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Kids gagged by youth team
A UNIQUE opportunity for young people to make their voices heard – called the Book of Grievances – is being hampered by forces within the Town Hall, according to campaigners.
Youth workers employed by the council have been warned off getting involved with the campaign, which was launched at the start of the year on the anniversary of the death of Tommy Winston.
Tommy, who was murdered at 18 by a school friend over a petty argument in January 2006, brought the plight of youngsters into the spotlight.
Since the Book was launched, youths from across Camden have been telling the New Journal – who are supporting the campaign – what they want. A cry for more youth clubs, which open later, and target older teens, has been the loudest. But youths in their late teens looking for work have also expressed a need for greater support. Some have called for a return to apprenticeships and free vocational education into their early 20s.
Activists have been angered and dismayed by attempts behind the scenes to thwart their campaign. Book of Grievances organiser Alan Walter said: “I think we should be proud young people in Camden want to talk about what’s wrong with growing up in central London. It may be challenging for politicians but these challenges should be welcomed, not pushed under the carpet.”
He said community support was vital for the scheme to get off the ground, and warned blocks on their staff by the Youth and Connexions team at the Town Hall had already had an impact. A meeting at Maiden Lane estate – where youths had already gathered – had to be called off two weeks ago, when a council youth worker pulled out due to pressure from above.
Lib Dem crime chief Councillor Ben Rawlings – who was behind a consultation on Asbos, and was a youth worker for 10 years – was unaware of goings-on at the Town Hall. He promised to raise it with the Youth and Connexions chief, as well as Councillor John Bryant, whose brief covers children. He said: “I don’t know anything about it but I wouldn’t support it. And if that is the case I shall find out why that’s happened.”
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