Young people in one of Bromley’s most disadvantaged areas are set to benefit from a share of a £2.1 million investment into youth projects.

London’s Deputy Mayor for policing and crime, Sophie Linden, visited Bromley earlier this month to see firsthand the work being done by the Crystal Palace Foundation’s ‘The Power of One’ project.

This summer the organisation has provided hockey and dance sessions for young people in the borough, with the project also delivering youth worker support around Crystal Palace and Annerley.

According to Elaine Harrison, development manager at Crystal Palace Community Trust, the funding would be used to create more weekend activities for the area’s young people heading into Autumn.

“Although we’ve been supporting young people throughout lockdown, Crystal Palace Community Trust (CPCT) needed a dynamic summer programme to be seen to be ‘back in business’ and sending out a clear message of hope for the future to young people and our communities,” she said.

“The Anerley area has been disproportionately impacted by Covid-19 but CPCT are determined to support our community, especially our children and young people as they adjust to a new normal.

“We know that more is needed and are looking forward to September and an extended series of exciting activities at weekends and in the evenings and a ‘Get into Work’ programme aimed at supporting young people into employability and work.”

Deputy Mayor Sophie Linden acknowledged the coronavirus lockdown had been particularly challenging for young people.

“Sadly we know some have been pushed further into poverty, which is deeply worrying, particularly when we already know there is a clear link between deprivation and serious youth violence,” she said.

“That’s why it is more important than ever we give young Londoners the support they need throughout the summer, and ahead of the new school year.”

The Crystal Palace trust is one of 85 youth organisations across London which will benefit from £2.1m from Mayor Sadiq Khan’s funding pool for youth activities and projects, which are aimed at boosting skills, improving mental health and steer young people away from becoming involved in violence.