“London doesn’t feel like a community, it’s about Survival” AllChild Alumni Help Shape the National Youth Strategy
"London is not a kind place to live."
"It’s not a community, it’s about survival."
These were just some of the reflections shared at a recent AllChild youth consultation, where nine alumni, aged 14–17, came together to help shape the government’s new National Youth Strategy.
We were also joined by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Head of Youth Strategy, giving young people the chance to share their views directly with someone leading the work - and to speak honestly, in their own words, about what matters most to them.
It became immediately clear that their lived experiences of growing up in London were central to everything they expressed. And at the heart of it all, one issue stood out more than any other: they want to feel safe.
Young people spoke about how safety affects every part of their lives - from getting to school, to spending time outside, to simply being able to relax in their own neighbourhoods. They described how common it feels to encounter violence, drugs, or theft, and how that leaves them feeling constantly alert, anxious, and unsupported.
One young person said being mugged on the way to school had “ruined [their] whole week.” Others said they no longer see London as a place they’d want to stay long-term. The city, they said, feels more about surviving than belonging.
But their concerns go beyond physical safety. Many talked about feeling isolated, unheard, or overlooked. And they drew clear links between these feelings and the decline of local youth services. They spoke about wanting greater access to the arts, sports, and more inclusive spaces where they could express themselves freely without fear of judgement. They spoke about how important it is for everyone to be treated with the respect they deserve no matter their background, identity or experiences.
Alongside the challenges the young people spoke of, they also shared their own hopes for the future:
- To feel safe in their communities.
- To be financially secure.
- For vulnerable people to have better access to support and care.
- To have access to more recreation, creativity, and joy.
They want a future where they’re not just surviving but thriving.
When asked what government can do to support young people, their answers were clear:
- Tackle crime and make communities safer.
- Fund more youth clubs and facilities.
- Listen to young people and take their concerns seriously.
Young people have important and invaluable insights to share. For them, further youth opportunities are not just about what provision is there for them to access but also about having their voices heard by government and policy makers.
The National Youth Strategy presents a new opportunity for young people to feel truly listened to. A way for the government to co-design and deliver opportunities, together with the young people who will access them. To continually involve young people, not just consult them and act on what they have to say.
The young people who joined this conversation have shown what’s possible when we make space for honesty, care, and collaboration. They’re not just asking for change - they’re helping to shape it. By working together, we can all design and deliver a blueprint for what a better future could look like, so that every young person can flourish.
Written by Aimee Clark & Jess Hay
