Croydon calls for renewal of vital youth funding as borough sees dip in violence over summer

By Harrison Galliven, Local Democracy Reporter 

Croydon’s Mayor has called on the government to renew funding for Holiday Activites and Food (HAF) programmes, which have been called a “lifeline” for the borough’s young people.

The borough’s community leaders credit the recent programmes with temporarily reducing youth crime over the summer, but the Department for Education (DfE) has yet to commit to future funding beyond March 2025.

Croydon boasts 56 HAF programmes, which provide children with a range of activities and a hot meal during school holiday periods. They are available to children aged between four and 16, who are eligible for free school meals.

One programme is the Majestic Community Care Services which runs four-days-a-week, for four weeks during the summer from Croydon Voluntary Action by West Croydon railway station.

Anthony King, who runs Majestic, said: “Thankfully we’ve been able to keep so many young people off roads and away from street violence because over 71 schemes were funded through the HAF scheme by the local authority.

“We engaged over 45 children across summer and they had a great time, some were tearful as the scheme came to an end.

“It is so important that the DfE recognise the benefits these schemes offer young people and their families.”

Majestic has placed a particular focus on reducing youth violence in this year’s programme, by working closely with Croydon police and support workers from the council.

Inspector James Weston said: “Having things like this here for them is fantastic, and it has been great to see familiar faces and build trust and confidence going forward.”

This emphasis on violence against women has particular relevance to Majestic. Among its members is Kobby Andam, whose older sister Elianne was killed in Croydon in September last year.

According to his mother, Dorcas Andam, the programme has allowed him to focus on having fun following the tragedy last year.

Ms Andam said: “It’s given him a summer holiday he deserves, especially after everything that happened. This has been just amazing.”

Majestic has attempted to distinguish itself as a programme by hiring young people who previously attended the programme.

Jjay Facey, who lives in the nearby Tamworth Road estate, was voted as the programme’s favourite youth leader.

Mr Fcaey, who also plays football for Fulham, said: “It provides the opportunity to actually do something with your summer, not just stay inside and play PlayStation.

“At Box Hill, for example, we showed the kids that hard work leads to achievement. When you’re walking up the hill it’s hard work but when you get up there and see what you’ve done, that’s achievement.”

HAF funding was first made available by the DfE back in 2018.

The programmes are tailored to children of all abilities, with many also catering to children with special educational needs.

Despite this, the DfE’s lack of clarity on whether funding can be secured places the future of the programme at risk.

In an open letter to Education Minister Bridgette Phillipson, Mayor Jason Perry said: “Early confirmation is essential for effective planning.

“The full management process, run by the Local Authority, is robust but lengthy. Planning starts at least five months before delivery, allowing time to identify and engage appropriate partners.”

A DfE spokesperson said: “We recognise that the existing Holidays Activities and Food offer is hugely valuable in making sure disadvantaged children and those on free school meals get a hot meal and social activities during the holidays.

“Funding commitments beyond next year will be set at Budget and Spending Review. We will update on next steps in due course.”

Pictured top: Dorcas Andam, the mother of Elianne who lost her life last September (Picture: Harrison Galliven)