WEST Youth Zone’s impact on communities in Hammersmith & Fulham has been validated by groundbreaking research from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) by Carmen Villa. The study reveals the far-reaching consequences of youth club closures across London, underlining the critical need for spaces like WEST Youth Zone and others across the OnSide network in preventing crime and fostering educational success.
According to the IFS, closures of youth clubs during the 2010s have led to stark increases in teen crime and declines in academic performance. Young people deprived of safe spaces like WEST were 14% more likely to engage in criminal activity and saw their GCSE scores fall significantly, with students from disadvantaged backgrounds particularly affected. These outcomes highlight youth clubs as not just recreational hubs but vital support systems that provide mentorship, educational resources, and a structured environment.
Elanor Gunn, CEO of WEST, emphasises, “This research confirms the positive outcomes of our Youth Zone that we see every day at WEST. We offer more than activities, we provide stability and guidance that can shape local young people’s futures.”
WEST Youth Zone, in just 6 months of opening, has served over 2,400 young people, offering more than 20 activities each session, from sports to creative arts, with a focus on inclusivity and personal growth. As local councils face ongoing financial pressures, this research underscores the long-term societal and economic costs of cutting youth services. For every youth club that closes, the community not only loses a safe haven for its youth but faces increased burdens on the criminal justice system and reduced future earnings for affected individuals.
By supporting in WEST, we safeguard our young people’s potential and ensure a brighter, safer future for Hammersmith & Fulham and wider West London. This research makes it clear: Youth Zones like WEST aren’t optional—they’re essential.
For further details, read the IFS research and supporting commentary: IFS Report
If you would like more information on how you can can support WEST, contact: enquiries@westyouthzone.org
