Plans to restructure Bexley’s youth services are underway - almost all Bexley’s youth clubs will be affected and the equivalent of seven full time positions could be cut.
Young residents have expressed their fears over the changes that will be discussed and agreed at a public cabinet meeting later this month.
Meeting to be held in Bexley civic offices January 26 starting from 7.30pm
Josh Kelly, of Rudd Street, Woolwich is part of the Bexley Youth Council (BYC) and is incredibly worried about the future.
The 17-year-old, who has been using the Welling Youth Centre for four years, said: "First of all I do not think they should be making any cuts to the youth service - if anything they need to be investing - the centres help find jobs and work placements.
Josh Kelly, 17, is very worried about the future of Bexley youth services
"They help bring the community together - antisocial behaviour is a big problem in Bexley - it’s not fair that young people always get the blame."
Jamie Moreland is keen to voice the opinions of young people in the borough
Fellow BYC member Jamie Moreland, 15, of Sidcup added: "If youth clubs were to be shut down, many young people could have nowhere to spend their time - it raises the question of whether the council really values young people and their opinions."
One such youth service success story is Adam Thornborrow of Eastry Road in Erith.
Adam Thornborrow, 19, from Erith has praised Bexley's youth service
The 19-year-old believes the support he received enabled him to overcome difficult issues as a teen and gain employment as a marine engineer apprentice.
Mr Thornborrow, who was 12 years old when he first joined the youth service’s Kickstart Motor Project, said: "At the time I was being bullied at school and at other clubs that I tried to attend.
"Staff at Kickstart made me feel welcome - this gave me lots of confidence and boosted my self esteem at school.
Adam Thornborrow is a keen petrolhead, engineer and mechanic
"I have seen first hand how this project has helped turn lives around - I feel that without the support and guidance I received I would not be where I am now."
Proposed changes to Bexley’s youth services will be put forward on January 26, at the Civic Offices in Watling Street, starting from 7.30pm.
In response to residents' concerns a spokeswoman for Bexley council said: "The proposed changes will mean a greater focus on targeting help and support to those young people most in need - it does not mean closure of all Bexley’s youth clubs.
"If the proposals are accepted there could be a number of staff reductions - the equivalent of seven full time positions.
"Those affected will be fully supported throughout the process."
Proposed changes to Bexley’s youth services will be put forward on January 26, at the Civic Offices in Watling Street, starting from 7.30pm.
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