Young Londoners are benefiting from free summer holiday activities, healthy meals and safe spaces through investment from Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, as City Hall works with community organisations to widen opportunities for children and young people across the capital.
Joanne McCartney, London’s Statutory Deputy Mayor, visited London Zoo to meet young people and organisations involved in the programme and see the impact of the Mayor’s investment.
The initiative is intended to ensure that a family’s circumstances do not prevent young people from enjoying enriching activities during the school holidays.
Writing following the visit, McCartney said: “School holidays should be a time for young people to learn, have fun and make memories, but we know that access to activities and opportunities is not equal for everyone.”
She added that the Mayor was funding summer activities across London so more young people could access “enriching experiences, healthy meals and safe spaces during the holidays”.
McCartney joined young Londoners, community organisations and partner organisations at London Zoo, where participants had the opportunity to take part in activities and meet other young people from across the capital.
The programme is being delivered with support from the Mayor’s Fund for London and partners including Bloomberg and the Zoological Society of London, alongside volunteers and community organisations.
McCartney praised those involved in delivering activities and creating opportunities for children during the summer break.
“Seeing young people from organisations across the capital taking part in activities, meeting new people is always a highlight,” she said.
She added: “Together, we’re helping ensure more young people can thrive, fulfil their potential and enjoy the opportunities they deserve.”
The programme forms part of wider efforts by Khan and City Hall to support young Londoners and tackle inequalities in access to activities and opportunities.
For families facing pressure from the cost of living, free holiday programmes can also help ensure children are able to remain active, socialise and access healthy food without creating additional financial pressures at home.
The Mayor’s investment highlights the role that local government, charities, businesses and community organisations can play together in ensuring that opportunities during the school holidays are available to young Londoners regardless of their background.
