance to vote on a new name for the Young Greenwich programme (running since April 2020).
• Putting young voices at the heart of services by:
• Introducing a paid Youth Voice Apprentice role at the council.
• Creating voluntary roles for young people to help design and review services.
• Expanding peer-to-peer and youth-led activities.
• A new council role focused on bringing extra funding and resources into Greenwich to support young people and families.
• Closer working with schools, Children’s Centres and community groups to provide more activities and support, both in-person and online.
• A clear menu of health and wellbeing services available to all schools to better support children and their families. 

What is Young Greenwich? 

Young Greenwich has been running since April 2020. It provides services for children and young people aged 5 to 18, or up to 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).  

The service helps deliver the aims of our Children and Young People’s Plan: to improve school attendance and achievement, to make sure young people are ready for adult life, and to give children safe, healthy environments with strong support networks. 

Complete our online survey by Friday 31 October to share your thoughts on what our new youth offer should look like.