Lambeth youth club installs security doors to protect young people from violent crime
A youth club in Kennington has had new security doors installed as part of an initiative by the Met police to protect young people from violent crime.
The security system installed at Alford House on Aveline Road includes two sets of heavy duty doors, which can only be unlocked by staff.
The doors form an “air lock”, meaning only one can be open at any time.
This means passers-by will not be able to enter the youth club freely, and gives staff full control over who enters the building.
Tim Saunders, the Youth Club Manager at Alford House, said: “Any youth worker will tell you that they strive to carry out activity in a safe environment, both physical and emotional. Anything that improves safety must be welcomed.
“The new design actually makes the entrance to the club much more welcoming than before, while improving our ability to see exactly who is coming in and out.”
Alford House is open to young people from aged eight to 21 and runs a number of sports and creative activities.
The centre also has a music studio and a gym.
Nyron Kerr, 13, joined the youth club because he wanted to learn how to roller skate.
He said: “There were lots of people that I could talk to and interact with. It made me feel so happy that I’ve learnt a new thing and that I went out of my comfort zone.”
Nyron said that he was pleased about the new security doors and felt safe at the youth club.
He said: “It ups the element of protection for us children and it’s such a vital thing that needs to be added to more youth clubs as it can protect so many kids.
“This is a very safe place for me, I feel like I’m surrounded by people who can help me and are protective.”
Antonio Harb, 13, who joined the youth club recently, said: “Personally, I never really thought about safety because I’ve always felt safe. I didn’t even think about anything happening to me.
“I feel the door should be put in other youth clubs to make them safe because it’s very important for the community to come together and have fun together – and to perfect anything you want to perfect and feel at home while you are doing it.”
Alford House is one of four youth clubs across London to receive the security improvements.
Ten youth clubs will also receive defibrillators and the necessary training to use them in the event of a violent attack.
The initiative, badged the Youth and Community Centre Security Scheme, is part of a Metropolitan Police Service partnership with Secured by Design, London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service.
Mr Saunders added: “It’s terrific that these features lead to greater security for all who use the club, and this investment in youth clubs is most welcome.
“The parents of younger members are pleased and the older members have commented on what a good idea it is.
Met Assistant Commissioner Helen Ball said: “During lockdown we have been working behind the scenes to improve the practical security of these youth clubs so that young people and the local employees have safe spaces to return to now lockdown restrictions are lifting.
“My thanks go out to the assistance of our partners in making these improvements to create safer environments for young people to come together to enjoy themselves, which we hope will reduce the risk of violence around these areas.
“Targeting violent crime remains the Met’s number one priority and requires a collective effort, as seen here in the success of this scheme, to prevent acts of violence from occurring in the first place. This initiative forms part of the wider work officers from across the Met have been doing to ensure we are prepared and ready to tackle any violence through the summer months.”
Pictured top: Alford House